The "Indus" river runs all the way, for 3.200 km, from Tibet via the Kashmir Valley through Pakistan into the Arabian Sea. The northern region of Kashmir has been known for centuries as the Grain-Belly of Pakistan. Since the 16th century Kashmir silk and wool have been very much in demand. The wool is produced by the Kashmir goat. The bellyhair of this animal is soft and silky and is used to manufacture the famous cashmere woollen products, while the tougher more than 13 cm long hair on its back is used for felt and brushes. The above slippers are called "Chappals". The leather soles protect the feet from the heat of the hot and sandy valley region and the narrow open backs enable the wearer to easily rid the shoes of sand. The woollen pom-poms protect the toes.