Treasures of the Thunder Dragon: A Portrait of Bhutan

Bhutan, or Druk Yul—the Land of the Thunder Dragon—is renowned for its pristine forests, Himalayan valleys, glacial lakes, ancient monasteries and magnificent dzongs. In this book, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck shares discoveries from her journeys across the country, including remote communities and regions rarely experienced by visitors.

The book blends travel writing, cultural observation, history and personal recollection, enhanced by illustrations by young Bhutanese artists and photographs from the author’s family collection. It is suited both to travellers planning a visit to Bhutan and readers wishing to experience the country through its landscapes and traditions.

Treasures of the Thunder Dragon is a celebration of Bhutan’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. The author takes readers on journeys through highland villages beneath the Himalayas, peaceful monasteries surrounded by legend, imposing fortresses and the biodiverse forests of southern and central Bhutan.

Along the way, she introduces the country’s architecture, art, traditions, landscapes and communities, offering a personal perspective on a nation that has long fascinated the outside world. The book’s illustrations and family photographs add a visual dimension to this affectionate portrait of Bhutan.