From Desert To Dollars: How Camel Hair Blankets Are Turning Farmers Into Millionaires
Last Updated:August 02, 2025, 12:02 IST
Camel hair blankets are gaining popularity for their warmth, luxury, and the fortune they bring farmers.
Crafted from camel hair, these premium blankets are now turning rural artisans into crorepatis. (Representative image: Getty)
When you think of winter, you probably picture cosy beds and warm blankets. In freezing places like Manali, where temperatures can dip below zero, a high-quality blanket can feel like a blessing. But did you know that camels, usually associated with deserts, are now helping people stay warm in such extreme cold?
Yes, apart from camel milk and meat, their hair is also incredibly valuable. Blankets made from camel hair aren’t just warm and soft; they’re so insulating that they can make you sweat even in the freezing nights of Manali.
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Why Are Camel Hair Blankets So Special?
These blankets are world-renowned for their unique properties. They’re mainly made from the hair of Bactrian camels, which are native to the cold, harsh climates of Mongolia, Western China, and Russia.
Camel hair comes in two types:
Coarse outer hair (used for protection), and
Soft inner fibres (used in premium blankets).
Only the soft inner hair is used for these blankets, which is naturally lightweight, silky, and exceptionally warm.
What sets them apart is their ability to regulate body temperature. In Mongolia’s Gobi Desert — where daytime temperatures reach +40°C and drop to -40°C at night — camels survive thanks to this insulating hair.
This same quality makes the blankets ideal for cold-weather destinations like Manali. The fabric also absorbs moisture quickly, keeping your body dry and warm, and ensuring a comfortable night’s sleep.
Hypoallergenic, Durable, and Easy to Care For
Another standout feature of camel hair is that it’s hypoallergenic, perfect for people who are allergic to sheep wool. These blankets also resist odour and stains, making them long-lasting and low-maintenance.
While they don’t need frequent washing, they can be gently hand-washed in cold water using mild detergent. Avoid dryers, as heat can damage the delicate fibres.
Growing Popularity & High Prices
Tourists in Manali are increasingly drawn to camel hair blankets despite their higher price tag. Due to their rarity and the labour-intensive production process, high-quality camel hair blankets can cost anywhere between Rs 5,000 and Rs 20,000.
Brands like Mongolia’s Gobi Corporation manufacture these blankets using ethically sourced, organic materials, making them eco-friendly as well.
Craftsmanship Meets Comfort
The craftsmanship behind these blankets is just as unique. Some premium blankets — like those from Anichini’s Karakoram collection — are handwoven using a four-ply twill weave, which enhances their durability and luxurious feel. They often feature traditional Kashmiri-style bindings that add to their aesthetic charm.
Available in natural shades like camel brown or ivory, they don’t require artificial dyes — preserving their eco-conscious essence.
Whether you’re battling a harsh winter or looking for a sustainable luxury, camel hair blankets are a perfect blend of tradition, warmth, and style — and they’re turning desert farmers into unexpected winter entrepreneurs.
About the Author
A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what’s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.
A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what’s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.
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