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Nonfiction Books » Travel

My Journey to Lhasa by Alexandra David-Néel
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My Journey to Lhasa

by Alexandra David-Néel

Recommendations from our site

“She set off with her Tibetan adopted son. They were both dressed as pilgrims. He was allowed to be in Tibet, which had recently been granted independence from China. But absolutely no foreigners were allowed in whatsoever. She went incognito, undercover. So she was constantly under threat of being caught out. That is, in the narrative sense, what drives the story. She carries a pistol, a compass, and a few old spoons. The end point is her reaching Lhasa, where she spends two months. It’s the capital of Tibet, and she was among the first Europeans to ever set foot there. What really struck me was her nonchalance. Her actual physical journey is extraordinary, and she combines huge intelligence and academic passion with a sense of rebellion.” Read more...

The best books on Long-Distance Journeys

Louis Hall, Travel Writer

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