Travel is a journey into the unseen, the unfelt and often the untried. And then everyone has a story to tell. But the excitement takes over right from the moment the first thoughts of a trip touches our mind. However the last two years have been very different and a difficult one for the traveler in us. Yet there are stories to inspire as you read more. Stories of many years back, during the pandemic and now. But this one is a class apart. And a story from the time of my good old younger days. It’s exciting. It’s the Himalayan connection.
The last two years have also been about visiting a lot more places through the eyes of a fellow blogger. And it has been so heartening to see so many female travelers who are bloggers themselves sharing their experiences of this beautiful world. And their stories of solo travel, courage, grit and determination to face adversity with success and a smile. It’s been a real pleasure traveling with them on their journey to the unexplored.
A New Discovery
But when I chanced upon this story couple of days back, all memories of my growing up days in the 60’s & 70’s in the land of Buddha Bodh Gaya, 1983 the year I passed out of my university, the memories of Nepal as a teenager and the trips to the Himalayan ranges over the years here in India came flashing back. And I continued to read on. A book on a journey from within by ‘Amy Edelstein’, the celebrity writer, researcher, teacher and author.
The Story
The 1970s were a hard decade for independently-minded young women to come of age in America, especially in an East Coast industrial city that was more like the lumbering Midwest than the forward-thinking eastern seaboard. When Amy Edelstein looked around the Pittsburgh neighborhood she grew up in, she concluded that if she was going to find someone who might be able to offer more than a shred of insight and guidance on a path to a life nobly-lived, she knew she had to head much further afield.
And so, she did. Leaving Cornell University to celebrate her 21st birthday in the mountains outside of Pokhara, Nepal. And then she decided to spend the next few years walking in the high Himalayas, studying philosophy and meditation with the best teachers she could find, and doing everything she could to tame her restless, anxious, and self-critical mind. She was on the perennial quest.
Determined to find that elusive awakened consciousness, in 1983 Amy journeyed to the remote western corner of the Tibetan Plateau in Zanskar, India. Carrying a crumpled Indian Army map to guide her, with dotted lines tracing footpaths and concentric mis-shaped ovals marking elevations she set out to walk several hundred miles in the oldest Buddhist valley in the world. Traveling alone, without mountaineering gear or guides, she crossed mountain passes as high as 16,000 feet, traversed glacial snow bridges, and slept in caves, shepherds’ huts, and outdoors under a brilliant star-studded sky.
Sounds exciting? Well my copy has just reached me. And can’t wait to lay my hands on this exciting book. Moreover you too could order yours right here on Amazon.
Adventure in Zanskar
This account of Amy’s journey reveals a world of our recent past, yet one radically different from our present— a world prior to the ubiquitous mobile phone and its globalizing influence. A world where we could still adventure and discover great treasures of generosity, wisdom, and kindness. And in Amy’s words, a world where the Buddha’s teachings were in fact embedded in every aspect of life.
About the Author – Amy Edelstein
IPPY-award winner and #1 Amazon bestselling author Amy Edelstein has a unique perspective on the relationship between the inner journey and outer change. She is a Cornell University College scholar and the author of six books, including The Conscious Classroom.
‘Happy Holi’ Amy from all of us in India. Thank you so much for connecting. And thank you for the copy. I eagerly look forward to reading the book first and then our one-to-one interaction around the middle of next month. It would be a pleasure chatting up.
If you loved this insight into ‘Adventure in Zanskar’, PIN it for later & for friends!
Looking forward to your one on one with the author.
Sure Papa.
This sounds like a very interesting book, the kind that take you on an adventure and make you plan a trip there as well. I like to read books about journeys, they give you such a different perspective on a destination. Amy seems to have had an amazing trip in Zanskar.
I just loved reading about her fascinating journey.
What a wonderful book review on Amy Edelsteins book Adventure in Zanskar. The book seems to give us an intriguing insight into Amy’s challenging yet learning adventure into the extremely harsh climate of Zanskar valley. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this book.
Thank you Puloma. It’s a wonderful book. Loved the adventure.
You make me want to read her book. Such an incredible journey for a solo traveler in the 70s: traveling with a purpose. There must be places in the book that make you want to visit the HImalayan.
Yes it is. And the book is worth a read.
It’s a great article, beautifully written. I haven’t read Adventure in Zanskar by Amy Edelstein, but I’d love to read it now. I love India and Nepal, I have been to these countries, and I dream of coming back to them, so I would love to read this book and her story. Great recommendations.
Thank you Agnes. Loved the book. You too would surely love it.
I’m going to need to read more about Amy Edelstein now. What an amazing story. I have been very similar in this situation. As a fellow traveller and blogger, I just had to find a way to get lost and escape. I started listening to podcasts, watching more documentaries and reading so many blogs and books.
Yes Nicole it’s a very interesting read.
Inspiring journey! To think that the 70’s seem like 20 years ago, but in reality it’s farther off. It’s been so long ago since I last read a travel memoir….thanks for recommending, I’d look into her book now.
Please do. You’ll love the journey.
Wow! Would love to learn more about her experience. Thank you for sharing the link. Will surely grab a copy of this book.
It’s definitely worth a read Clarice. Loved it.
Subhasish, first of all, as a female travel blogger, I really thank you for appreciating us. The book review is really nice. I would really want to read about Amy’s journey. I’m in awe about Amy’s journey with just a paper map of Indian Army to explore Zanskar! Wow! Hats off to her!
My pleasure Bhushavali. I really do appreciate the travels and writings of female travel bloggers including your journeys with your family.
This is very motivating. Thank you for reviewing this book by Amy. I would really love to read this. I cannot imagine exploring an unknown land with just a hand map. This boosts travel bloggers like us. I enjoy reading books on journeys. Thanks again for the recommendation.
Thanks Shreya.