A thangka painting class is one of the most peaceful ways to understand Bhutan. Thangkas are the colourful scroll paintings you see in every temple, and in Thimphu you can sit beside a trained painter and learn how they are made.
You do not need any art skills. Your teacher guides every line, and you take home the small painting you start, along with a real feel for the patience behind this art.
First, your teacher explains the strict grid that sets the size of every Buddha’s face, hands and robes. Then you trace a simple figure, such as a lotus, a cloud or the face of the Buddha, and mix natural colours from mineral powders.
Afterwards, you visit the classrooms where young students spend six years learning painting, wood carving and embroidery, three of the thirteen traditional arts of Bhutan. It is fascinating to see the same skills passed from teacher to student.
Like every part of your trip, this experience is private, with your own guide and driver. We plan it around your pace, the weather and local events, and your guide translates and explains the meaning behind everything you see, so you always feel welcome.
The class fits easily into a Thimphu day, for example on our Thimphu sightseeing tour or our 7-day Bhutan itinerary. Tell us and we include it in your quote. You can also pick it on our curate your own trip page, and we will fit it into the right day. For more ideas, see all our Bhutan cultural activities.
To read more about Bhutan’s thirteen traditional arts, visit Bhutan’s official tourism site.
Yes. You keep the piece you work on, and your guide helps you pack it safely.
Yes. Children aged eight and up usually love it, and the teacher keeps the design simple.
Every activity can be added to any of our private tours. Tell us what you would like, and we fit it into the right day.
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