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Preparing for a trip by reading one or more books on Bhutan, Mahayana Buddhism, and Bhutanese culture can make your trip much more rewarding.
Guide Books
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Odyssey Illustrated Guide: Bhutan - Francoise Pommaret (May 2003)
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Fodor's Travel Publications: Bhutan, Nepal and Tibet
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Lonely Planet Publications: Bhutan - by Stan Armington. (June 2002).
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Insight Pocket Guides: Bhutan - Francoise Pommaret
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Other Books
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The Blessings of Bhutan (highly recommended):
"The blessings of Bhutan are many, including the appearance of this lyrical account of the country's many unique and fascinating aspects. Because they are among the Westerners most familiar with Bhutanese life, the authors are able to penetrate well beyond the Shangri-la myth and show that, while parts of such an otherworldly myth apply, this Himalayan Kingdom is brimful of surprises, contradictions, and modern dilemmas." --K. E. S. Kirby
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Beyond the Sky and Earth: A Journey Into Bhutan - Zeppa, Jamie, (New York: Riverhead Books, May 2000).
This book chronicles the experiences of a young Canadian woman who went to Bhutan as a teacher on a two-year Canadian government contract in 1989. A personal tale of adventure and discovery—the author falls in love both with the country and with a young Bhutanese man.
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Bhutan: Mountain Fortress of the Gods - Schicklgruber, Christian and Francoise Pommaret, (Boston: Shambala, 1998; New Delhi: Bookwise, 1997).
“Absolutely the most beautiful and authoritative book on Bhutan that has ever been published. It covers various aspects of Bhutanese culture.” (Bernard Faure, Stanford University). Unfortunately, this book is reputed to be out of print. It is difficult to track down, but well worth the effort!
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From the Land of the Thunder Dragon, Textile Arts of Bhutan - Myers, Diana K. and Susan S. Bean, (London: Serindia Publications, 1994).
This book presents Bhutanese textiles in their cultural and historical context. Bhutan’s intricate brocades and complex supplementary-warp patterns are unmatched anywhere in the world. From the Land of the Thunder Dragon was published in conjunction with a special exhibition organized by the Peabody Essex Museum of Salem, Massachusetts. Although currently out of print, a few copies will be available for purchase at the White Lotus gallery during the Bhutanese textile and craft show (opening October 19, 2000).
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Birds of Bhutan - Carol Inskipp, Tim Inskipp and Richard Grimmett (Oxford University Press)
This is the first detailed Brids of Bhutan guide. Bhutan has a stunning 770 bird species, including many that are globally threatened. The rich diverisity of Bhutan’s bird species is mainly due to its moist climate, wide altitudinal range (from 200m at the southern border to over 7000m sky piercing Himalayan peaks in the north), low population density, vast forest cover, and the government’s strong conservation policy.
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Journey to Enlightenment: The Life and World of Khyentse Rinpoche, Spiritual Teacher from Tibet (New York: Aperture, 1996).
“A profoundly spiritually moving and visually exciting work about one of the most respected and beloved Buddhist teachers in the Himalayas in this century. Dilgo Khyentse lived in Bhutan in 1959 and was a teacher of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. This book will greatly enrich your trip.” (Bernard Faure, head of the Buddhist Center at Stanford University)
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So Close to Heaven: The Vanishing Buddhist Kingdoms of the Himalayas by Crossette, Barbara (New York: Vintage Books, 1996).
Now in paperback, this book describes the formerly independent Himalayan Buddhist kingdoms that have “vanished” (Tibet, Ladakh and Sikkim) as well as the Kingdom of Bhutan.
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The World of Tibetan Buddhism, an Overview of Its Philosophy and Practice - The Dalai Lama, (Boston: Wisdom Publications, 1995).
“His Holiness offers a clear and penetrating overview of Tibetan Buddhist practice from the Four Noble Truths to Highest Yoga Tantra with, as always, special emphasis on the practice of love, kindness, and universal responsibility,” (Richard Gere)
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The Divine Madman: The Sublime Life and Songs of Drukpa Kunley - Dowman, Keith, trans. (Dawn Horse Press, 1980).
The vivid legend of a rather extraordinary figure, the “crazy monk” Drukpa Kunley, who today remains one of Bhutan’s most popular figures.
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The following websites have whatever books and maps you need including guidebooks, memoirs, novels, essays, field guides, and travel narratives.
Maps of Bhutan
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Bhutan Map - Berndtson & Berndtson (US$9.95)
A very nice laminated color map of Bhutan at an excellent scale of 1:500,000. You can buy this map online from the Longitude Books website - http://www.longitudebooks.com/
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Bhutan Map by Itbt Itmb Publishing (US$8.95)
Scale 1:380,000. With inset maps of Paro; Thimphu. Printed on one side.
Map of the country with portions of India, China, and Tibet. With topographical contours; elevations indicated by color changes. Legend locates settlements of all sizes from national capital to widely spread settlements; international and district boundaries; roads from main roads to paths; mountain passes; ice areas; airports and bus stations; police stations, hospitals, post offices, and other public facilities; radio towers; gas stations; hotels, campsites, and other accommodations; museums; churches, temples, and monasteries; nature reserves; points of interest.
You can buy this map online from the Longitude Books (website - http://www.longitudebooks.com/) or http://www.amazon.com |
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