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Himalaya cover art

Himalaya

By: Michael Palin
Narrated by: Michael Palin
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Summary

Winner of the British Book Awards, TV & Film Book of the Year, 2005.

In his most challenging journey to date, Palin tackles the Himalayas, the greatest mountain range on earth. It is a virtually unbroken wall of rock stretching 1,800 miles from the borders of Afghanistan to south-west China. Penetrated but never conquered, it remains the world's most majestic natural barrier, a magnificent wilderness that shapes the history and politics of Asia to this day. Having previously risen to the challenge of seas, poles, and deserts, the highest mountains in the world were a natural target for Michael Palin.

In a journey rarely, if ever, attempted before, in 6 months of hard traveling Palin takes on the full length of the Himalaya including the Khyber Pass, the hidden valleys of the Hindu Kush, ancient cities like Peshawar and Lahore, the mighty peaks of K2, Annapurna, and Everest, the bleak and barren plateau of Tibet, the gorges of the Yangtze, the tribal lands of the Indo-Burmese border, and the vast Brahmaputra delta in Bangladesh. He also passes through political flashpoints including Pakistan's remote north-west frontier, terrorist-torn Kashmir, and the mountains of Nagaland.

©2014 Audible, Inc. (P)2014 Michael Palin

What listeners say about Himalaya

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Enjoyable -but thin on content

Where does Himalaya rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I have only ever listened to this one

What was most disappointing about Michael Palin’s story?

It was a bit rushed. One was left wanting more detail on just about everything ( Geography, history, current conflicts, landscapes). I also did not like the fact that each day was announced numerically - it interrupted the narrative - especially as some days he didn't have much to say.

What about Michael Palin’s performance did you like?

He reads very well but trying to take on different accents didn't always work.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. We used it for traveling a long distance and divided it into two sessions.

Any additional comments?

It was an enjoyable experience. Thank you.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

More of the same Genius

You don't need to say alot more than, Palin, Travel, Genius. Once again Michael Palin makes you feel like you are travelling with him.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Perfect companion

Having found Full Circle aged 13 and not looked back since I think it’s hard to find a more dedicated fan of Michael’s work and travels. Himalaya is a masterpiece in immersion and the truly high and honest lows one faces when travelling. Yes of course you get the comfort of Michael’s narration but you really do get the best of both worlds. He informs but does so sparingly, never overwhelming the listener with endless fact checking ‘man splaining’ points. He’s so humble and this clearly is absorbed by the people he meets and frankly he’s the perfect travel partner!
I feel like it could have been twice the length and I’d have been happy with it. Having been to Nepal a few times I feel like I wanted more about the people of that country and Bhutan. Pakistan and India are so often documented but Nepal and Bhutan not so. I think this is where Michael really fell in love with the Himalaya journey.
Enjoy, chill out and savour this wonderful man’s work. He’s such a natural at it, very few are.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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I loved it

Well done Michael Palin, I enjoyed listening to this so much that I have now listened twice.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Immersive and immensely enjoyable

A great listen! Palin’s descriptions are very immersive, and the way he recounts his journeys - and even more so the people he meets along the way - meant I felt I was journeying alongside him. Excellent narration too, varied and interesting easy-to-follow. A very entertaining account of a really interesting journey.

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My favourite

I have got into the habit of listening to these books contemporaneous with watching the DVDs. Himalayas was my favourite series so this has been a real treat.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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I feel like I am there

This book is written with such beautiful, sensory descriptive words that I felt like I was there. I have such a yurning for travel and as it is not currently possible, this book took me across the Himalayas in my mind. thank you

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Just Right

Michael's observations were balanced, colourful to imagine and a huge pleasure to listen to. I have visited some of the places myself as a Pakistani and it was a trip down memory lane for me. I will definitely listen to it again and recommend it highly.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Immerses you in his journey

Brilliant narration... Never tire of his voice and delivery and content.... With his humorous take on all he sees

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Combination of a good tale and excellent Naration.

Michael Palin has again read an excellent travel log. He tackles every journey with such enthusiasm that it comes across in his travel log and narration which makes for great listening.
It also works well on repeat listening.

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