Welcome to Choki Artisans – Where Tradition Lives On
For over 26 years, the Choki Traditional Art School has been a beacon of hope, creativity, and cultural preservation in Bhutan. Dedicated to providing free arts and crafts education to underprivileged youth, the school is a living example of how tradition can empower and transform lives. At the heart of this mission is the Choki Artisans initiative to ensure long term sustainability of the school—a vibrant space where visitors can experience Bhutanese heritage firsthand. Explore our living museum, witness traditional arts and crafts demonstrations, try your hand at traditional painting, and browse unique souvenirs in our artisan shop. Relax at our restaurant and café while taking in the spirit of Bhutanese craftsmanship. Your visit does more than just offer an unforgettable cultural experience—it directly supports the continuation of Bhutan’s artistic legacy and helps uplift the next generation of artists. We warmly invite you to be a part of this journey and celebrate the timeless beauty of Bhutanese art.
Top Experiences
A Spiritual Blessing Ceremony
Your journey begins with a sacred butter lamp lighting ceremony in front of the majestic Guru Rinpoche statue. This symbolic act of enlightenment and peace sets the tone for a day of discovery and connection.
The 17th Century Living Museum
Step back in time as you enter the 17th century building, consecrated by Druk Desi Tenzin Rabgye and blessed by The Divine Madman. This living museum offers a glimpse into Bhutan's rich cultural tapestry.
Arts & Crafts Demonstrations
Marvel at the skill and dedication of Choki artisans and students as they practice their crafts in Traditional Painting, Wood Carving, Embroidery, Bamboo Craft, Wood Turning, Sculpting, Weaving, Tailoring etc.
Hands on Experience
Channel your inner artist with a traditional painting workshop guided by senior students. Create your own masterpiece to take home as a cherished memento of your journey
Opening Hours
- Open from Monday to Saturday
- Time 9 AM till 4:30 PM
- Lunch Break : 12:15 to 1:15 PM
- Sunday is closed
- Public Holidays – Open with limited students
Entrance Fees
- Adults Nu 1000/-
- Child between 5 – 12 Years Nu 500/-
Buy authentic Art & Craft Products
Visitors can purchase handcrafted artifacts created by students, alumni, and Bhutanese artists. Each purchase directly contributes to the school’s funding, ensuring that it can continue to offer free education to future generations of artists. By supporting the school shop, visitors play a vital role in preserving Bhutan’s artistic traditions and empowering disadvantaged youth.
Enjoy Traditional Local Cuisine at...
Our Restaurant & cafe
Conclude your visit with a refreshing drink or a delicious meal at our charming restaurant. Enjoy breathtaking views of rice terraces, the Wangchu River, and the enigmatic Changtagang cliff while savoring authentic Bhutanese and international cuisine.
GOOD Based on 142 reviews Martina WMay 14, 2025Verified Recommended: We enjoyed a warm welcome and our visit to Choki Traditional Art School in Thimpu First of all, I would recommend visiting Choki Traditional Art School. Even though it is located at the border of Thimpu it was only a short car ride. We had discovered the school online and had asked our guide if we can visit and we have thoroughly enjoyed our visit.The school is a private one that is completely funded by donations, entry fees and the sales from their shop. Good to know: It seems the school was only recently renovated with a lovely big café (Barista coffee machine ;-)) and a large and light shop where very nice items can be bought which the students have crafted. Our visit started with a short video on the school’s background and we were offered a butterlamp blessing. We then had a tour through their small and very nice museum before we visited the classes where students are trained on the various traditional Bhutanese handicrafts from painting over wood carving to embroidery. To finish the tour we were asked to complete a small painting under the guidance of a student which was fun. Needless to say, that we only left after having had a good cup of coffee and after having bought some very nice souvenirs that you would not find in a regular souvenir shop (embroidered table mats, handsewn bookmarks, an embroidered belt). Please visit, enjoy and support the school. Mary CatherineFebruary 25, 2025Verified Bhutanese art Wonderful visit and tour from the students. Each students learns a skill that is valuable to the traditional Bhutanese art. The students are dedicated to excellence and are able to continue to improve until graduation. They sell their classroom works to the visitors to raise funds for continued success of the school. I found a treasure and framed it for my home. Ada HusulakOctober 31, 2024Verified Unmissable visit to art It is impossible to describe the dedication of students to learn carving, painting, embroidery and all the artistic creations that characterize this beautiful country. Pleasure to enjoy watching them work and then acquire works from them.Unmissable visit AAleROctober 14, 2024Verified Visit this venue Visit this venue, you will not be disappointed. The dedication the staff of this school show to the learners and their community is something out of this world. The visit will take around 90 minutes and is well worth the stop. Andre CMay 22, 2024Verified Unmissable An incredible art school, teenage students learning art in various ways, we see this spread across the country…. Peter ROctober 29, 2023Verified Keeping the arts alive So as not to lose the traditional arts of Bhutan this college was set up by a local artist backed by donations and help from the Bhutanese government . Students both boys and girls can choose what they want to learn from painting, wood carving, embroidery, weaving, tailoring and slate carving on courses that can last for up to seven years. They are also taught basic English, mathematics and computer skills while at the college. We were allowed with our guide to wander in and out of class rooms whilst the students were working. The students are provided with free training, food and lodgings. It was good to see the traditional arts being taught to future generations. Patricia NSeptember 23, 2023Verified Show your appreciation. Do stop to learn from the students. It is imperative to pass on the traditions and this school is providing the tools to these young women and men to do so. Riceball2006April 25, 2023Verified A great school of arts Amazing school of arts that the students spend about 5 years perfecting in order to ply that trade in the outside world. Susan RNovember 29, 2022Verified A must see school in Thimpu We visited this school while on a cycling tour of Bhutan organised by Mountain Kingdoms. It was truly amazing that we were able to have a private tour and saw the dedication of the students learning traditional arts. The wood carvers start there course by making their own tools, the artists learn how to stretch and prepare canvases and the needlecraft is so fine. I was delighted to learn that there are female carvers and male student completing the embroidery course. The school is now able to offer national qualifications which obviously benefit the students in finding future work. Their day is long and at the weekend there are English studies for them. The school was unable to raise funds during Covid nor benefit from sales of the students work which are available in the small shop. When a student's work is sold they receive a small commission. A very inspiring visit Daniel GNovember 18, 2022Verified A wonderful visit that everybody should make when in Thimphu I had the chance to visit this private school that provides the opportunity for financially disadvantaged bhutanese youngster to learn traditionalcrafts. The school teaches 4 different types of art. Sewing is the simplest, wood carving, painting and embroidery are more elaborate and require a 4 to 6 year education. The children also learn english, which allows them to guide you through the school and to talk to the visitors. Not only the pripose of the school makes a visit a great experience. but the art developed by the children can be admired in the shop and bought. I found it a worthwile experience and can only recommend a visit.