Niema Ash was one of the first Westerners to enter Tibet when its borders were briefly opened in 1986. Visiting at a time when tourists were few and far between allowed her to encounter people for whom traditional life had been unchanged for generations. Their humour, spirituality, and sheer enthusiasm for life had carried them through years of oppression. Niema relates her experiences in this absorbing personal tale with wit, compassion and sensitivity. Despite the determined efforts of the Dalai Lama to publicise the Tibetan cause, to this day the people, culture and traditions remain mysterious to many. Touching Tibet gives an insight into the heart and soul of this magnificent and enigmatic country.

About the Author

Niema has been described as, "the ideal author of a travel book: passionate, curious, self-critical, and with a rare ability to describe not only the outward appearance of a foreign land but to penetrate, in splendidly vivid prose, its very essence."

Prizes

Part of the brand new Eye Classics series from Eye Books

Reviews

Mesmerising -- The Sunday Times The Sunday Times Excellent - Niema Ash really understands the situation facing Tibet and conveys it with remarkable perception Tenzin Choegyal, brother of the Dalai Lama Thought-provoking and enjoyable ...it will evoke a deep desire to go to Tibet Geographical Magazine Almost surreal in its assemblage of improbably colliding facts - a marriage of the bizarre and the beautiful that chills the spine as often as it warms the heart The Times