Tucked in the serene Kabesa Valley, just a 20-minute drive north of Thimphu, Choki Traditional Art School (CTAS) is Bhutan’s only private institution dedicated to preserving the zorig chusum—the 13 traditional arts and crafts—while empowering underprivileged youth through free education.
Founded in 1999 by Dasho Choki Dorji, CTAS offers hands-on training in painting (Lhadri), wood carving (Patra), embroidery (Tshemdrup), tailoring (Tshemzo), and weaving (Thagzo). Students also study English, Dzongkha, mathematics, and geography, receiving a well-rounded foundation to carry Bhutan’s cultural traditions forward.
Visitors to CTAS enjoy an authentic, uncrowded experience. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a butter lamp that offers Bhutanese tea and traditional snacks. You can observe students learning their crafts, watch the making of Bhutanese snacks, try your hand at wood carving or painting, and interact directly with the young artisans shaping Bhutan’s future.
The school operates Monday to Saturday, though advance notice is appreciated for personalized visits. Supporting CTAS through donations or sponsoring a student helps sustain its mission to safeguard Bhutan’s living heritage.
A visit to Choki Traditional Art School isn’t just a tour—it’s an intimate glimpse into Bhutan’s artistic soul, where tradition, creativity, and community come vibrantly to life.
