Heinrich Harrer · 1952 · overland

Heinrich Harrer's 1952 memoir. Interned by the British in India at the outbreak of war, the Austrian mountaineer escapes a POW camp and treks north over the Himalayas into forbidden Tibet - a punishing journey across the high plateau to the holy city of Lhasa, where he becomes tutor and friend to the young Dalai Lama before the Chinese invasion drives him out.

1. 1
   Graz

   The Austrian city Harrer leaves to join a Himalayan expedition, only to be interned by the British in India when the Second World War breaks out.

2. 2
   Dehradun

   The British POW camp in northern India from which Harrer and a companion finally escape, slipping north toward the forbidden passes of the Himalayas.

3. 3
   Himalayas

   The brutal months crossing the high plateau of western Tibet on foot, evading officials and enduring cold and hunger, disguised as pilgrims to reach the interior.

4. 4
   Lhasa

   The holy, closed capital of Tibet, where Harrer is finally allowed to stay, becomes tutor to the teenage Dalai Lama, and lives until the Chinese army arrives.