BOOKS FROM BHUTANTreasures of the Thunder Dragon : A Portrait of Bhutan
by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck
Tags:
Set in Bhutan
Female author
Description:
Long regarded as the Forbidden Land, Bhutan-or DrukYul, the Land of the Thunder Dragon-is often described as the Last Shangri La. It is still a country of pristine forests, alpine valleys and glacial lakes, rich in rare flora and fauna such as the blue poppy, the golden langur and the red panda. As spectacular as its natural beauty are the architecture of its towering dzongs (fortresses) and the art treasures that fill its monasteries and temples. Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck shares with us her delight in some of the hidden treasures of her country, which she discovered during her journeys on foot to every corner of Bhutan-from highland villages in the shadow of the great Himalayan peaks to serene monasteries wreathed in myth and legend to the rainforests in the south and centre of the country, which are among the world's richest biodiversity hotspots. This book, with its specially commissioned illustrations by young Bhutanese artists and photographs from the author's family album, is essential reading both for those who plan to visit the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon and for armchair travellers who yearn to experience the magic of Bhutan through their imaginations.
Reviews:
(4 months ago) |
01 Aug, 2024
Part personal memoir, part history of Bhutan, part travelogue, this was an interesting read and well written. The author is the Queen Mother of Bhutan and deeply loves her country, her citizens, and her family and her descriptions of committment to natural conservation and biodiversity made me love them too. It was a bit repetitive in places but overall a good read and not something I would have picked up if not for the challenge, so we're calling that a win.
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