So Close to Heaven: The Vanishing Buddhist Kingdoms of the Himalayas by Barbara

In So Close to Heaven, journalist Barbara Crossette journeys through the remote Buddhist kingdoms and regions of the Himalayas, exploring cultures caught between centuries-old spiritual traditions and the pressures of the modern world.
 
Traveling through Bhutan and neighboring Himalayan regions, Crossette examines the history, politics, religion, rituals, and everyday lives of communities shaped by Tantric Buddhism. Her account goes beyond conventional travel writing, considering what happens when isolated cultures confront political conflict, modernization, tourism, and outside influence.
 
Part travel narrative, part cultural history, So Close to Heaven offers an engaging portrait of a remarkable region at a pivotal moment of change—particularly compelling for readers interested in Buddhism, Himalayan culture, Bhutan, and destinations far beyond the usual tourist path.
 
✨ Why You’ll Love It
Combines travel writing, history, religion, and cultural observation
Explores Bhutan and the Buddhist cultures of the Himalayas
Examines the tension between ancient traditions and modernization
Provides insight into Tantric Buddhist beliefs, rituals, and communities
Written with a journalist's eye for politics, people, and cultural change
An excellent companion read for those exploring Tibetan and Himalayan Buddhism
📚 Perfect For
Readers interested in Buddhism and comparative religion
Armchair travelers and adventurous travel readers
Those fascinated by Bhutan, Tibet, and the Himalayas
Readers of cultural history and anthropology
Anyone interested in traditional cultures confronting modernization
Travel and world-culture collections