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Bhutanese Art and Architecture

Bhutanese Art and Architecture


The art and architecture of Bhutan is derived from Buddhist doctrine and mythology and the art and architecture is unique. Bhutanese art and architecture can be seen everywhere. Be it dzongs or simple houses, Bhutanese art and architecture is always forms a major part.Bhutanese art and the Tibetan art is similar to each other. Both the art is based on Vajrayana Buddhism. It is said that Teron Pema Lingpa introduced the arts and crafts in Bhutan. In the year 1680 Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal ordered the establishment of the school for learning thirteen traditional arts and crafts. The thirteen traditional arts are:Lug zo (Bronze casting) ,Shag zo (Wood turning), Dho zo (Stonework), Par zo (Carving), Lha zo (Painting),Jim zo (Sculpting or clay arts), Shing zo (Woodwork),Gar zo (Blacksmithing), Troe zo (Ornament making or silver/gold smithing) ,Tsha zo (Bamboo Work) De zo (Paper making), Tshem zo (Tailoring, embroidery and applique or needlework ) and Thag zo (Weaving).The dzongs, monasteries, bridges and house depict the unique architecture of Bhutan.


Bhutanese Art and Architecture

Certain rules and codes were followed to bulid the traditional buildings. Traditionally nails are not used in construction of buildings and there is a lavish use of wood. The doors and windows are mostly painted with traditional images and texts each with a special importance. The walls of the buildings are sloped and the sizes of windows increase with the increase in stories. The dzongs, monasteries and temples generally used to have stone walls and the houses were made from rammed earthen walls, pounded into wooden frames.The construction of any buildings or bridges used to be governed and guided by the astrologer's calculations and were always followed by rituals.Though the modern constructions are done using modern materials such as cement, rods, CGI sheets, it is always ensured that the traditional art and architecture is clearly depicted in the construction.

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Testimonials


  • Thilo and Cordula
  • Very good guide/driver team, we had a lot of fun with them. Very special thanks for the visa support to get back to India We had a lot of luck during our tour with N.B. as we were able to see the Kankar Punsum and also wild monkeys eating and jumping in the trees above us. Please find our selected photos of that attached. Thank you very much again for letting us join together for dinner with your wife, for your hospitality and your gifts. We still find us very surprised at Bhutan, from its cultural spots and landscape.

  • Ms. Margaret and Friends
  • Had an extremely amazing time! Lobzang and Subba were great & hospitality 2nd to none! Thank you for such a great time and we definitely encourage more people to come visit Bhutan via your travel guides. Thank you for all your hospitality. Our Trip to Bhutan was better than what we expected. It was great to meet Lobzang and Sanman every morning there to greet us with a smile. Lobzang’s knowledge of Bhutan and all the historical places is fantastic. Also Sanman’s driving made us feel safe at all times and very comfortable. Whenever we talk about Bhutan we will always recommend you all.

  • Mr. Christoph A. Riedweg
  • Tika and Mohan went out of their way to make our stay comfortable and enjoyable. For all of our requests they tried there very best to arrange (food, sightseeing, shopping). The trip offered a great mix of sightseeing, history, nature and daily life in Bhutan. We truly enjoyed our stay.

  • Aveek Pradhan
  • Service offered was quite appreciating and we look forward to avail other services in the near future.

  • Ms. Nilima and friends
  • Excellent Trip. Thanks to Vivek and Santosh. Amazing guide and an excellent driver. They made our trip memorable. We would recommend them to everyone.