Textiles of Eastern Bhutan

The flight into Paro is one of the most scenic in the world, with views of the snow-capped Himalayas and a final approach through a mountainous valley. Your guide will meet you outside the main exit after you have cleared customs.

We plan a leisurely stroll around the streets of Paro, as well as a visit to the incredible dzong that overlooks the valley. Dzongs were once used as fortresses and their strategic locations usually have the best views in town. Above the dzong is the museum, where we can learn about the flora and fauna of Bhutan, as well as get a sense of how Buddhism is ever-present in this tiny kingdom.

Your guide will help you if you need to exchange or withdraw money. 

Overnight in Paro. Altitude: 2, 250 metres.

This morning we will catch a flight to Yonphula in eastern Bhutan. From there we can visit the Khaling Weaving Centre. We will then transfer to our hotel in Trashigang.

Overnight in Trashigang. Altitude: 1070 metres.

This morning we will drive to the tiny village of Radhi to visit the local craftswomen at the weaving centre. Here we will learn more about the hand dyeing process as the women demonstate how it is done. There is the opportunity to buy more textiles here. Every village has its own weaving style and uses different materials. Here they use a variety of silks and cottons.

In the afternoon we will east drive to the lovely town of Mongar.

Driving time: approximately 4 hours.

Overnight in Mongar. Altitude: 1,700 metres.

Today we will attend a weaving workshop to learn about the Yathra textile tradition, which uses both sheep and yak wool to make colourful mats, bags, wall hangings and even jackets. All of the wool is hand dyed and the finished product is vibrant and highly decorative.

There will be time in the afternoon to look around the village of Jakar. One of the temples here is one of the oldest in Bhutan, dating back to the 7th century.

Overnight in Jakar. Altitude: 2,580 metres.

Today we will catch a domestic flight to Paro. It is a wonderful scenic flight as it has marvellous views of the Eastern Himalayas. From Paro we will drive to Thimphu, Bhutan's tiny capital. It is the only capital city in the world with no traffic lights. If there is time we will visit the National Memorial Chorten, which is a great place to observe the locals. We will also take a stroll through the main street. The souvenir shops all sell Bhutan's famous textiles but expect inflated prices!

Overnight in Thimphu. Altitude: 2,320 metres.

Today we will visit the National Textile Museum, which is part of the Royal Textile Academy. The museum features display of ancient and modern textiles, including clothing worn by the royal family. You can also see students weaving at the nearby academy.

We will also visit the Gagyel Lhundrup Weving Centre. The ground floor is where the weaving is done, spread over a couple of rooms whilst upstairs is a shop selling the finished product, very high quality, expensive items.

After this we will drive to Paro, a drive of around 1½ hours.

Overnight in Paro. Altitude: 2,280 metres.

Today we put on our walking shoes for the hike to the Tiger's Nest monastery, Bhutan's most iconic and photogenic temples. It's location perched on the side of a sheer cliff is breathtaking. You'll find yourself wondering how it ever got built. We have the option to walk all the way to the top and visit the various small temples that make up the Tiger's Nest complex or to walk instead to the cafeteria, located about halfway up, where panaramic views are also to be had.

This afternoon we will do any last minute shopping before our final celebration dinner.

Overnight in Paro. Altitude: 2,280 metres.

Very few visitors make it to eastern Bhutan but the lower altitudes and gorgeous scenery make it perfect year round. This is the best place to see traditional Bhutanese culture at its best. The temples and villages are uncrowded and it's a great place to interact with the friendly locals.

Visit the weaving centre in the tiny village of Radhi that has some of the best textiles in the country. Enjoy some of Bhutan's best scenery from Radhi, with rolling mountainside offering stunning views of terraced rice paddies, traditional houses and isolated temples and fortresses.

The National Hand Loom Centre in Khaling is a school and meeting place for the weavers of eastern Bhutan. The centre has its own garden for the growing of plants to be used as dye in the beautiful works produced here.

The village of Khoma is a centre of excellence for weaving and the exceptional textiles produced here are highly sort after. The craft of weaving is passed down from generation to generation, with grandmothers, daughters and granddaughters all taking part.

Visit the ancient temples of Bumthang, in Central Bhutan, the spiritual heart of the country. Bumthang is also known for its weaving, particularly those made from yak wool.

Hike to Bhutan's most iconic and photogenic temple, the incredible Tiger's Nest. Walk through beautiful pine and rhododendron forest before the abundance of prayer flags announces the spectacular sight of the Tiger's Nest, clinging precariously to a sheer cliff overlooking the Paro Valley.