Drametse

A small village in eastern Bhutan that gave birth to the Drametse Ngacham - the famous “Drum Dance of Drametse” now recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The Drametse Ngacham

In the 16th century, Lama Kuenga Gyeltshen had a vision of Guru Rinpoche’s celestial paradise. He saw celestial beings dancing with drums. From this vision, he created the Drametse Ngacham.

Today, it’s performed at tshechus throughout Bhutan - but seeing it in its birthplace is special.

Key features of the dance:

• Performed by 16 male dancers
• Each dancer carries a drum and curved drumstick
• Represents the victory of good over evil
• The choreography hasn’t changed in 500 years

The Village Today

Drametse Monastery

Founded in the 16th century, this monastery is the spiritual heart of eastern Bhutan. The main temple houses:

• Sacred statues of Guru Rinpoche and other masters
• Ancient murals depicting Buddhist cosmology
• The original drums used in the first Ngacham

Experience: Attend evening prayers (6 PM) to hear monks chanting in the main temple.

Traditional Weaving

Drametse women are renowned weavers. The patterns from this region are distinctive:

• Kushung thara - Complex geometric patterns
• Menthi thara - Vegetable dye motifs
• Natural dyes from local plants

Workshop visit: Learn to weave a simple bracelet in 2 hours

Experiences We Arrange

1. Learn the Drum Dance

Spend a morning with dancers who perform the Ngacham. You’ll:

• Learn basic drumming technique
• Understand the symbolism behind each movement
• Receive your own small drum to keep

2. Meditation Retreat

The monastery offers short retreats for visitors:

• Half-day: Introduction to Buddhist meditation
• 3-day: Guided retreat with monk
• Note: Longer retreats require special permission

3. Village Homestay

Stay with a family in a traditional eastern Bhutanese farmhouse:

• Three-story architecture (specific to eastern Bhutan)
• Sleep in the guest room with traditional furnishings
• Meals: Ema datshi, pork dishes, red rice

4. Archaeological Walk

Hike to sacred sites around Drametse:

• Meditation caves used by the founder
• The “sky burial” site (historical, not in use)
• Sacred springs said to have healing properties

When to Visit

Getting There

Drametse is in eastern Bhutan, remote but worth the journey:

• From Thimphu: 2-day drive with overnight in Bumthang
• From Trashigang: 2-hour drive
• From Mongar: 1.5-hour drive
• Domestic flight to Yonphula airport reduces driving time

Best For

• Cultural enthusiasts wanting UNESCO heritage experiences
• Those interested in traditional dance and music
• Visitors seeking authentic eastern Bhutan
• Photography (dance, monastery, village life)