Lifelong mission to explore

AT Leisure

The dearth of authoritative information available on her native country was what motivated Lily Wangchhuk to undertake the job of writing Facts About Bhutan: The Land of the Thunder Dragon. A former assistant resident representative in Bhutan for the UN Development Programme, the 40-something author manages a consultancy and travel agency promoting the scenic delights of this mountainous kingdom and its rich culture heritage.

"It was during my tenure as a diplomat that my eyes were opened to the shortage of proper information on Bhutan," said Wangchhuk, who was in Bangkok recently to publicise the launch of her book.

"During my interaction with a cross-section of people from various walks of life, including some career diplomats specialising in the area, I found they had little knowledge of my country and [what little they did know] seemed to emanate from sources which were not authentic. I was finally convinced to take on the onus of presenting my country accurately to the outside world. As a Bhutanese, I felt it was my moral responsibility to present the true essence of the country through a comprehensive and factual book."

What were the most rewarding and the most demanding aspects of working on the book?

The project took me to various places across the country and helped me interact with myriad personalities. This provided me with an opportunity to discover some amazing facets of my country which was a most rewarding experience.

The object of the book was to present a comprehensive, accurate picture of the country in the most presentable and reader-friendly form possible. To achieve that aim I had to verify each and every fact and present them with appropriate photographs and illustrations. Being a Bhutanese, I felt that I simply couldn't afford to make errors. There was a lot of effort involved in researching and verifying the information with relevant agencies and institutions; that was the most demanding part of the project.

In what way is your book different from others in the same genre?

Facts about Bhutan is, I feel, the pioneering book in this genre, for it not only includes travel information but provides a comprehensive overview of the whole country. It covers a wide range of topics including facts on the country's history, society, traditions and culture, its people, governance, judiciary, clergy, foreign relations, the economy, environment, health and education systems.

Readers of the book will also gain a good understanding of the glorious journey the kingdom has taken under the monarchs who have reigned over the last 100 years.

So this sets it apart from other books on the same subject?

Yes. Unlike travel guides, my book highlights policies of the government and provides details on all 20 districts in Bhutan and other places of interest, so it can also be used for reference purposes.

In addition to standard information for travellers, it contains exhaustive coverage of places to visit in Bhutan, recreational activities, average monthly temperature and the driving time between various destinations. And all this is supported by charts, maps and illustrations.

The book does indeed seem encyclopaedic in scope; did you set out to educate foreigners on every aspect of Bhutan?

Yes. So I've included things like a list of common phrases in Dzongkha backed up with illustrations in order to help foreign tourists strike up conversations with the local people and quickly make friends with them.

The book has 400 pages of text and is embellished with over 700 photographs, 40 maps, nine graphs, eight information tables, 23 mini statistics and 23 'special spotlight' pages which were meticulously researched. Useful websites on Bhutan are also listed to help readers gather additional information.

What message did you set out to convey?

The main intention is to showcase Bhutan in its complete form and also to publicise lesser-known facts about the country. I want to get out the message that Bhutan is a tourist-friendly place which is open to a more diverse range of travellers and also to clear up any misconceptions there may be about our policy on tourism.

Have you been able to educate visitors about your country in your capacity as a consultant and travel agent?

The main focus of my consultancy firm is to work on various social issues within the country and this might help visitors understand the complexities of Bhutanese society. Through my travel agency I offer highly personalised and customised tours to suit each visitor's needs, thereby helping them to discover various aspect of my country and experience its many hues to the fullest.

Could you tell us about a few of your favourite places in Bhutan and explain why they are so special to you?

To choose my favourite place in Bhutan would be difficult, as every place is unique in its own way and has its own charm. Nevertheless I can say that I prefer rural settings with naturally splendid environments, places like Gangtey, Bumthang and Trashiyangste. Travellers can also revel in the beauty of the landscape and magical aspects of the local culture as they journey from one tourist spot to another.

What aspects of Bhutan do you think other travel guides have consistently overlooked?

Well ... they tend not to bring out the reasons why Bhutan is so unique. Bhutan is special because of the guidance of and contribution made by successive visionary monarchs who have followed a steadfast policy of preserving our country's pristine environment, age-old culture, traditions and customs through a balanced mode of development based on the concept of Gross National Happiness [as opposed to a country's GDP (gross domestic product)].

Could you share with our readers a few of the most memorable travel experiences you've had in Bhutan and overseas?

My childhood was spent in the capital, Thimphu, and my first trip to eastern Bhutan, via Bumthang in central Bhutan, back in 1989 was a real eye-opener. It gave me my first glimpse of the natural beauty of the rural landscape and valuable insights into the way the vegetation, climate and geography changes as one traverses the breadth of the country.

As the road meandered through valleys and climbed up to mountain passes, the surroundings changed from lush green fields to sparse high-alpine vegetation. I got the chance to experience many aspects of my country's traditions, culture, dialects and lifestyle and this helped me appreciate just how amazingly diverse Bhutan actually is. It was this road trip that started me on my life's mission to get to truly know my country.

As for overseas trips, I truly cherish the experiences I've had in Thailand. I'm trying to discover your country through its art, architecture and culture. What I've seen so far of Buddhist monuments, floating markets and Thai traditional dance has been truly unforgettable.

What sort of destinations do you most enjoy visiting?

I'm always intrigued by places which offer a rich cultural experience coupled with natural beauty. Such places not only help me explore the culture of another country but also help me draw references to my own country's heritage and culture.

Of all the places I've visited, Thailand has offered the best balance between culture/tradition and modern comforts. So I try to visit at least once a year because the hospitality of Thai people rejuvenates me, both physically and spiritually, and always makes me feel at home. Like Bhutan, Thailand offers one multiple opportunities to discover new things!

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To contact the writer, feel free to email yvonneb@bangkokpost.co.th