School of Arts (Woodcraft)

Bhutan

A block of wood spins on the lathe, curls of shaving fall away, and under a young craftsman's hands a smooth traditional bowl slowly takes shape — the signature craft of the far east.

In the quiet eastern town of Trashiyangtse, the Trashiyangtse Arts School trains young artisans in the traditional crafts of Bhutan, with a particular renown for woodcraft. The region is celebrated for its wood turning and its handsome wooden bowls and vessels — the dapa — and here students learn to shape them alongside other traditional skills. Wander the workshops and you'll find the scent of fresh timber, the hum of lathes and the focused quiet of craft being passed down, all in a far more offbeat, unhurried setting than the west. As a dedicated centre for Bhutanese arts and crafts, this Zorig Chusum Trashiyangtse and woodcraft school Bhutan showcases traditional woodcraft Bhutan. It ranks high among things to do in Trashiyangtse and places to visit in eastern Bhutan. Plan your visit via the official Bhutan Tourism portal: bhutan.travel.

March to May and September to November for pleasant weather, on a weekday during term time when the workshops are active.

Visit on a weekday in term time when students are at work, as the school closes for holidays and exams, so check the academic calendar and confirm visiting arrangements first — ask before photographing the young artisans, and look for handmade wooden dapa bowls to buy as a distinctive local craft.

This attraction can be easily woven into BreakBag Holidays' customised Bhutan tour packages, pairing the arts school with Chorten Kora, Bumdeling and eastern Bhutan's sights.

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