Textile Arts of Bhutan

Textiles in Bhutan unmatched with that of anywhere in the world. This art is integrated into all aspects of life. Textiles make prestigious commodity, wealth, form of payment, and capital, as well expressions of religious devotion. Weaving is an ancient skill identified with women and is an important source of earnings for women throughout Bhutan. Men, often monks, embroider and applique religious images and assemble shrine furnishings with imported silk and patterned brocade. Discover the richness, originality and striking beauty of Bhutanese textile on our 12 day Textile Arts of Bhutan trip.

Day 1 :
Arrive at Paro.

Day2: Paro. Morning visit to the national museum which has an interesting assortment of traditional Bhutanese costumes, silk stamps in stamps gallery and an interesting collection of appliqued and embroidered relegious scrolls (Thangkha) . We will then walk down and past the Paro Dzong (fortress), which houses the administrative and relegious headquarters of Paro district. We will walk through the traditional cantilever bridge, one of the finest specimens in Bhutan with shingle roof and one guard house at each end. In the afternoon, we will drive over to Thimphu. On the way, we will see villagers working in the fields. Just before entering Thimphu valley, we will view Simtokha Dzong (fortress), the oldest Dzong in the country built in 1627. We will settle into our centrally located hotel.

Day 3:
After breakfast, visit the weekly vegetable market, where people from outlying villages come to sell vegetables and exotic fruits. You will also find all kinds of goods that the Bhutanese use at home including wonderful textiles. From the weekly vegetable market, we will go to the institute of performing arts complex to witness a special performance of religious dances performed at annual festivals in differ- ent parts of the country. After lunch, we will visit the school of arts and crafts, where children study courses in religious painting, wood and slate carving, and mask making. From here, we will visit the memorial chorten (stupa), where people circumambulate clockwise, to gain merit for the next life and to atone present sins.

Day 4 :
Thimphu -Tongsa. After breakfast, we will leave for Cntral Bhutan driving across the Dochu-la Pass (10,000') which is marked with a long chorten (stupa) and a large cluster of prayer flags. Stop for lunch at Wangdi Phodrang and view the Dzong from outside. Continue the drive after lunch through different vegetation with beautiful magnolia and rhododendron forest finally reaching Pelela pass (11,121 '). Continue the drive and arrive at Tongsa in the late afternoon.

Day 5:
After breakfast, we will have some time to explore the shops of Tongsa. We will then walk up the small hill to visit Ta Dzong, the watchtower which overlooks Tongsa Dzong. The main temple in Ta Dzong is dedicated to Ling Gesar, the warrior whose mission was to vanquish the forces threating the Buddhist teachings. After lunch, we will leave for Jakar, the center of the Bumthang valley. From Tongsa the road climbs quickly with good views of Tongsa. After Yuto-la pass (11,155'), the scenery changes to fir-covered slopes, reminiscent of the Swiss Alps. We then enter the wide Chumme valley, which is famous for wollen cloth weaving known as Yathra. The women weavers make Yathras on pedal-driven looms, following an ancient traditon. Everything is done by hand, from dyeing the skins through the actual weaving. The Yathras are used to make blankets, cushion covers, jackets and others garments. We will visit few centers of Yathra weaving. We will arrive Jakar by late afternoon and settle into our comfortable Bhutanese lodge.

Day 6:
Jakar/Bumthang Valley. We will spend a full day in this marvellous valley -Bumthang. It was in this valley that Vajrayana Buddhist doctrine was introduced to Bhutan, when Guru Rinpoche, the second Buddha, visited the valley in 8th Century. Jambay Lhakhang, the first Buddhist temple dedicated to the future Buddha, was built here in 7th Century, even before the arrival of Guru Rinpoche by the Tibetan King Songtsen Goempo. A little further to the north we have Kurjey Lhakhang, a temple, built around the cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated and left the imprint of his body on a rock. Kurje is one of the holiest places in Bhutan. Next to this temple, there are two new temples built in traditional style. Both Jambay Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang are no longer open for visitors. Walking is certainly the most pleasant way to explore this magical valley, full of peace and beauty. Three or four hours of walk in the valley will take us past numerous chortens, mani walls and prayer flags, all bearing witness to the importance of Buddhism. We will also find time to visit the natural dye making center for Yathra weaving, and find opportunity to visit a local Yathra weaver.

Day 7 :
Jakar -Tongsa -Phobjikha (Gangtey Gompa). Today, after breakfast, we will hit the road back for Tongsa. We will stop for lunch in Tongsa and continue on to Phobjikha valley at 3,000 m in the Black Mountains. Phobjikha is one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan and is the home to the very rare black necked crane. Only about 800 of these beautiful carnes is estimated to exist in the wild. These birds migrate from Tibet to Bhutan to winter here (from November -March). The other attraction of this valley is Gangtey Gompa, one of the oldest Nyingmapa monasteries that looks like a small Dzong. We will settle into a tradtional Bhutanese house that has been converted to a rustic guesthouse.

Day 8 :
Gangtey Gompa -Wangdi Phodrang/Punakha. After breakfast at the guesthouse, we will have an opportunity to visit the courtyard of the beautiful Gangtey monastery. From the monastery, we will continue on to Wangdi Phodrang, where we will have our lunch. We will then drive over to Punakha, the old capital. Punakha Dzong, built at the confluence of rho (male) and Mo (female) Rivers, in 1637 was damaged and restored several times. We will spend the night in Zangdopelri hotel.

Day 9 :
Punakha to Thimphu. After breakfast, we will drive back over Dochu-la pass to the capital. We will have the afternoon free. You
can rest or explore interesting shops nearby your hotel on your own.

Dayl0:
Thimphu. Today we will arrange a visit to a tradtional weav- er's house, to see a weaver at work. Wives of low income civil servants in Thimphu and other urban centers weave, mostly elaborate supplementary- weft patterns which originated from Kutoe region, for different handicraft shops and high income families. We may also have an opportunity to visit a Bhuanese family house to get a taste of Bhutanese butter tea. This evening, our new Bhutanese friends will host a Farewell dinner. You may also have an opportunity to wear "kiral/ (national dress for women) and I/ghol/ (national dress for men) for the dinner.

Day 11 :
Thimphu -Paro
We will start our journey today to Paro after an early breakfast. We will choose one of the following:
A hike to the view point of I/Taktsangl/ (the I/Tiger's Nestl/), the most famous monastery in Bhutan. This magical monastery is perched on the edge of a 2,600' cliff high above Paro Valley.
Or
Hike to Dzongdrakha Temple, where like Taktsang, Guru Rinpoche meditated in 7th century. The temple is situated on the cliffs above a village of terraced fields. We will spend the night in Druk Hotel.

DayI2:
Paro-Bangkok/Delhi/Katmandu/Calcutta. Depart Paro on Druk Air.