It is said that the hair is six times finer than human hair. Explaining how the wool is extracted from these goats, Dr, Anchok said: “The more you expose these goats to colder conditions, the finer their hair becomes. This fine hair is almost invisible, and grows just above the skin. It is a god's gift to protect the animal from the cold climate.”

It is understood and a known fact that these goats are best suited for cold conditions. But their death points towards the severe cold conditions the area has witnessed in this winter season. The region was covered in thick piles of snow and it became impossible for the goats to graze. Also the fodder that was dropped before the onset of winter got buried in the deep snow. Since the region remains cut off due to snow, the fodder supplies couldn’t reach these goats, which led to their deaths.

China, considered to be one of the largest producers of Pashmina, is followed by countries such as Mongolia and Russia etc. But, it is generally believed that Leh supplies the finest quality of pashmina. “When it comes to the quality of Pashmina, Leh is the best. The quality is judged by its diameter and length. Lesser the diameter, better the quality. Pashmina in Leh recorded a diameter of 9-11 micron, whereas China's recorded diameter is 12-16 micron,” claimed Dr. Anchok.

One kilogram of Pashmina costs around Rs 2200. From 1 kg, only two Pashmina shawls can be produced, and a shawl costs around Rs 5000.