History

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.