To the navel of the world: yaks and unheroic travels in nepal and tibet

Peter Somerville-Large was born in Dublin in 1928 and was educated at St Columba’s College and Trinity College Dublin. His first job in Afghanistan was followed by a spell of travel in Asia during the early 1950s. Destinations for his travel books include Ireland, Yemen, Iran, Afghanistan, and Tibet. He has also written four thrillers, and a number of short stories, including two prize winners. I have always wanted to travel to the foothills of the Himalayas and must, therefore, admit to a little envy of those who have. Of course, there are plenty who have made the trip in one way or another and, seemingly, even more who have then gone on to write instantly unforgettable books about such adventures. Thankfully this one is worth reading - if not more than once. In this case, the author's self-imposed task was to travel by Yak through Nepal and Tibet to the ancient forbidden city of Llasa. Accompanied by a photographer called Caroline and two Yaks - called Mucker and Sod, this is the story of their journey. It was an epic adventure punctuated by humour, danger and not a little Chinese bureaucracy. So, if you have ever fancied a trip to the foothills of the greatest mountain range in the world - have a read. You will be glad you did. A Review.