Heritage and Artistic Journey to Eastern Bhutan

BEYOND the well-traveled western and central regions of Bhutan lies the land of the Sharchopas, the inhabitants of eastern Bhutan, who follow the ancient traditions that hark back to the founding of the Kingdom in the 17th century. Tucked away in isolated villages, weavers and artisans preserve the traditions by making exquisite textiles, lacquerware, dapa bowls, cane and bamboo works, and the long horns (dung-chen) that snake along the monastery floors.

High on flattened mountaintops perch towns that host dramatic tshechu, or festivals, to celebrate the life of Guru Rinpoche, considered Bhutan’s second Buddha, a Tantric saint, who brought Buddhism into the country. Our program highlights the Trashigang festival, where masked monks re-enact the moral stories of Guru Rinpoche or the teachings of Buddha through sacred dances.

Karchung, Far Fung Places’ field manager in Bhutan, joins Kathleen on this new journey to East Bhutan. His near encyclopedic knowledge of the country and extensive contacts are renowned. Born in Drametse, a heritage village in East Bhutan, Karchung reveals the rhythms of everyday life through lively and personal encounters with villagers in their homes.

This is an exploratory trip with daily walks and some hikes, so some degree of physical stamina is required. Explore the cool broadleaf forests spotting hornbills and other birdlife or look for black-capped langurs. We walk around Takila, one of the most sacred places in East Bhutan, where a colossal bronze and gold statue of Guru Rinpoche was constructed high on a hill in Lhuntse. Meet a renowned potter who fashions clay pots for making ara, the national drink of Bhutan. Explore Khoma village, where the finest kushithara weavers weave their exquisite kiras in dazzling colors utilizing difficult weaving techniques. Meet a master dyer in Radi and learn how she creates the noble color red from the parasitic insect, Kerria Chinensis, which also yields resin (lacquer or varnish) used on dapa bowls.

November is the time to see lac being harvested, and if we are lucky, we will see this process as we drive past hamlets which cultivate it.

If you are drawn to nature, art, and craftsmanship at its highest levels, and have a desire to see a region of Bhutan that is the last to become Westernized, then this trip will appeal to you. Trip Advisor® page.

Our accommodations in the East will be best available, which could mean a four-star mountain resort or a simple guesthouse in Trashiyangtse. In central Bhutan, we stay at a heritage manor in Tang Valley, and in Paro we will be staying at a lovely five-star hotel. We will have a farewell dinner at Karchung’s new Bhutanese home in Paro, complete with views of Tiger’s Nest.

A blessing at a private monastery in Paro completes this magnificent journey to Bhutan.

Fall is the ideal time to visit East Bhutan, as the weather turns cold, and the days reveal the snow-covered peaks of the eastern Himalayas. The colors of the broadleaf forests turn mauve, peach, and orange, providing a rich palette for photographers.

Please inquire about our day-to-day itinerary for more details.

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