An up-to-date, in-depth introduction to Bhutanese history, culture and
ecology, with a comprehensive itinerary ranging from the major cities to
the most remote monasteries. Special sections on selected topics,
literary excerpts, and gorgeous photographs make this an essential guide
to this remote, pristine mountain kingdom. Shoe-horned into the Grand
Himalayas, Bhutan--Land of the Peaceful Thunder Dragon--is a fiercely
independent kingdom that celebrated its centenary in 2008. Isolated,
charming, peaceful, and religious, the Bhutanese are a pragmatic,
sensitive people who take from the West what will benefit their country
and leave the rest. The countryside is pristine, the lifestyle and
culture have been preserved for centuries, and the love of life is
abundant among the people. Few outsiders know Bhutan as intimately as
Françoise Pommaret.