Khoma

Khoma is a small village in Lhuentse district, northeastern Bhutan, renowned throughout the kingdom as the centre of kushuthara weaving — the most prized and intricate of Bhutan's traditional textile arts. Kushuthara is a silk cloth woven with intricate patterns using a complex supplementary weft technique, traditionally made only in the Lhuentse region.

Khoma village is located in a narrow valley about an hour north of Lhuentse town. The women of Khoma are master weavers, passing the skill down through generations. Visiting Khoma offers a rare opportunity to see the entire weaving process — from dyeing the silk to the final intricate patterning — and to purchase these heirloom-quality textiles directly from the artisans.

By Plane

Yongphulla Airport (YON IATA) near Trashigang is about 5–6 hours by road.

By Train

By Car / Road

Khoma is about 1 hour north of Lhuentse town on a road that follows the Kuri Chhu valley. The road may be rough in sections. A 4WD vehicle is recommended.

The village is small and walkable.

• Weaving centre — The Khoma Women's Weaving Cooperative. Watch artisans at work on traditional looms.

• Khoma village — Traditional stone houses with painted woodwork in a narrow valley setting.

• Weaving demonstrations — Observe the entire process, from silk preparation to final weaving.

• Textile shopping — Purchase kushuthara, which makes an exceptional souvenir.

• Photography — The weaving process and village setting are highly photogenic.

No restaurants. Meals may be available at the weaving centre if pre-arranged.

Suja (butter tea) is usually offered to visitors.

No accommodation. Visit as a day trip from Lhuentse town.

Kushuthara textiles — scarves, ceremonial cloths, and fabric lengths. Prices are high (these are world-class textiles) but significantly lower than in Thimphu or Paro. Bargaining is not expected for these quality items.

• Lhuentse — 1 hour south. District headquarters with dzong and accommodation.
• Gangzur — Further south. Pottery village.
• Mongar — 3.5 hours south. Market town.