Gho and kira: Bhutan's national dress

In Bhutan the national dress is not a costume. It is worn every day to offices and schools, and it is required in dzongs and at formal occasions. Visitors are welcome to try it.

The gho

Men wear the gho, a knee-length robe tied at the waist with a woven belt called a kera. The fold above the belt forms a large pocket, traditionally used for carrying a wallet, a phone or a bowl. White inner cuffs (lagey) are folded back over the sleeves.

The kira

Women wear the kira, an ankle-length wrapped dress, with a blouse (wonju) underneath and a short jacket (toego) on top. The fabric is fastened at the shoulders with brooches (koma).

Scarves that show rank

When visiting a dzong or attending a formal event, men add a kabney, a long scarf worn over the shoulder, and women a rachu, a narrow embroidered cloth. The colour of a kabney shows the wearer's rank: white for ordinary citizens, and other colours for officials, with yellow reserved for the King and the head of the monastic body.

Textiles

Fine gho and kira are hand-woven, often by women working at home looms, and the best pieces can take months to make. The Royal Textile Academy in Thimphu is the place to see the craft up close.

Trying it on

• We can arrange a fitting so you can wear a gho or kira for a festival or a dzong visit.
• Tying a gho properly takes practice: your guide will help.
• Locals generally appreciate visitors who wear it respectfully.