'A battleground of immense geological forces that is a centre of human tectonics as well, with sacred and secular, tradition and technology, all pushing up against each other . . .'

In Himalaya, Michael Palin travels the length of the world's most astonishing mountain range from its origins in the Khyber Pass to its final descent to the sea in the Bay of Bengal. Along the way he encounters landscapes both beautiful and deadly - and meets the extraordinary people who make these mountains their home.

"The ultimate armchair travel book" - Guardian

"Coupled with his eye for detail, he has the diarist's willingness to try anything and to laugh at himself ... travel-writing of unpretentious charm and enjoyable originality" - Independent

"Brisk, fresh and makes you want to go where he has gone" - Daily Telegraph

"A glorious travel book" - Daily Mail

"Palin is the Python we all want to go abroad with" - Observer