Paro

Sangay Wood Turning Factory

Nestled between the mountains of the Himalayas, the Bhutanese culture has shown their respect and distinctive ways of using natural materials from the ancient time. Shagzo – wood-turning, one of the country’s thirteen traditional arts and crafts, is an unreplaceable part of the country’s rich heritage.

Sangay Wood Turning Factory is where you can watch the demonstration of Shagzo. Just 3km from Paro town, the factory is located at Dopshari, on the way to the National Museum of Bhutan and Paro Rinpung Dzong.

The shagzo techniques are probably unlike anything you have seen, as they use the age-old methods and each product is so unique in shapes, sizes and colours. Learn how from a piece of wood, the Shagzopa (Shagzo artisans), step by step, create elegant and functional products like wooden bowls (dapa), cups (dza phob) and plates with beautiful patterns, while still keeping the ‘soul’ of the wood in it.

If interested, try your hand with Shagzo and bring home your own unique souvenir from Bhutan!

Sangay Wood Turning Factory,
Paro
Email: sangaywoodturning@gmail.com
Cell phone: + 975 1711 1453

Tashi Gongphel Handmade Paper Factory

In Bhutan, there is a unique kind of paper used for woodblock and manuscript books, and for writing prayers and mantras by Buddhist monasteries. The special paper is called Dehsho, and is handmade with traditional methods, which are still applied until today.

At the Tashi Gongphel handmade paper factory, you can observe the fascinating process of Dehsho paper making. The factory is located at Dopshari, 3km from Paro town and on the way to the National Museum of Paro and Paro Rinpung Dzong. 

Starting with the barks of the Daphne and Dhekap trees, the complicated procedure consists of many steps to create the fine Dehsho paper. The methods have been passed down through generations and the art of Dehsho paper making has become a crucial part of Bhutanese culture, which you will learn once you visit the factory.

You will also have the chance to try making Dehsho paper yourself and find in here booklet, postcard, bags, wall hangings, packing box, envelops, greetings cards, wishing cards, note cards, etc, all exclusively created with Bhutan’s special handmade paper.

Tashi Gongphel Handmade Paper Factory,
Paro
Email: pemaphun@gmail.com
Phone: +975 1761 4995