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The Nepali Flat
Take a man from sea level. Place him in the high Himalaya. Then laugh at him!
Join Gordon in Nepal as he drags his ‘heavy arse’ over the Himalayas in this hilarious, adventure-soaked account of the Three Passes Trek.
Together with guide Subash and porter Nima, Gordon tackles high passes in excess of 17,500 feet and explains how high altitude affects a mildly-overweight bloke from sea level in the tropics.
Each part of the journey brings new challenges including sub-freezing temperatures, almost falling into a crevasse, and alarmingly warm beer. Along the way he discovers the local Kukri Rum, traverses glaciers, interacts with eccentric and curious characters, and takes in the most beautiful views on the planet (pictures included).
Join Gordon in Nepal as he drags his ‘heavy arse’ over the Himalayas in this hilarious, adventure-soaked account of the Three Passes Trek.
Together with guide Subash and porter Nima, Gordon tackles high passes in excess of 17,500 feet and explains how high altitude affects a mildly-overweight bloke from sea level in the tropics.
Each part of the journey brings new challenges including sub-freezing temperatures, almost falling into a crevasse, and alarmingly warm beer. Along the way he discovers the local Kukri Rum, traverses glaciers, interacts with eccentric and curious characters, and takes in the most beautiful views on the planet (pictures included).
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2016
193 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Gordon Alexander
37 books8 followersHaving returned from Indonesia with thousands of words of mostly jargon, sprawled over three different devices, two note pads and some toilet paper, Gordon has finally pieced it all together in fairly readable English in the form of his second book.
Following the release of The Nepali Flat, Gordon packed in his job to become a full-time writer, taking probably the world’s largest pay-cut in the process.
He is currently working his way through Chile and Argentina, with plans of traveling north through Bolivia and into Peru for his third book.
Gordon was born in tropical Northern Australia to a pair of intrepid adventurers that soon began dragging him around the world. He spent four years at boarding school in Scotland, partook in a brief yet unspectacular stint at the University of London, studying Arabic, before transferring to the University of Jordan (in Jordan). Six months later he gained his first professional writing experience working as a sports journalist in the Gulf.
He is off to see the world in 2018, starting with South America, with plans of trekking Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, the Canadian Rockies and pretty much anything that forms a bump on the earth’s surface.
Please get in touch, he would love to hear from you!
There are newsletter and contact forms here: www.gordonalexander.org
Follow him on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/thenepaliflat/
Tweet him here (although he still doesn’t know how to use it): https://twitter.com/GordonAlex80
Or check out some of his Instagram photos here: https://www.instagram.com/gordonalexa...
Cheers!
Following the release of The Nepali Flat, Gordon packed in his job to become a full-time writer, taking probably the world’s largest pay-cut in the process.
He is currently working his way through Chile and Argentina, with plans of traveling north through Bolivia and into Peru for his third book.
Gordon was born in tropical Northern Australia to a pair of intrepid adventurers that soon began dragging him around the world. He spent four years at boarding school in Scotland, partook in a brief yet unspectacular stint at the University of London, studying Arabic, before transferring to the University of Jordan (in Jordan). Six months later he gained his first professional writing experience working as a sports journalist in the Gulf.
He is off to see the world in 2018, starting with South America, with plans of trekking Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, the Canadian Rockies and pretty much anything that forms a bump on the earth’s surface.
Please get in touch, he would love to hear from you!
There are newsletter and contact forms here: www.gordonalexander.org
Follow him on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/thenepaliflat/
Tweet him here (although he still doesn’t know how to use it): https://twitter.com/GordonAlex80
Or check out some of his Instagram photos here: https://www.instagram.com/gordonalexa...
Cheers!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
March 27, 2018
An amicable Aussie ambulates around in Nepal. Nearly a perfect alliteration, but for Nepal. Should have gone with something about altitude, which of course is a huge thing about Nepal. The climate alone is enough to qualify such treks as winter sports, a definite no on in my book. But then again this is Gordon Alexander’s book and for him impoverish conditions around impoverish locals, surviving on average to below average food (mostly potatoes and eggs) and an obscene amount of chocolate, wintery weather, exhaustive walks in perilous conditions are so on are absolutely worth it…it being primarily the views. The man doesn’t climb the mountains, let alone the killer Mt. Everest which apparently claims fatalities every single year but 1977, so he walks and climbs around them. It appears to be very tiring and somewhat dangerous, but at least there’s a very good chance of walking away alive. Mind you, he does his travels in style, with a guide and a Sherpa, the white man privilege all the way, although arguably that does create jobs for the local economy, which otherwise seems to have nothing going for it, unless spectacularly lethal airlines can be considered a claim to fame. The locals are friendly, ranging from desperate (trying to get jobs) to obsequious (doing their jobs). The poverty and pollution are off the charts, the cuisine leaves a lot to be desired. The Buddhist stupas are nice to look at. The mountains are spectacular and there are so many to choose from. That seems to be about it here, but the entire trip is narrated in such good and humorous spirits that it makes for a genuinely likeable light read. An armchair travel to a place one might not necessarily want to or have the stamina to go in real life, that’s just one more thing books are for, isn’t it. Criminally low amount of photos included, there are more descriptions of photos than there are photos, you’d think at least that amount would be even. And this isn’t a sort of travelogue where you can learn historical facts about the country and such, it’s more or a subjective perspective/personal account, but it works. For what it is this one turned out to be a funny and enjoyable read.
February 2, 2025
3.5 stars
May 4, 2018
The author does a good job of mixing humor with the sights and sounds of his trek. I never really thought about the hiking around Everest, and this has me interested to learn more about the passes.
March 28, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this highly entertaining book about trekking in the Himalayas.
March 21, 2017
An absolutely incredible journey, not to be missed.
This amazing book should be on everyone's must read list. The author has given us a hilarious, candid and seriously detailed account of his trek in the Nepal Himalaya. Having walked these paths myself, I could totally relate to his experiences, from the agony of realising there is yet another uphill climb, the absolute exhaustion of long, tiring days and relatively sleepless nights, the inevitable digestive tract issues, the struggle just to get from A to B, and to the awe-inspiring views and cultural insights that make the huge effort so worthwhile. I knew every village he mentioned, commiserated with every bad meal he ate, and cheered with him when he made it over those passes. Even though the last time I trekked in Nepal was over 20 years ago, he took me right back there and I walked the hills again with him.
Together with this guide, Subash, and porter, Nima, 'Mr Alex' shows incredible fortitude, strength of character, and ultimately, appreciation for the culture of this beautiful country and its people. Before reading this book, I wondered why it might be called The Nepali Flat. I don't plan to spoil that by giving you an answer. Suffice to say it is indeed typical of the local attitude.
Anyone who has walked these paths will laugh out loud at the shared memories the author will bring back. Anyone who is planning such a trip would do well to take notes. And those who just like to read about the journeys of others who put themselves out in the world to breathe it in will not be disappointed.
I could not put this book down and did not want it to end. I feel like I have journeyed along with a new friend on the high Himalayan footpaths. Do yourself a favour and go get it!
This amazing book should be on everyone's must read list. The author has given us a hilarious, candid and seriously detailed account of his trek in the Nepal Himalaya. Having walked these paths myself, I could totally relate to his experiences, from the agony of realising there is yet another uphill climb, the absolute exhaustion of long, tiring days and relatively sleepless nights, the inevitable digestive tract issues, the struggle just to get from A to B, and to the awe-inspiring views and cultural insights that make the huge effort so worthwhile. I knew every village he mentioned, commiserated with every bad meal he ate, and cheered with him when he made it over those passes. Even though the last time I trekked in Nepal was over 20 years ago, he took me right back there and I walked the hills again with him.
Together with this guide, Subash, and porter, Nima, 'Mr Alex' shows incredible fortitude, strength of character, and ultimately, appreciation for the culture of this beautiful country and its people. Before reading this book, I wondered why it might be called The Nepali Flat. I don't plan to spoil that by giving you an answer. Suffice to say it is indeed typical of the local attitude.
Anyone who has walked these paths will laugh out loud at the shared memories the author will bring back. Anyone who is planning such a trip would do well to take notes. And those who just like to read about the journeys of others who put themselves out in the world to breathe it in will not be disappointed.
I could not put this book down and did not want it to end. I feel like I have journeyed along with a new friend on the high Himalayan footpaths. Do yourself a favour and go get it!
March 31, 2019
I just love reading books where I'm totally transported to another place. When I've been sitting and reading for an hour and look up and I wonder where am I. Why is the sun shining outside and why am I hot? Was it not just -9 C in an awful room in Nepal a few moments ago?
The author shows you the story as it unfolds, you see, smell, experience it like he does. Having had experiences of trekking at high altitudes and suffering with the lack of oxygen I knew and felt what the author was going through. His writing style makes one feel that you actually know this guy by the end of the book.
There were some things in the book that bothered me and honestly, I could gladly have skipped chapter 20 - his tourist stunt in Katmandu at the end of his month long stay - it was just plain boring, but perhaps it was for him too.
This is really a good read and I'm going to re-read it as soon as I finish this, but then with pen and paper in hand to take some notes. I want to do this trip too.
The author shows you the story as it unfolds, you see, smell, experience it like he does. Having had experiences of trekking at high altitudes and suffering with the lack of oxygen I knew and felt what the author was going through. His writing style makes one feel that you actually know this guy by the end of the book.
There were some things in the book that bothered me and honestly, I could gladly have skipped chapter 20 - his tourist stunt in Katmandu at the end of his month long stay - it was just plain boring, but perhaps it was for him too.
This is really a good read and I'm going to re-read it as soon as I finish this, but then with pen and paper in hand to take some notes. I want to do this trip too.
April 9, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author took a trip to Nepal so he could hike to the Base Camp on Mt. Everest. Mr. Alexander was hiking, not climbing. I have a family member doing exactly the same thing, and I picked up this book to read in order to share his experience as much as possible. It really worked!
The author hired a professional guide and a professional porter. The book is his story of that adventure.
He spent roughly a month in Nepal. He gave me exactly the right amount of detail so that I could picture what was going on without wanting to do any skimming to get on with the story. For me, there was exactly the right amount of humor included. He met people from all over the world. The way he wrote, I could hear each of those different accents in my head as I read.
The author hired a professional guide and a professional porter. The book is his story of that adventure.
He spent roughly a month in Nepal. He gave me exactly the right amount of detail so that I could picture what was going on without wanting to do any skimming to get on with the story. For me, there was exactly the right amount of humor included. He met people from all over the world. The way he wrote, I could hear each of those different accents in my head as I read.
November 7, 2018
Having just returned from Nepal and missing it desperately (and having no idea what I ate for breakfast before discovering Tibetan bread and curry for breakfast), I stumbled across this book upon the recommendation of a fellow traveler from my EBC group. Not always the best writing (or at least it was very casually written, which is not exactly my favorite writing style) but humorous nonetheless and everything described in the book was very familiar indeed. I'll leave some of my perceived writing missteps to the altitude and lack of oxygen (maybe my own). I did enjoy reading about "Gorong's" adventures and I could picture my own sherpa's million dollar smile every time he described Nima's. Nepal IS beautiful, as are the people -- can't wait to go back, but first I need to get rid of the remnants of my Khumbu cough!
March 18, 2019
Gordon Alexander shares his hiking adventures in Nepal from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp, with great honesty and humour. Although he has the luxury of hiring two Nepali characters - Subash as his guide and Nima as his sherpa, the path is fraught with dangers, including crevasses, glaciers, lack of oxygen...
I particularly enjoyed his descriptions of the scenery, and his photographs of breathtaking mountains. Gordon also shares details of the food, accommodation and toilet facilities that become less luxurious as the trek progresses.
A number of people that he met en route were less prepared and a little blase at times. Indeed, some of them had to admit defeat and turn around.
The mountains of Nepal may be stunning, but they are also to be respected.
I particularly enjoyed his descriptions of the scenery, and his photographs of breathtaking mountains. Gordon also shares details of the food, accommodation and toilet facilities that become less luxurious as the trek progresses.
A number of people that he met en route were less prepared and a little blase at times. Indeed, some of them had to admit defeat and turn around.
The mountains of Nepal may be stunning, but they are also to be respected.
February 10, 2017
Gordon Alexander describes the Nepal experience accurately and in great detail so that even those who have never visited the region will be left with pretty clear idea what such endeavor involves. I especially enjoyed the beginning of the book, filled with vivid descriptions of the author’s surroundings and the characteristic behavior of the Nepali people. I felt that at the end of the story the writing fell slightly flat and became somewhat repetitious, but overall I enjoyed reading this memoir and would recommend it to those who are interested in book of this genre.
January 12, 2020
I came across this book by accident almost, having read many mountaineering and trekking books but never having heard of their author. It was an excellent find, both informative and entertaining giving what I would hope is a true insight in to trekking in the Himalayas whilst not layering on the pain and pathos too much. Would almost tempt me to go if it wasn't for the knowledge that I wouldn't last a day.
July 15, 2016
This book is thoroughly entertaining. He's written it as though he's sitting with you, telling you his story over a beer or two, so go into it expecting slang and places where the writing is pretty unpolished. I loved it, though. And I'm so glad that he made this trip and wrote about it, because now I have a pretty good idea of what it's like to trek in Nepal, so I never, ever have to do it. :)
July 31, 2017
Hiking and complaining
The book chronicles a trek by an Aussie who uses irony and sarcasm as humor, I think, but comes off a bit stiff. The descriptions of the mountains are loving and his admiration if the natural surroundings is evident; happily he treated his guide to a lovely adventure at the end.
The book chronicles a trek by an Aussie who uses irony and sarcasm as humor, I think, but comes off a bit stiff. The descriptions of the mountains are loving and his admiration if the natural surroundings is evident; happily he treated his guide to a lovely adventure at the end.
January 4, 2019
Such a wonderful book I couldn't get enough of it, Most of all it was an honest and heartfelt account of an ordinary man's personal journey in the Himalayas. The description of the place and the people fuelled my desire to travel to this fascinating region and made me feel it was truly possible.
Well done Gordon, I salute you !
Well done Gordon, I salute you !
March 19, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed the book.
This book was very fun to read and I learned a lot about what it is like to do some serious trekking around Mt. Everest, the culture in Nepal (which was very interesting), and the rigor of an increasing altitude. Gordon narrated a very friendly and honest adventure. Would strongly recommend this book.
This book was very fun to read and I learned a lot about what it is like to do some serious trekking around Mt. Everest, the culture in Nepal (which was very interesting), and the rigor of an increasing altitude. Gordon narrated a very friendly and honest adventure. Would strongly recommend this book.
July 9, 2018
I kept thinking as if I was prodding along beside Gordon and this was the dialog of that walk. This is the first time I have read anything about Nepal and didn't involve climbing Everest. I enjoyed reading about the physical demand of the trek but even more as to his impressions of the people.
A entertaining read as well as different. Enjoy
A entertaining read as well as different. Enjoy
October 17, 2018
As I was preparing to head to Nepal to trek to Everest Base Camp, I tried to read everything I could get my hands on about the experience. I was going with two of my book club friends, so I chose this as my book club selection so that those not coming along could understand what the three of us would be encountering.
August 30, 2020
Enjoyed the trip!
I normally read fiction and thought this would be a slow read. I really enjoyed trekking with Mr. Alex. Living in NH and thinking My Washington is magnificent, the discription of the Himalayans makes one want to visit, but I won't. I will be content with the author's experience.
I normally read fiction and thought this would be a slow read. I really enjoyed trekking with Mr. Alex. Living in NH and thinking My Washington is magnificent, the discription of the Himalayans makes one want to visit, but I won't. I will be content with the author's experience.
February 12, 2017
Excellent, Witty Journey
Having been to Nepal , I find this a very accurate, amusing story of one man charmed by all things unique, even the tough times. Thanks for all the chuckles!
Having been to Nepal , I find this a very accurate, amusing story of one man charmed by all things unique, even the tough times. Thanks for all the chuckles!
February 10, 2018
Okay
I got this book on a whim thinking that I might really enjoy it. It was more like a travelogue of a man's trek over the mountains in Nepal. I found it entertaining and a easy read. The stamina required for taking such a journey would have to be incredible. Good read.
I got this book on a whim thinking that I might really enjoy it. It was more like a travelogue of a man's trek over the mountains in Nepal. I found it entertaining and a easy read. The stamina required for taking such a journey would have to be incredible. Good read.
March 5, 2018
3.5. Not the best writing but the author, if a bit crass at times and hilarious at others, made me excited to read on to learn about his climbing and mountain journey and has me excited to visit myself some day.
March 31, 2018
Great read
At times funny, serious, and entertaining,The Nepali Flat kept me reading and anticipating the next days challenge and adventure. Could have read lots more from this author
At times funny, serious, and entertaining,The Nepali Flat kept me reading and anticipating the next days challenge and adventure. Could have read lots more from this author
June 12, 2018
Great Book
Since I read his second book first which was very good. This one was just as good. All the detail he goes into is just amazing. I can't wait till Book three comes out. Hoping there will be a book three. I gave it 5 stars it was very interesting with a touch of humor.
Since I read his second book first which was very good. This one was just as good. All the detail he goes into is just amazing. I can't wait till Book three comes out. Hoping there will be a book three. I gave it 5 stars it was very interesting with a touch of humor.
July 27, 2018
I love reading about Nepal, however the author is the kind of traveler who drives me crazy. Judgemental and often thinks his culture is the "best" way. Plus he narrates Nepali accents in a way that doesn't sound at all like the people, and instead sounds like stupid pidgin.
September 15, 2018
The Nepali Flat
Enjoyed reading this adventure! I loved his humor. I have a bother in law & sister in law who have been to Nepal twice or maybe 3 times. With seeing their pictures shows & stories of their trip . I enjoyed reading another person's experience.
Enjoyed reading this adventure! I loved his humor. I have a bother in law & sister in law who have been to Nepal twice or maybe 3 times. With seeing their pictures shows & stories of their trip . I enjoyed reading another person's experience.
January 10, 2019
Excellent book!
Great writing, hilarious and very descriptive. Read it in preparation for my upcoming trek in Nepal and I'm so glad I did.
I'll recommend it to everyone interested in travelling!
Great writing, hilarious and very descriptive. Read it in preparation for my upcoming trek in Nepal and I'm so glad I did.
I'll recommend it to everyone interested in travelling!
February 4, 2019
Alright
A decent travel memoir. While I have no interest in going Nepal I still find this book interesting. It certainly does a good job of explaining what a hike through those mountains might be like.
A decent travel memoir. While I have no interest in going Nepal I still find this book interesting. It certainly does a good job of explaining what a hike through those mountains might be like.
March 14, 2017
Amusing and captivating to this armchair traveler
It felt just like I was on the trek. I really enjoyed the humor and his tell it like it is writing voice
It felt just like I was on the trek. I really enjoyed the humor and his tell it like it is writing voice
February 4, 2018
Makes me want to trek
Interesting and personable. Very good descriptions of the scenery and the motivation needed to complete a difficult trek. I would read more by this author.
Interesting and personable. Very good descriptions of the scenery and the motivation needed to complete a difficult trek. I would read more by this author.
March 16, 2018
Wish I was there.
Great adventure story, great companions and honestly make this a very interesting read. Makes me think about how many Adventures I missed.
Great adventure story, great companions and honestly make this a very interesting read. Makes me think about how many Adventures I missed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews