Reading Lists

Guidebooks:

Lonely Planet - Bhutan

The best and most up-to-date guide for travel related information.
Armington, Stan (1998)Lonely Planet, Australia

Odyssey Guides - Introduction to Bhutan

Comprehensive guide with better pictures and cultural information.
Pommaret, Francoise (1991) Odyssey, Hong Kong

Accounts:

Folktales of Bhutan

Stories documenting Bhutan’s rich oral tradition.
Choden, Kunzang (1993)White Lotus, Bangkok

Bhutanese Tales of the Yeti

Follow up to Folktales of Bhutan.
Choden, Kunzang (1997)White Lotus, Bangkok

So Close to Heaven: The Vanishing Buddhist Kingdoms of the Himalayas

Excellent journalistic account with a religious focus.
Crossette, Barbara (1995)Alfred Knopf, New York

Mission to Bhutan: a Nation in Transition

The experiences of an Indian diplomat in the late 1960s.
Das, B. S. (1995)South Asia Books

Kingdoms Beyond the Clouds: Journeys in Search of the Himalayan Kings

Interviews with the Himalayan monarchs.
Gregson, Jonathan (2000)Macmillan, London

The Hero with the Thousand Eyes

Story of a courtier serving the Second King.
Ura, Karma (1995)Thimphu

Of Rainbows and Clouds

Family history of Their Majesties the Queens of Bhutan.
Wangchuck, HM Ashi Dorji Wangmo (1999)London

Beyond the Sky and the Earth: A Journey into Bhutan

Experiences of a Canadian volunteer.
Zeppa, Jamie (1999)Macmillan, London

Studies:

Bhutan: The Early History of a Himalayan Kingdom

Bhutanese history up to the 15th Century.
Aris, Michael (1979)Serinda, Warminster

The Raven Crown: The Origins of Buddhist Monarchy in Bhutan

Biography of a 20th Century Himalayan monarchy.
Aris, Michael (1994)Serinda, London

Bhutan: Aspects of Culture and Development

Respective authors tackle aspects of traditional culture and modernization.
Aris, M & Hutt M. (eds.) (1994)Gartmore, Kiscadale

Bhutan: Perspectives on Conflict and Dissent

Various perspectives on the Southern Problem of the early 1990s.
Hutt, Michael (eds) (1994)Gartmore, Kiscadale

Bhutan 2020: A Vision of Peace, Prosperity and Happiness

Royal Government of Bhutan Government vision for the future of Bhutan.
Planning Commission (1999)

The Politics of Bhutan

The Bhutanese political system (of the mid-seventies).
Rose, Leo (1977)Cornell University Press

Bhutan: Mountain Fortress of the Gods

Collection of experts provide excellent introduction to Bhutan.
Schicklgruber, C & Pommaret, F (eds.) (1997)Serindia, London