A Nepalese Journey: On Foot Around the Annapurnas

Oh, where to begin to sing the praises of this 191-page book whose prose is as beautiful as its photographs. Stevenson, a Canadian, now living in Bermuda, is in love with the land and the people of Nepal, a love and honor depicted in every word and photographic detail. The Nepalese - some 20 million of them - who live on dizzifying elevations, as well as dizzifying political conditions - survive in squalor, yet spiritual splendor. What they lack in worldly goods they make up for in their devotion to life. Bright colors punctuate their hand-made clothing, their jewelry, and the interior of their dwellings, whether temples or huts. Particularly moving is Stevenson's preface where he says he was nearly killed in an automobile accident but "promised myself I would get back on my feet in time to walk the Annapurna Circuit before trekking season... a vision that buoyed my spirits... [of a] "self imposed regimen of swimming and then walking and finally jogging." Buoy your own spirits by reading this book. Pick any page and you will come away refreshed. Celebrate Nepal with Stevenson and his chosen people.

We're taking our three kids on the Annapurna circuit this fall of 2005 and needed a photographic primer. This book has gone a long way in filling that bill. Good dscriptive text accompanied by great pictures that tell where they were taken. It's definately helping get everyone excited and ready for another grand adventure! Aloha from the Hawaiian Crawfords!

Most photographic books on the Himalayas depict the mountains. This is a wonderful compilation of scenic shots with people and their environment. If you've done the Annapurna Circuit, it's a poignant reminder of everything you experienced. If you haven't done it, it'll entice you to go. Beautifully laid out, with plenty of explantory text it's a must for anyone planning on visiting Nepal.

I picked NEPALESE JOURENY recently and it is a fantastic reminder of a trip I made around the Annapurnas in April. I saw the book in Kathmandu and bought it when I returned home. The stunning photography shows not only mountains but it also shows the people you meet and the tea-houses you stay in. The text also provides a intimate portrayal of the local people who live in the Annapurnas. For anyone who is thinking of going to the Annapurna in Nepal, or anyone who has been there already like me, and wants a photo album of their trip and all the things they saw then this is a book you should have on your coffee table.