The Kingdom of Bhutan

Book topics: Bhutan, Travel, Photos, DVDs, China, India, Nepal, Asia, World Royalty

History & Royalty of Bhutan

The Raven Crown: The Origins of Buddhist Monarchy in Bhutan by Michael Aris. The story of the Wangchuk dynasty's rise and triumph. Illustrated with rare historical photographs, most previously unpublished.

So Close to Heaven: The Vanishing Buddhist Kingdoms of the Himalayas by Barbara Crossette is about Bhutan and the neighboring kingdoms of Ladakh, Sikkim and Tibet.

Of Rainbows and Clouds: The Life of Yab Ugyen Dorji As Told to His Daughter by Ashi Dorji Wangmo, Queen of Bhutan. For centuries Bhutan was ruled by reincarnations of its founder. The family was forced into exile in the 20th century. This book tells the their story and shares historical and contemporary photographs, including the only photos of the wedding at which King Jigme Singye Wangchuk married the author and three of her sisters.

Treasures of the Thunder Dragon: A Portrait of Bhutan by Ashi Dori Wangmo Wangchuck, Queen of Bhutan. Blends personal memoir, history, folklore and travelogue, providing insight into life in villages and hamlets, monasteries and palaces. Includes photographs from the Queen's family album.

Travel

Lonely Planet Bhutan by Stan Armington. Includes detailed maps and historical commentary.

Bhutan: Himalayan Mountain Kingdom by Francoise Pommaret. Travel guide. In-depth treatment of each region of the kingdom: what to see, its history and significance.

Photos

Bhutan: Through the Lens of the King by Pavan K. Varma and Malvika Singh, photographs by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. Essays about the King of Bhutan and his kingdom, accompanied by over 160 of the King's photographs.

Three Kingdoms on the Roof of the World: Bhutan, Nepal, Ladakh by Robert Z. Apte. Photo-essay that brings these ancient lands to life using 144 images and text on each region.

Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon by John Berthold. Captures the beauties of this remote kingdom's ancient fortresses and temples, colorful festivals, religious ceremonies, and isolated communities.

Bhutan: A Visual Odyssey Across the Last Himalayan Kingdom by Michael Hawley. At over five by seven feet and 133 pounds, this is the largest published book in the world. Contains an atlas and beautiful photographs. Limited edition of 500 copies. Proceeds go to the charity Friendly Planet, which constructs schools in Bhutan and Cambodia. Only available online at Amazon.com

More Books About Bhutan

DVDs About Bhutan

The DVDs listed below are formatted for North American audiences.

Bhutan: Taking The Middle Path to Happiness. Documentary explores whether this small, isolated country can protect its environment and culture while opening its doors to the West. Bonus feature: A short film in which the Dalai Lama expresses his views on happiness.

Bhutan - Gross National Happiness. Documentary about Bhutan and its government's policy of pursuing Gross National Happiness rather than aiming solely for an increase in Gross Domestic Product. The DVD has English, German, French, Spanish and Italian language tracks.

Discovering the Myths & Mystique of Bhutan. This photographic journey through Bhutan takes you to a weekend market, a religious festival, ancient fortresses, and more.