Tsholham – Traditional Bhutanese Boots

Back in 1600s, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel not only brought changes in the political system of Bhutan but also in the way people dressed, resulting in the tshoglham, being a part of our national dress code.

Tsholham, loosing translated as Boots of Assembly, are traditional knee length boots worn by Bhutanese men especially during important ceremonial occasions. Ones commonly worn, these boots are traditionally hand stitched out of sheep or cow hide. Decorated with brocade and wool, and embroidered, these boots are held in place under the knee with a narrow strip of textle, also hand stitched and embroidered with beautiful Bhutanese motives. The main ensemble of the traditional boots consists of the open main portion made of black or blue satin decorated with brocade and with elaborate designs.

The main portion of the tsholham is black or blue in color but the front portion shows a variation in color. This difference in color and in some cases, the design used on the boots signifies rank and status of a person. Based on hierarchy, tsholham with the yellow front portion is worn by His Majesty the King and the Head Abbot (Je Khenpo), orange by the ministers, red by Knighted officers (Dasho). The common man wears boots with green front portion. The monks wear similar boots referred to as drablham, but with a red front portion.

Tsholham is predominantly meant for men. Tshanglham is another type of traditional boots, worn by Bhutanese women. These boots are believed to have been brought from the Tshang province in ancient Tibet.

A pair of tsholham costs between 2000 to 3500 Nu. depending on the material used. An elaborate pair can cost between 5000 to 6000 Nu. depending on the embroidery.

The making of the tsholham is an old craft practiced in Bhutan for centuries.  Although the practice is slowly disappearing in the villages, it’s picking up in the urban centers with support from the government.