If Bhutan has fascinated you or you are planning a holiday in Bhutan, you will likely find immersing yourself in reading about Bhutan an enriching experience. We are delighted to share a curated selection of books that offer insights and inspirations for those intrigued by the wonders of Bhutan.
Bhutan's literary scene is still in its infancy. Bhutan has a few established writers with many emerging on the horizon. Further, many books, as you will note below, are written by individuals who have visited, or lived and worked in Bhutan. The annual Mountain Echoes festival of Literature, Art and Culture has also generated interest in literature and writing in Bhutan.
Bold Bhutan Beckons by Late Tim Fisher and Tshering Tashi presents an insightful account of the mysteries of Bhutan and the co-existence of the old traditions and modern trends. The writers beautifully chronicle the progress of Bhutanese society in recent years.
Treasures of the Thunder Dragon: A Portrait of Bhutan by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck takes the reader on a personal journey into the heart of Bhutan and its people.
The Talisman of Good Fortune and Other Stories from Rural Bhutan by Rinzin Rinzin portrays the traditions and practices of rural Bhutan by delving into the worlds of poison givers, demonic spirits and sorcerers. It provides fascinating insights into rural Bhutan.
Buttertea at Sunrise: A Year in the Bhutan Himalaya by Britta Das is a travel memoir of a volunteer physiotherapist in Eastern Bhutan.
Beyond the Sky and the Earth: Journey into Bhutan by Jamie Zeppa is a fascinating account of a young Canadian teacher who embarks on a remarkable journey to Bhutan where she finds love but struggles to reconcile the cultural differences.
In the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon, Joanna Lumley retraces the footsteps of her grandparents who went to Bhutan in 1931. Traversing across rural villages and crossing and trekking mountains, she experiences the fascination that her grandparents felt decades ago.
Linda Leaming's memoir Married to Bhutan — described by critics as 'earnest, light-hearted and colourful' — is another good read. It is an account of her journey to Bhutan, finding love and happily adopting the tiny country as her home.
Beneath Blossom Rain: Discovering Bhutan on the Toughest Trek in the World by Kevin Grange is a vivid and entertaining travelogue about his journey undertaking the treacherous Snowman's Trek. Critics describe the book as packing 'an adventure story, a romantic twist, and a celebration of group travel into a single entertaining book.'
And those of you who are interested in the country's culture, tradition and the rich heritage will find From the Land of the Thunder Dragon: Textile Arts of Bhutan by Diana K. Myers very interesting. The book details all aspects of Bhutan's rich textiles and weaving culture with beautiful illustrations.
Bhutanese Tales of the Yeti by Kunzang Choden captures stories of the mystical Yeti from across Bhutan. The author has also written many books — The Circle of Karma, a book about a young woman's journey from a remote village in central Bhutan all the way to India, is one of her more recent.
And of course some travel guides you can use to plan your journey: Culture Smart — Bhutan, the essential guide to customs and culture (written by our founder), is a travel guide with a different take. The book provides deep insight into Bhutan, the country's history, values, and customs, as well as practical guidance on how to develop a meaningful rapport with the Bhutanese. Another comprehensive travel guide is Francoise Pommaret's Bhutan — Himalayan Mountain Kingdom. For trekkers, Bart Jordan's Bhutan: A Trekker's Guide gives a menu of 27 treks — though check whether a specific trek is open, as many new routes have been opened in recent years. And last but not least, the Bhutan Travel Guide by the Lonely Planet.
We hope you find these books enjoyable.
