If you're planning a trip to Bhutan, or simply want to learn more about this enigmatic Himalayan kingdom, there's no better way to get closer to its culture than through books, films or documentaries. Here you'll find a selection of recommended works that will let you immerse yourself in the country's spirituality, traditions and everyday life.
📖 Books About Bhutan
Literature is a perfect window into Bhutan's history and philosophy. Here are a few essential reads:
- Bhutan Secreto – Michel Peissel (1981)
A classic of travel literature describing the country in the years when it was still closed to the outside world. - En el país del dragón – Jamie Zeppa (2000)
An intimate account from a young Canadian teacher who lived and taught in Bhutan, portraying everyday life and social change. - Happytalism – Luis Gallardo and Javier García Campayo (2024)
An essay proposing a new system for measuring human progress, where true wealth is based not on GDP but on people's happiness and wellbeing.
🎬 Films About Bhutan
Bhutanese cinema has gained international recognition in recent years. These films are ideal for getting to know the country from within:
- Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom – Pawo Choyning Dorji (2019)
Oscar-nominated, it tells the story of a young teacher sent to a remote village in the Himalayas. - The Monk and the Gun – Pawo Choyning Dorji (2023)
A political satire set during Bhutan's first democratic elections. - Agent of Happiness – Arun Bhattarai, Dorottya Zurbó (2024)
An intimate portrait of Bhutan's happiness index through the lives of its citizens.
🎥 Documentaries About Bhutan
Documentaries offer an authentic view of life in Bhutan and its philosophy of happiness.
- Happiness – Thomas Balmès (2013)
A journey into the heart of Bhutanese society through the eyes of an 8-year-old boy.