„THAG-ZO“: Textiles in Bhutan
Weaving, Fabrics, Mask Dances
This special interest tour is a treat for textile aficionados. You will travel all the way from the buzzing West to the remote East of Bhutan. The various textile traditions in different parts of the country will run like a “read thread” through your journey.
Dates 2019:
February 13th – March 2nd 2019
Itinerary:
DAY 1: Arrival at Paro
Activities depend on time of arrival, meet with Rinzin Wangmo over dinner
DAY 2: Paro Taktsang & to Thimphu
Full day for hike to Tiger’s nest and light sightseeing in town
DAY 3: Thimphu
Choki art school, lunch at a weaver’s house, Textile Museum & Boot-house
DAY 4: Thimphu to Punakha: tshechu festival
Early drive via Dochula (108 Chorten) & Punakha tshechu at Punakha Dzong
DAY 5: Punakha thongdroel & dyeing workshop
Thongdroel ceremony and visit to beautiful farm for dyeing workshop
DAY 6: Punakha to Chumey
Drive to Chumey with photo stops and sightseeing on the way
DAY 7: Chumey to Chokhor
Yathra weavers in Chumey & sheep farm visit (if still viable)
DAY 8: Chokhor
Valley hike to Jampe, Kurjey and Tamshing lhhakhangs & a weaving center on the way
DAY 9: Chokhor, weaving workshop
Weaving workshop at Leki lodge with specialist guide Rinzin Wangmo
DAY 10: From Chokhor to Mongar
Long drive via Thrumshengla pass, Ura village visit and overnight in bird paradise
DAY 11: From Mongar to Lhuentse
Hike to beautiful cave temple & later Khoma village weavers, kishuthara
DAY 12: Lhuentse
Visit nettle weaver villages in the region
DAY 13: Lhuentse
Local sightseeing, Takila, Lhuentse Dzong
DAY 14: Lhuentse to Trashigang
Drive to Trashigang, Yadi village on the way
DAY 15: Trashigang
Hike to monastery, meet with lama and family, heritage farm visit
DAY 16: Trashigang
Rhadi village visit, bura (raw silk weavers) & local sightseeing
DAY 17: Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar
Drive to S/J and Khaling National Handloom Center on the way
DAY 18: Departure
Information:
This special interest tour is a treat for textile aficionados. You will travel all the way from the buzzing West to the remote East of Bhutan. The various textile traditions in different parts of the country will run like a “read thread” through your journey. The tour also includes a religious festival and visits to the most important cultural and religious sights on the way. The occasional homestay will allow for greater immersion in local culture and daily Bhutanese village life.
Language
English speaking local guides (Culture and Specialist)
Highlights
Dyeing and weaving workshops, religious festival, Punakha tshechu, village life and homestays
Dates & Booking
This tour can be booked individually or as group tour
Individual tour (to be booked with Bhutan Homestay direct):
Group tour:
Book with E/T/C…Reisen, Munich, Germany
Book with GESAR Travel, Austria
Implemented by Bhutan Homestay
Dyeing workshop
Participate in a fantastic dyeing workshop in Punakha with Karma, a famous weaver who also designed the wedding go of the 5th king. You will gain insights into a variety of natural colors and dyeing techniques.
Weaving workshop
Your tour package further includes a daylong weaving workshop in Bumthang under the guidance of your specialist guide Rinzin Wangmo. Each participant will work one-on-one with a weaver from the surrounding villages. Learn about material, patterns and weaving techniques.
Tshechu Festival
Enjoy a visit at a tshechu, an annual religious festival, where the locals wear their best garments decorated with beautiful jewelry. Witness the sacred dances, ‘cham, and marvel over the colorful costumes of the mask dancers.
In addition to an English speaking cultural guide you will be accompanied by our local textile specialist Ms. Rinzin Wangmo.
For more information you can also contact us
Book recommendation
Karin Altmann’s Fabric of Life – Textile Art in Bhutan provides in-depth information on the role of textiles in Bhutanese life
