Walking the Himalayas

Intrepid world traveler Levison Wood chronicles his ambitious undertaking of hiking for six months across 1,700 miles of some of the most scenic and extreme landscapes on earth: the Himalayan region spanning Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Nepal. Wood's British-accented narration is evocative in his descriptions of challenging political circumstances, cross-cultural friendships and misunderstandings, and, of course, the dramatic Himalayan scenery. His portrayal of his life at home in London provides an interesting contrast to the rarefied life of extended, physically demanding trips to distant corners of the planet. Wood's narration conveys the joy and pain of the high and low points of his journey, and the listener can sense his strength and determination in his confident yet humble tone. S.E.G. © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine

May 1, 2016

Travel advice from the Dalai Lama, wading across rivers with crocodiles swimming nearby, and surviving a horrifying car accident are all part of explorer Wood's (Walking the Nile) account of walking the Himalayas. His trek across Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kashmir, India, Nepal, and the mysterious kingdom of Bhutan is less about the adventure and more about the people and cultures he encounters along the way. Nearly landing on a cobra, running from a landslide, and tracking a tiger provide excitement, but it's the ceremonies with mystics and shamans, meetings with religious leaders, chancing upon regional celebrations, and sipping tea with locals that make this voyage riveting. The author travels through parts of the world harshly misunderstood by the West and provides an insightful look into what many view as alien societies. VERDICT More than a travelog, this will appeal to a wide variety of readers, from armchair travelers and adventurers to those interested in learning more about foreign lands.--Zebulin Evelhoch, Central Washington Univ. Lib.

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