To a Mountain in Tibet

By: Colin Thubron

Narrated by: Steven Crossley

This is the account of a journey to the holiest mountain on earth, the solitary peak of Kailas in Tibet, sacred to one-fifth of humankind. To both Buddhists and Hindus it is the mystic heart of the world and an ancient site of pilgrimage. It has never been climbed. Even today, under Chinese domination, the people of four religions circle the mountain in devotion to different gods. Colin Thubron reached it by foot along the Karnali River, the highest source of the Ganges. His journey is an entry into the culture of today's Tibet, and a pilgrimage in the wake his mother's death and the loss of his family. He undertakes it in order to mark the event, to leave a sign of their passage. He also explores his own need for solitude, which has shaped his career as a writer---one who travels to places beyond his own history and culture, writing about them and about the journey.

To a Mountain in Tibet is at once a powerful travelogue, a fascinated encounter with alien faith, and an intimate personal voyage. It is a haunting and beautiful book, a rare mix of discovery and loss. In its evocation of landscape and variety of exotic peoples, of mythic and spiritual traditions foreign to our own, it is a spectacular achievement from our greatest living travel writer, an artist of formidable literary gifts, uncanny intuition, and wondrous insight.

©2011 Colin Thubron (P)2011 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Engrossing and affecting...poignant evocations of his mother and sister, interwoven with his profound respect for the Tibetan culture and landscape, make Thubron's memoir and utterly moving [listen]." ( Publishers Weekly)

One of the most boring books I've ever listened to

The author travels to an interesting place and tells the stories of local people. That usually interests me a great deal. However, something is missing. Maybe it's the laundry list manner that the stories are conveyed, maybe it's the lack of a deeper goal or a central idea of why the trip is being taken. Events are simply so separate and does not retain my attention. The author's other book, Shadows of the Silk Road, is better, because of all the distinct places he goes to. But this book I think I will return as it never draws my attention.

Horrible sound

What disappointed you about To a Mountain in Tibet?

While the story appears interesting, the narrator sounds like he's speaking inside of an empty room or a metal box. There's some kind of strange echo to his voice. It's really disappointing because normally Steven Crossley is an incredible narrator. I don't understand how he could have been associated with anything that has such poor sound quality.

introspective journey

perfect writing meets perfect narration. Will listen to again since it's a spiritual pilgrimage worth repeating