The National Institute of Zorig Chusum
Sonam Dendup • September 9, 2020
The Painting School of 13 Arts & Crafts of Bhutan
Another interesting place to visit is the National Institute of Zorig Chosum also called the Painting School located in the city. Student artisans are taught on all the essential skills to master any one of the 13 arts and crafts of Bhutan over a 3 - 6 years’ period depending on their specialization. Apart from its significant role in conservation of culture and traditions, the Institute inculcates the essence of dignity of labor and provide life skills for employment and livelihood.
A visit to the Painting School is a great opportunity for tourists to visit the classrooms and watch the students at their work stations. These finished products of the students are displayed in a small gallery for interested buyer as memento and gifts.
Bhutan is popular for its unique art and culture and this very uniqueness played an important role in maintaining the country’s independence and sovereignty. Moreover, all the 13 arts and crafts are considered sacred and holds a significant and auspicious place in Bhutan’s cultural heritage since these were pioneered by some of the great saints in their task to spread Buddhism and the Buddha’s teachings.
Besides its beauty, uniqueness and intricacies, the arts and crafts hold and convey great spiritual meaning with moral intent. These are culturally embedded and visible in every aspect of the Bhutanese life, from the design on the everyday dresses, costumes, jewelries to wall paintings of houses, temples and monasteries, furniture, crockery, prayer flags that adorn the bridges and mountainsides and in everything that is essentially Bhutanese and local.
Through this undisturbed tropical, sub-tropical and Alpine regions of virgin forests, waterfalls and lakes, highland nomadic villages, undisturbed nature and views of the Greater Himalayas and Snow Capped Peaks, Bhutan offers some of the best trekking experiences all year round.
The view from there is the panoramic sight of almost all the tallest Himalayan Mountain of Bhutan like majestic Gangkar Puensum, formidable Table Mountain and Tiger Mountain. As it is located at the top, the view of the Himalayan ranges is better than anywhere in the area, even as compared to famous Dochula Pass.
For Bhutanese, Gross National Happiness means a good government that creates an enabling environment for people to pursue happiness in a meaningful way. The result is a country at peace with itself, and people at peace with themselves!
To Experience True Zhemgang
The Healing Power of Nature
Bird Watching in the Hotspot of Oldest National Park
The Crown Jewel of Bhutan's National Parks
Trong Village - To Promote Eco-Tourism in Zhemgang
Clinging on a huge rock towards the north end of the Tang valley lies the Thowa Drak Hermitage just like the famed Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro. From the valley or road point it is a stiff 3 hours hike uphill through the serene and peaceful forest. Sweeping views of the Tang valley and the landscape can be enjoyed along the way with a bird’s eye view from the main site.
A quick visit to the Swiss Cheese Factory and Brewery is a refreshing alternative after visiting many temples and religious sites in the Bumthang valley. The Factory was started in the late 1960’s by a Swiss national Mr Fritz Maurer who visited Bhutan and settled in Bumthang.