The Traveler: An American Odyssey in the Himalayas

by Eric Hansen, Hugh Swift (Photographer)

An account of the late photographer's solo journey across fifteen thousand miles of the Himalayas features a text that offers insight into Swift's life and travels

Genres: Nonfiction

102 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Eric Hansen is a travel writer, most famous for his book Stranger in the Forest: On Foot Across Borneo, about a 4,000 km trek through the heartland of Borneo. He lives in San Francisco. For 25 years he has traveled throughout Europe, the Middle East, Australia, Nepal, and Southeast Asia.

Reviews

[Val Rich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, written after the death of Hugh Swift and using his photographs and journals. This pioneering adventurer spend decades traveling back and forth from the States to the Himalayas, going far into the mountains, becoming well acquainted with local people and customs. He carried no fancy equipment - a camera, a sleeping bag and little else, relying on locals for information and hospitality.
Through time, he observed the ways in which increased accessibility to these remote regions is causing irreparable damage both physically and culturally to this precious part of Asia. Although the book was published in 1993, I hope that it is read widely, as a cautionary tale to reduce our imprint on the Earth and to respect the great diversity of our planet.

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am now completely homesick for Nepal, and for Hugh Swift.