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***Shortlisted for the 2023 STANFORD TRAVEL BOOK OF THE YEAR*** ***A Financial Times Travel Book of the Year 2022*** "Enchanting" Independent "Fatland distinguishes herself from the stereotypes" Guardian "Fatland is a sensitive and insightful chronicler of quotidian lives and a compelling narrator" Observer "Erika Fatland ascends to new heights with her fascinating journey" Wanderlust "An engaging snapshot of the current residents of this high-altitude battleground . . Fatland is a lovely writer with a sympathetic eye for the absurd" Financial Times An ambitious and magnificent new travelogue by internationally bestselling, prizewinning writer Erika Fatland.

The Himalayas meander for more than two thousand kilometres through many different countries, from Pakistan to Myanmar via Nepal, India, Tibet and Bhutan, where the world religions of Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism are interspersed with ancient shamanic beliefs. Countless languages and vastly different cultures exist in these isolated mountain valleys. Modernity and tradition collide, while the great powers fight for influence.

We have read about climbers and adventurers on their way up Mount Everest, and about travellers on a spiritual quest to remote Buddhist monasteries. Here, however, the focus is on the communities of these Himalayan valleys, those who live and work in this extraordinary region. As Erika Fatland introduces us to the people she meets along her journey, and in particular the women, she takes us on a vivid and dizzying expedition at altitude through incredible landscapes and dramatic, unknown histories.

Skilfully weaving together the politics, geography, astrology, theology and ecology of this vast region, she also explores some of the most volatile human conflicts of our times. With her unique gift for listening, and for storytelling, she has become one of the most exciting travel writers of her generation.