Treasures of the Thunder Dragon
Bhutan

Treasures of the Thunder Dragon

by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck

History Non-Fiction Memoir Biography 2006

Summary

Treasures of the Thunder Dragon: A Portrait of Bhutan offers an intimate portrait of Bhutan, a Himalayan kingdom renowned for its Buddhist traditions, dramatic landscapes, and distinctive cultural heritage. Written by Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, the book combines personal memoir, history, folklore, and travel writing to explore the country beyond its familiar image as a remote mountain paradise.

Drawing on her journeys throughout Bhutan, the author introduces readers to isolated villages, sacred monasteries, ancient fortresses, mountain valleys, and communities whose traditions have endured across generations. She also explores Bhutanese customs, religious beliefs, festivals, architecture, and the relationship between people and the natural world.

Enriched with photographs from the royal family’s personal collection and illustrations by Bhutanese artists, the book celebrates the country’s cultural and environmental treasures. It offers a personal perspective on a nation balancing its traditional values with the changes brought by modernisation, inviting readers to discover Bhutan through the eyes of someone deeply connected to its history and people.

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About the author
Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck
Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck

Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck is the Queen Mother of Bhutan, an author, and a philanthropist dedicated to preserving her country’s cultural heritage and improving the lives of its rural communities. Born in 1955 in Nobgang, a village in western Bhutan, she grew up surrounded by the country’s traditions, Buddhist beliefs, and close-knit rural culture. She received her education at St. Helen’s School in Kurseong, India. Beyond her royal duties, Ashi Dorji Wangmo has devoted much of her work to supporting disadvantaged communities. She founded the Tarayana Foundation, a nonprofit organisation that provides educational, medical, and economic assistance to people living in remote parts of Bhutan. Her literary works explore Bhutanese history, traditions, spirituality, and everyday life. Her books include Of Rainbows and Clouds (1999), a portrait of her father, and Treasures of the Thunder Dragon: A Portrait of Bhutan (2006), which combines memoir, folklore, history, and travel writing. Through her writing and philanthropic activities, she seeks to preserve Bhutan’s cultural identity while helping its communities navigate social and economic change.

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Details
Published
2006
Author
Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck