Until recently, Bhutanese citizens were legally obliged to don national dress when appearing outdoors. Over the last few years, the law has been relaxed so that national costume is only required at official functions or when performing certain jobs. Despite laxer laws, many people still choose to wear their kira (for women) and gho (for men) every day. The kira is a large piece of woven cloth wrapped around the body and over a blouse, usually fashioned with a brooch at the shoulders. A gho is a long, kimono-like robe that reaches below the knee.
Don't go home without
Watching a practice session at the Chamlinithang Archery Ground in Thinmphu, held most mornings. Archery is Bhutan’s characteristically mediaeval national sport, and you can see the country’s best bowmen nailing targets around 145 metres away, while the women ‘cheerlead’ from the side.
