Bhutan: Himalayan Mountain Kingdom, Fourth Edition (Odyssey Illustrated Guide) [Paperback]

Francoise Pommaret (Author)

Book Description

Series: Odyssey Bhutan: Himalayan Mountain Kingdom | Publication Date: May 7, 2003

On the rooftop of the world, shoe-horned into the Grand Himalayas, Bhutan -- or Thunder Dragon -- is a fiercely independent kingdom. 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. Only 4,000 tourists will visit the kingdom in any one year and they are strictly monitored by a government that cares deeply for its people, environment and heritage. 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 Francoise Pommaret; her guidebook takes you on an incredible journey of discovery and adventure; her love of the people and the place shines through; her in-depth knowledge helps aid our understanding of why this unique land has long remained one of Asia's deepest mysteries and best-kept secrets.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Colorful, practical guide, well illustrated with many astonishing photographs. -- Traveller

The bible of Bhutan guidebooks. -- Travel & Leisure

About the Author

Tibetologist Françoise Pommaret has traveled extensively in Asia, particularly Bhutan, where she has lived and worked intermittently since 1981. She holds a permanent position as a Research Fellow at the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) in France, and is also an advisor on a variety of issues to the Bhutanese Education Division and National Commission for Cultural Affairs. She teaches at the School of Oriental Studies (INALCO) in Paris and lectures throughout the world. She is considered the world's leading specialist on Bhutan.

Product Details

• Paperback: 278 pages
• Publisher: Odyssey Publications, Ltd.; 4th edition (May 7, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9622177026
• ISBN-13: 978-9622177024
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #499,394 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #17 in Books > Travel > Asia > Bhutan

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book for appreciating and understanding Bhutan, December 4, 2006

By 

Unref "Unref" (London) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bhutan: Himalayan Mountain Kingdom, Fifth Edition (Odyssey Illustrated Guides) (Paperback)

I have traveled extensively in the Far East, but have never before to Bhutan, until now (2007). I always like to read up on places before I visit them and generally travel as independently as reasonably possible.
I purchased both this book and the Lonely Planet guide and found the combination excellent. This book has more about the places, the people and their customs and the history. Don't expect it to be a comprehensive list of places to stay and places to eat. It contrasts well with Lonely Planet's backpacker's reference book image.
I think this is a good book and doubt whether you will be disappointed if you buy it.

8 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Get another guidebook for Bhutan., April 21, 2007

By 

George D. Smith (Clovis, CA.) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bhutan: Himalayan Mountain Kingdom, Fifth Edition (Odyssey Illustrated Guides) (Paperback)

This guidebook to Bhutan was not at all helpful. It is filled with tiny details which may be of interest to the devotee, but gives the average traveler very limited background. You can read about the many different kinds of chortens, for example, but you will find the discussion of Tantric Buddhism in general perplexing. The maps are not good, and no attempt is made to separate the spectacular (such as the Punakha Dzong) from the mundane (such as the Thimpu Dzong). The information on trekking is very limited and dated. Get the Lonely Planet guide, along with the Bart Jordan book on trekking-if you intend to do a trek. Bhutan is a very expensive country to visit, and you should have a better guide in hand before your visit.

4.0 out of 5 stars Good book, great place to visit, September 21, 2011

By 

sandy (Tiburon, CA United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bhutan: Himalayan Mountain Kingdom, Fifth Edition (Odyssey Illustrated Guides) (Paperback)

This book was terrific reading preparing for my visit to Bhutan. Beautiful pictures, interesting copy. Of course, if doesn't cover so e of the more hidden aspects of Bhutan that are kept well hidden from visitors due to strict controls and mandatory guides, but a magical fantasy nonetheless.