An up-to-date, in-depth introduction to Bhutanese history, culture and ecology, with a comprehensive itinerary ranging from the major cities to the most remote monasteries. Special sections on selected topics, literary excerpts, and gorgeous photographs make this an essential guide to this remote, pristine mountain kingdom. 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 Fran oise Pommaret.