Product Description

Situated in the eastern Himalayas, surrounded by powerful neighbours (India and China), Bhutan is for many, Shangri-la, a mythical country hidden in the mountains. Little populated - less than a million inhabitants - and the size of Switzerland, it has an undeniable charm and magic, according to Bhutan aficionados. Farmers for the most part, the Bhutanese practise Tibetan Buddhism, the state religion, which plays an important role in their daily lives. They are justly proud of never having been colonized. Furthermore, to protect local and traditional values, the government exercises a very restrictive policy regarding tourism. This policy shelters Bhutan wisely from the tourist hustle and bustle.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #273538 in Books
• Published on: 2006-02-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9789622177574
• BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
• Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Review
"...Colourful, 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. Special sections on selected topics, plus literary excerpts, ncluding J. Claude White on an inter-sex mudfight..." - Traveller "...The bible of Bhutan guidebooks..." - Travel & Leisure "...outstanding..." - Michael Palin, Himalaya"

About the Author
Tibetologist Francoise Pommaret has travelled extensively in Asia, particularly Bhutan, where she has lived and worked intermittently since 1981. She was a Research Assistant for the Bhutan Tourism Corporation and a History Research Officer in the Department of Education of the Royal Government of Bhutan. She now holds a permanent position as Director of Research at the National Centre 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 speaks French, English and Dzongkha, and reads classical Tibetan, and has written numerous academic and general interest articles on different aspects of the culture and history of Bhutan. She teaches at the National Institute of Oriental Languages and Civilisations (INALCO) in Paris and lectures throughout the world. She is considered the world's leading specialist on Bhutan, and resides in Bhutan.

Customer Reviews

A book for appreciating and understanding Bhutan
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.

Get another guidebook for Bhutan.
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.