Bhutan: Himalayan Mountain Kingdom (Odyssey Guide. Bhutan) [Paperback]

Françoise Pommaret (Author)

Book Description

Series: Odyssey Guide. Bhutan | Publication Date: December 1, 2009

"The bible of Bhutan guide books."—Travel & Leisure

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.

Includes:

• Passionate introduction to Bhutanese culture and history by resident author—the world's leading expert on Bhutan
• Literary extracts with an historical perspective
• Trekking and mountaineering in this spectacular kingdom
• National symbols of Bhutan, ceremonial scarves, the Dzongkha language, chortens and mandalas
• Archery and other national sports, plus much more

Editorial Reviews

Review

Colorful, practical guide, well illustrated with many astonishing photographs. Provides an in-depth general introduction to this kingdom’s history, culture and ecology, with a comprehensive itinerary ranging from the major cities to the remotest monasteries. (Traveller)

About the Author

Bhutan resident Françoise Pommaret is a French ethno-historian and Director of Research at the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), Paris on secondment to the Royal University of Bhutan.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Odyssey Publications, Ltd.; 6 edition (December 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9622178103
• ISBN-13: 978-9622178106
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #194,710 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #1 in Books > History > Asia > Bhutan
  • #6 in Books > Travel > Asia > Bhutan
  • #92 in Books > Travel > Asia > India

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars needs a thorough edit, but offers great insight, March 9, 2011

By 

Glenn A. Auve (Arlington, VA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Bhutan: Himalayan Mountain Kingdom (Odyssey Guide. Bhutan) (Paperback)

I enjoyed this book very much before my trip to Bhutan. It is highly detailed and explains just about everything you need to know about the country. However, it is clear that it was poorly edited in the most recent edition. It was published after the 4th king abdicated in favor of his son. However, the book has not been completely corrected to reflect that fact. So, some references to the "current king" actual refer to the previous king instead of his son.

There are not too many choices when it comes to guides to Bhutan. The LP guide is also quite good in a "just the facts" sort of way. But I think this particular book offers a more in depth exploration of the history and culture with less emphasis on the typical travel guide "stay in this hotel" "go see this sight" "eat at this restaurant" fare. Despite its flaws I definitely recommend it.