Jungshi Paper Factory | Thimphu

Jungshi Paper Factory lies on the outskirts of Thimphu, nestled amid pine-covered slopes that give the site a sense of calm even as the rhythmic machinery hums in the background. The buildings themselves are modest, blending traditional Bhutanese architecture-whitewashed walls, dark timber beams, and low-pitched roofs-with functional industrial spaces. From the parking area, the gentle scent of pulp and drying paper drifts through the air, hinting at the craft happening within.

A Center of Handmade Bhutanese Paper
Founded to preserve and produce traditional Bhutanese handmade paper, the factory specializes in creating high-quality “desho” paper from the inner bark of the Daphne plant. Stepping inside, you immediately notice the tactile, earthy aroma of soaked bark and fiber. Long troughs filled with water and pulp line the main hall, where workers carefully lift sheets of paper with wooden molds, a rhythmic process repeated with practiced precision.

The Paper-Making Process in Action
Visitors can often see each stage of production up close. Bark is soaked and beaten into a fibrous pulp, then spread evenly on a fine mesh frame. Workers lift the wet sheets, press them, and lay them out to dry in the sun or in warm drying rooms. The gentle clatter of wooden frames, the splash of water, and the soft hiss of freshly formed sheets being pressed create a meditative auditory texture. Small imperfections-slightly uneven edges, fibers caught mid-pattern-serve as reminders that every sheet is entirely handmade.

Workshops and Demonstrations
The factory includes demonstration spaces where artisans show traditional techniques to visitors. You can watch them create paper of various thicknesses, some plain and others embedded with flower petals, leaves, or natural dyes. The visual effect is subtle but beautiful: delicate veins of petals swirl within creamy, fibrous sheets, producing a paper that feels both ancient and alive. Guides often explain the significance of the craft in preserving Bhutanese culture, linking each sheet to manuscripts, prayer flags, and fine art.

Finished Products and Small Display Areas
Finished paper is stacked neatly or rolled into bundles, ready for use in stationery, crafts, or ceremonial purposes. Small displays showcase completed works: intricate calligraphy, traditional paintings, and handmade books. The textures and colors range from pure whites and soft creams to muted browns and grays, all maintaining a natural, unprocessed aesthetic that is characteristic of desho paper.

Atmosphere and Surroundings
The factory sits in a quiet valley, framed by tall pines and occasional glimpses of distant hills. A soft breeze carries the subtle scent of drying paper and resin from nearby trees. Even with workers moving efficiently, the pace feels deliberate rather than hurried, a reflection of the meticulous care required at each stage of production.

A Final Impression
Jungshi Paper Factory is a living tribute to Bhutan’s heritage of craftsmanship. It offers a tactile, sensory experience where tradition and process converge, allowing visitors to witness centuries-old techniques in action. Walking through the halls, smelling the fibers, and seeing each sheet formed by hand leaves a clear sense of how Bhutanese culture is preserved one delicate, resilient sheet at a time.