Similar to the Zorig Chusum in Thimphu, this school is dedicated to preserving Bhutan’s rich heritage of traditional arts and crafts. The 13 traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts were first categorized by the fourth Druk Desi of Bhutan, Tenzin Rabgay.
These crafts include:
This school is the only other institution in Bhutan, apart from the one in Thimphu, that offers training in all 13 arts and crafts. Functioning like a regular school but free of cost, it allows students to specialize in a single craft. Training can take anywhere from a year to several years. After completing their studies, many students start their own businesses, often collaborating with fellow artisans. For example, a sculptor might partner with a painter to complete a project.
During your visit, you can expect to see students deeply engaged in age-old techniques. You’ll likely witness them painting deities (Lhazo) that will later be displayed in altar rooms and handicraft shops across the country. The Lhazo craft involves not only the painting of gods but also the decoration of buildings.
