TO MTN TIBET

This is the fourth book of Colin Thubron's I've read and while they're all fascinatingly interesting and wonderfully crafted, this is probably my favorite because of how personal it feels. He retains from his earlier work the vivid pictures he paints for us of what he sees and encounters, adding to it in this case a fascinating exploration of the lore and beliefs surrounding the mountains and lakes he passes. Additionally, it's clear this trip has the added dimension of a personal pilgrimage as the author peels back a bit of the curtain to show glimpses of his family's past as he reflects on the passing of his last immediate family member. The reflections are wonderfully interwoven with both his physical journey and the legends of the territory through which he treks.

A long tedious description in my opinion that becomes redundant. I had hoped for more history which was touched upon but glossed over to use infinite detail for every step taken. Oh well.

What makes good travel writing enjoyable is being able to see, and to some degree, comprehend a completely foreign culture through the eyes of someone who creates a connection between you, the reader, and that culture. If this was an impetus for Thubron's latest book, he succeeded handsomely. Thubron gives the reader the intellectual/factual background to help interpret the different characters he meets and the various ruins or functioning monasteries he visits. His descriptions of the mountains, streams, and wildlife can be stunning. His focus on the underlying mythologies or religions only add to the reader's ultimate understanding and pleasure in this visit to a most other-worldly place in the Himalayas. And, Thubron's personal reasons for undertaking the journey only make the book more human.A serious, substantive, and beautiful work.

Read this one. Then head over to Thubron's others--"In Siberia" and "The Lost Heart of Asia" for starts.

Colin's narrative of this journey took me along as if on a river—starting in an eddy, advancing into slow moving water, then into a steady stream of formed rapids. Poetic. Halting. Another impressive work by a great writer/explorer.

As a fan of Colin Thubron, I'll go out on a limb and say that this could well be his best book ever. He's very adept at presenting his Asian experiences with an efficiency of carefully chosen and perfectly accurate and evocative words that few writers - especially travel writers - are able to muster. Most travellers who eschew tours and travel 'rough' in traditional places tend to experience mild catharsis rather frequently, and this well-rendered tale replicates that experience for many who will never make a kora of Kailash, the sacred center of the universe (from which radiate the major rivers of Asia and all the major mountain ranges of the world) to Bons, Buddhists, and Hindus. It's a highly worthwhile read, and anyone who has ever trekked in the Himalaya will find themselves inspired to plan their next journey back to the abode of snows and rooftop of the world.

This book provides a wonderful view of a journey to Kailas. The history and legends surrounding this holy place are intertwined with the details of present-day pilgrims and the author paints a rich picture of the details of his journey. What seems to be missing is what drew me to the book in the first place. It was purportedly a very personal pilgrimage made by the author as a means of dealing with the passing of his mother (and thus, his family). I felt that the personal connection/motivation was mostly lacking and I was left with a great description of a trip and a history of the region, but very little insight into what the trip meant to the author.

Well written and quietly thoughtful book.

This is a short book of just under 220 pages, covering the author,s trek to and around Mount Kailas in Tibet. Kailas is sacred to over 20% of the world population and to trek around the mountain - it has never been climbed- provides merit to Buddhists and to Hindus. Full of information about these faiths, their rituals and sacred places, this is also a splendid piece of travel writing that allow the reader to feel as if they were there with the author.Tibet comes over as a sad place, where the Buddhist faith is largely repressed, and where poverty, real grinding poverty is a way of life for so many. There is a happiness too in the people who Thubron means and the stoicism with which they face life's challenges.This is a beautifully written tale of a very arduous journey, undertaken when the author was certainly no longer young. He seems to have found some peace in Tibet, and to have seen some remarkable sights.

Having long been fascinated by Tibet,I was delighted to find Colin Thubron's latest book.His writing is wonderful,full of detail,description,history,religion and personal perceptions.As he takes the reader up to the Mountain the hard way-on foot-the Tibet we encounter is very different from the Western idealisation of a mythic Shangri La.The people are poor,the climate is extreme,many religions vye for domination and superstition is everywhere.We're rewarded by a fascinating overview of the region's ancient beginnings,geologically and culturally.Colin Thubron is not in any way sentimental yet his empathy for those he meets on the way comes through with his meticulous descriptions of people's struggles.The only thing which would have made this more of an experience would have been photographs.

This is an interesting travelogus of a journey from an airfield at Simikot (western Nepal) to Mount Kailas (21,778 feet) in Tibet. The section in Nepal was by foot while the remainder was by land cruiser.Mount Kailas,the reported home of Lord Shiva the Hindu god,has never been climbed and it is considered sacred by the Hindu,Buddhist and Bon religions.Pilgrims are expected to walk the 32 miles round it.The authod describes his trip in fascinating detail with interesting observations on people and places but he should have deleted personal reminisences.

This is travel writing of a high order and anyone who has been in or near this part of the world will relish what amounts to a pilgrimage. The account of what proved to be a taxing journey is beautifully told, although some may find it a touch self-indulgent.

I am a big fan of Bruce Chatwin and so possibly biased.I did find the book interesting as it was a new angle on a subject I had already read about(Sven Hedin) and I will recommend it as it is a litle known world opening up.

I have not read such an eloquently written book before, it is hard going at times in as much as you have to re read parts to keep up with the story. Colin has brought to life his trip and at times I felt I was with him, it is also incredibly informative.Well worth reading again and again.

Beautifully written an evocative account of a journey to a mountain held sacred by many. Thubron is making his own pilgrimage whilst reflecting on the beliefs that lead others to tread the same path. His descriptions are, as always, lucid and captivating.

Learning about Tibet.I followed the writer all the way to enjoy that part of the world.What pleasure.

Beautifully -- poetically -- written. Full of wonderfully observed description but with great spiritual depth. He is a great travel writer indeed. Now want to read all his books. I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys travel books but also to those who like something with a deeper meaning. This will really get into your soul.

Brilliant writer

Excellent

Brilliant. The mystery and spirituality of Tibet is captured in his original prose. To my mind he is the greatest living travel writer. A joy to read.

i recommend 5!

I know that it is a true story, but has a really weak narrative, poor structure and no story to it. It felt like reading a disjointed and terribly linear diary at times.

A very special book which fills the reader with respect for what Colin Thubron achieved in reaching his destination - and with awe for the sublime prose with which he tells his story.