Textiles, Tea and Travels: Pat Archibald’s Assam Odyssey

At The Nomads Tent, textiles have always been at the heart of what we do – from the vibrant rugs and fabrics in our collection to the exhibitions that have transformed our gallery space. One name that many of our visitors will know well is Pat Archibald, the award-winning textile artist and quilter who has worked with us for many years. Pat’s exhibitions at The Nomads Tent in Edinburgh have introduced countless people to the beauty of textile art, and her workshops and talks have inspired a new generation of makers.

Now, Pat is taking her passion for cloth and culture beyond Edinburgh. In February 2026, she will lead Textiles and Teas of Assam, an extraordinary journey created in partnership with Darjeeling Tours Ltd.

A Journey Woven with Textiles

This tour is a dream for anyone fascinated by Indian textiles. Travellers will begin in Bengal, discovering the intricate world of Kantha embroidery – where recycled fabrics are layered and stitched into pieces of incredible beauty – and cotton weaving, a craft deeply rooted in local culture.

The journey continues to Sualkuchi, often called the Manchester of the East, one of the largest weaving villages in the world. Here, artisans work with Muga silk, a fabric unique to Assam and famed for its golden lustre. To watch these textiles being woven on traditional looms is to witness centuries of heritage still alive today.

Beyond Textiles: Tea, Wildlife and River Journeys

While textiles remain the thread that ties this odyssey together, the tour also offers unforgettable encounters with Assam’s landscape and traditions. Travellers will:

• Explore lush tea estates, discovering how Assam’s world-famous teas are grown and produced.
• Enjoy a serene cruise on the Brahmaputra River, drifting past sandbanks, fishing villages and birdlife.
• Experience the thrill of Kaziranga National Park, home to the majestic One-Horned Rhinoceros and a dazzling variety of wildlife.

It is a rare combination of textile traditions, cultural heritage, tea culture and natural beauty, all woven into one journey.

Learning from a Textile Expert

What makes this tour particularly special is Pat’s presence as an in-house textile expert. With her years of experience, eye for detail and gift for storytelling, she will guide travellers not only through India’s rich textile heritage but also through the stories, techniques and histories that lie behind each fabric.

Here at The Nomads Tent, we know firsthand the depth of Pat’s knowledge and the warmth of her teaching. Having hosted her textile exhibitions and collaborations in our space, we can say with confidence that this will be an inspiring and unforgettable journey for anyone with a passion for cloth, colour and culture.

Join the Adventure

If the thought of exploring Indian textiles, sipping Assam tea and travelling with Pat Archibald excites you, you can read more about the tour here:
👉 Textiles and Teas of Assam – Darjeeling Tours

We are delighted to see our long-time collaborator take her love of textiles onto the world stage, and we are sure many in The Nomads Tent community will want to follow her journey.

You can also keep up with future tours and updates by following Darjeeling Tours on Facebook and Instagram.