Spiti isnow an "open area" abd hence this book became very popular. Now second edition is just released. It is freely available through publisher or author.

This magnificent volume summarizes the life and teachings of one of the greatest yoga masters of the 20th century. Swami Rama demonstrated under rigorous laboratory conditions that the "miracles" attributed to the Himalayan yogis are actually true. The photography in this book is superb, and Pandit Tigunait's recounting of Swami Rama's adventures is thrilling--and deeply moving. This is a spiritual classic.

This books shows the historical development of a tiny Buddhist kingdom perched high in the western Himalayas. Tabo, the oldest Buddhsit monestary in India today, was the main religious and cultural centre of the Western Himalayas, and, situated on a vital nexus of the Silk Road, was of critical importance. Part of Deborah Klimburg-Salter's books shows how this monastery survived and prospered, and offers revealing insights to this vital cultural and economic cross-road. A huge wealth of photographs documents the great sculptures, wall paintings, and documents that the monastery is famous for. As an art-historian, the author explains with easy the meanings of the various deities, and what their ornamental details and placement can tell us about the history of the region. For anyone interested in Buddhist Art history or the history of Western Himalayas, this is a great book that should not be missed.

This book is a "sit on the edge of your seat, real life adventure." I couldn't believe how many times one man could slip through the hands of death and countinue on.

Hansen (Stranger in the Forest, Motoring with Mohammed) and Swift, both masters of independent travel on a shoestring during the wake of the 1960s, are kindred spirits. With 102 careful pages Eric Hansen scratches the surface of Hugh Swift's brief life (48 years) focusing on 15,000 miles of Himalayan travel during 25 years (1966-1991). The 56 breathtaking photographs, selected from Hugh Swift's collection, provide a glimpse into a traditional and magical world on the brink of globalization. Hansen provides some vignettes about Swift as a respectful adventure traveler, interspersed with his own views of life on the road, and the changing world. I've just reread the hardcover and want to know more about Hugh's life, philosophy, and adventures and see more of his photographs. If you read this book, try to find the hardcover for the quality of the photographs.

This book is a superb guide to anyone planning treks/climbing in the indian himalayas.The layout is elegant ,cartography and maps are precise especially the strip maps .The details are what a trekker would normally want to know ,which enhances the value of the book manifold. So if you are a mountain lover and want to explore the Indian Himalayas get hold of this book.For others who are arm chair travellers ,you'll feel you are amidst the himalayas .

Though technically not a book, this CD-ROM contains several fascinating stories about a place sometimes regarded as "Shangri-la." The photography and layout is excellent, and navigating through the various paths of this electronic tour is relatively easy. On the way you will gain a lot of knowledge about the amazing geography and culture of the Himalayan region. There is a fair amount of challenging interactivity as well. The "Book of Wisdom" gauges what you have learned and allows you to go on an entertaining treasure hunt, an adventure both my son and I enjoyed. More than anything, though, Up to the Himalayas may inspire you to physically visit the Kingdom in the Clouds!

This book presents the conflict in a very honest and soul-searching manner . It gives an paralled insight into the workings of the political and military leadership of India during the crisis, and the reasons and blunders which led to the humiliating defeat. A must for serious students of Indian military history!

This book journeys with the great adventurers of the days of
the Raj into the upper reaches of the British Empire. Filled
with the history of Kashmir, Afghanistan and Tibet from this period. This book would be well complimented by Steven Tanner's
Afghanistan for the history of that region.

I read this book while on vacation in England where I found it in the stacks of a small library. The authors successfully combine travel adventure, the religious history of Ladakh, fascinating ethnography, mysticism, and local mythology. An off-beat, unique, educational and fun read. I highly recommend it to those interested in the area, esoteric Buddhism and travel adventure.