Auf verbotenen Wegen: Reisen und Abenteuer in Tibet

A seasoned explorer recounts a daring spring‑summer trek across the forbidden highlands of Tibet in 1897, blending vivid sketches, early photographs and a hand‑drawn map of the sprawling plateau. He describes the sheer scale of the Himalayas, the climb to a 6,700‑metre summit, and the meticulous surveying that revealed hidden lakes and the true course of the Brahmaputra’s source. Encounters with the mountain‑dwelling Shokas unfold through keen observations of their customs, hospitality and the stark contrast between their rugged world and the foreign traveler’s expectations.

The narrative balances awe‑inspiring geography with the everyday challenges of navigating remote villages, weathered passes and the ever‑present threat of bandits. Readers are drawn into moments of tension as the party negotiates local politics, experiences the stark beauty of high‑altitude deserts, and learns to survive in an environment where every step can be a test of endurance. Richly illustrated, the account offers a compelling glimpse into an era of exploration when the very act of crossing these hidden routes was a remarkable feat.