Chasing Himalayan Dreams

About Chasing Himalayan Dreams

Customers say

Customers find the book inspiring, with one review highlighting the spiritual experiences of the journey and another noting the dedication needed to achieve goals. Moreover, the information content receives positive feedback, with one customer describing it as a vivid guide for a modern mystical journey. Additionally, they appreciate the writing style, realistic imagery, and consider it a wonderful adventure. The book is enjoyable to read, and one customer mentions the author’s skill as a travel writer, while another appreciates the detailed backpacking list.>

Share the secret luxuries tucked away on the trek
Join in the fun and personal stories of the trip all the way from Hardwar to Hemkund and all points in between
Leave room for surprises

Experience the wonder of the soaring peaks, glistening glaciers, mysterious mountain mists and most of all, the blessing of friends and strangers in this inspiring feel-good book while safe at home.

If mountains and adventure travel are your dream, this thrilling book will take you away on a secret trek, even if you are stuck at home. Whether you’re an experienced mountaineer, or you’ve never hiked before, read this book to find a little known Himalayan hike that is more accessible, less expensive and less dangerous to you and the environment than climbing Everest.

If you are an armchair enthusiast and you love to read about adventures and travel, but you don’t actually plan to go there, this book is for you. And today, if you cannot go due to restrictions, you can still enjoy an exhilarating escape into this story.

Read the book to:

Find out how to achieve a dream even if you think it’s impossible
Learn that the views of sweeping mountain ranges and cloud covered plains are the best in the world
Overcome the fears of trekking at higher altitudes
Find out where to go to start the hike, how to get a guide, what to eat and what to carry
Access all types of accommodation from Government hostels to private homestays with attached toilets
Prepare your mindset and mental resilience, and overcome physical limitations
Strengthen your body and take care of your feet so that you can cope with climbing (even though there is a well-formed track all the way)
Vicariously experience the thrill of trekking above the clouds all the way to Sandakphu
Experience a trek that is more beautiful, without the mortal danger, the crowds, the queues and the trash that blights the Everest and other thickly touristed treks.
Live an adventure that is remote, and yet extraordinarily accessible

The 61km, 6-day trek is a must for any would-be adventurer, or travel enthusiast. Read this book to live your own Himalayan dream, one step at a time.
This is the doable alternative to the Everest trek.

Editorial

Thoroughly enjoyable read What I like the most about this read, was the vivid description of the trek. What I like the least is that I don’t feel like I have to go anymore. The author’s vivid description made me feel as if I were in her backpack looking over her shoulder. Seriously read this book. It is an awesome trek and I cannot imagine whom I’d rather go with than Susan Jagannath who finally fulfilled a long-held dream.

Deep Insight into Living the Adventure of a Lifetime! Traveling to the Himalayas is something that I have always dreamed about. But unlike my dreams, the author is someone that actually took the big leap and turned her dream into a reality. Taking on new challenges is never easy, and with Susan Jaganath she has shown the world that you can live your dream even when it frightens you.Scott AllanFollowing in the footstepsMagnificent experience and beautiful writing! The author finally realizes a dream conceived when she was 16: the Sandakphu trek.

My heart was with her in the Himalayas. The pack list and practical tips afterwards bring the book down to reality. Perhaps one day . . . Don’t forget the free Himalayan mandala coloring book! Dr Marlena Corcoran

Glimpses of the Valley and the Path

Readers Q&A: Chasing Himalayan Dreams

Q: What is “Chasing Himalayan Dreams” primarily about?

A: “Chasing Himalayan Dreams” is about fulfilling a lifelong dream to trek to Sandakphu in the Himalayas to gaze upon Kanchenjunga and the Sleeping Buddha. The author describes it as chasing a Himalayan dream she has had all her life, a dream once forbidden at 16 that she pursued at sixty. The book delves into how this impossible, ridiculous, and forbidden dream became a reality.
Q: Who is the author of “Chasing Himalayan Dreams”?

A: The book is written by Susan Jagannath.
Q: Where does the trek described in the book take place?

A: The trek takes place on the Singalila Ridge in the Himalayas, overseeing Kanchenjunga. This area is located where India meets Nepal and Tibet, in northeast India. When walking along this trail, you are literally on the border of India and Nepal, often crisscrossing between the two countries, even spending nights in different countries. The journey starts from near Darjeeling, which served as the author’s base.
Q: What is the “Sleeping Buddha” and where can it be seen?

A: The Sleeping Buddha is a range of mountains that looks like a snow-white figure of a recumbent man sleeping across the peaks. It is visible from Sandakphu, which is a point on the Singalila Ridge. The highest point of this range, forming the Buddha’s tummy, is Kanchenjunga.
Q: How long has the author harbored this dream?

A: The author’s dream of seeing Kanchenjunga and undertaking this trek dates back 40 years, originating from her childhood spent in military bases across north India and her first year of university in Darjeeling where she “fell in love with mountains”. It was a dream from when she was 16 that was then buried under the responsibilities of motherhood and career.
Q: What are the main logistical details of the trek described in the book?

A: The trek is a five-day loop, with three days going up and two days coming down. It covers just under 70 kilometers and involves touching altitudes of up to 4000 meters. The daily average distance is about 10-12 kilometers, with much of it being vertically uphill.
Q: What challenges did the author encounter during the trek, particularly regarding altitude?

A: The author struggled significantly with altitude sickness, experiencing discomfort and an inability to sleep at high altitudes. She initially thought her fitness would protect her, but learned that altitude sickness “has got nothing to do with anything” as it’s about oxygen levels and “can hit anyone, anytime”. She also lost her appetite due to the altitude.
Q: Is a local guide required for this trek?

A: Yes, it is mandatory to hire a local guide to go to Sandakphu. This policy supports the local economy and helps ensure the safety of trekkers, preventing them from getting lost or wandering into Nepal or Tibet. It also protects the region’s valuable plants and wildlife, including the rare Red Panda, which is supported by a local breeding program.
Q: What are some of the author’s top tips for someone planning to see Kanchenjunga?

A: The author advises:
• Read her book and other relevant materials.
• Travel with a tour operator.
• Make Darjeeling your base, as it is well-established for Western tourists.
• Give yourself enough time and do not rush the ascent, as altitude sickness is real.
• Try to avoid the festival season, such as Divali or Durga Puja, to escape large crowds.
• Remember that the local government of Darjeeling and Sandakphu has specific rules, including the requirement for a local guide, and the primary language spoken is Nepali.
Q: What is the significance of Kanchenjunga to the local people?

A: Kanchenjunga has been considered a sacred mountain by the indigenous people of the area since pre-Buddhist times. Climbing it is not encouraged, both due to its sacredness and its treacherous nature.
Q: What other adventures or books has the author written about?

A: The author has also written about an adventure on the Camino Inglés, and Camino INvierno. She is currently working on a new book about the Portuguese Camino.

Reviews

Customers say

Customers find this travel guide informative and well-written, with a clear step-by-step approach to planning and preparation. The book is concise and practical, making it an essential read for prospective pilgrims, and one customer notes it serves as an indispensable companion for route planning. They appreciate the packing suggestions, food options, and humor throughout the text.

Information qualityDetailReadabilityPacking suggestionsFood optionsHumorBook length

Top reviews from the United States

ReadThisBook

Breathtaking Imagery of a Perilous Journey

Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2018

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I read SJ’s first book and loved it so much, I had to read this one. Of course, I loved this book!!
Once again, SJ pulls us into her unusual adventures in hidden places with vivid imagery and emotional appeal. Who doesn’t dream of fearlessly climbing mountains and traveling to impossible places? At some point in our lives, we all have wild dreams like this. But this author doesn’t just dream it—she does it. I wish I had her energy!
In Chasing Himalayan Dreams, SJ climbs a mountain—in the most formidable topography—just to catch a view of Kanchenjunga and Everest, then risks her life scrambling down muddy terrain and hairpin roads with steep cliffs—and lives to tell about it. The author helps us to understand some of the language, culture, and food of the area; and also warns us of the some of the hazards of trekking in this part of the world.
SJ’s childhood memories impacted on her lifelong dream to hike this austere part of the world. As she stumbles through the mud and brush, she reminisces some hilarious childhood stories. She weaves the past and present together with incredible finesse.
After reading this book, I was breathless and felt like I had been on that mountain with her. The imagery was so realistic.
Susan—Please go on more perilous adventures and tell us all about them. For those of us that are too old, too broke or too lazy need to know that the impossible is possible. Although the story-telling convinced me that I never want to climb a mountain in a foreign country, I’m very happy reading and pretending that I did.
Buy the book. You will love it.

Sharfunnisa Quadri

This book right here sums up the one philosophy for a memorable life. In author’s own words, “If you want to be remembered when you are dust, do something worth writing about or write a book worth reading.”

If you follow this you can succeed whether it be climbing a mountain or any other area of your life. Pack your boots and find a mountain of your own to climb. This is such an inspiring story of fulfilling a long forgotten dream, I plan to read this to my 6-year-old during our summer vacation together.

I have climbed tiny mountains myself (4-8 hour treks) in India, Europe and America. Hence I also enjoyed the detail backpacking list as well as how the author describes the months and years of eating and living healthy and training before she began her 6-day trek. This is a perfect guidebook for someone that wants to undertake a more serious adventure.

I love the writing style, humour as well as glimpses of the authors’ early life, as well as culture and food that’s interspersed with the story of the trek.

Every Mom, Grandmom, and kids whether or not they are mountaineers or travellers ‘MUST’ read this book.

Heather Hackett

Beautifully real and painfully honest

Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2018

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If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to revel in someone else’s experiences from the comfort of your armchair, this book is going to blow you off your seat and out into the great unknown, scrambling to follow in the author’s footsteps. If you’re the kind who just gets out there, this book will inspire you to go again. Ms. Jagannath has shown that walking, trekking, escaping from your comfort zone and chasing your dreams is possible for anyone, regardless of creed or kind. Her writing is poignant and engaging, even laugh out loud funny at times. I loved the descriptions of India, especially Darjeeling, a place close to my own heart for very different reasons to the author. She took me back to a time that lives high in my memories and made me relive the wonder of walking in the Himalaya.

Read this book. Then read her first #1 bestseller. Then get out there and find out what she’s talking about for yourself. Just do it. You know you want to.

2 people found this helpful

Jane V. Blanchard

Grateful for the chance to experience the Singalilla trek.

Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2019

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In Chasing Himalayan Dreams, Susan Jagannath relates with heart-warming detail how after forty years she realizes her childhood dream of climbing “the towering Kanchenjunga and the Sleeping Buddha nestled in a snow-white blanket against brilliant blue skies, where the stain of pollution is blown away by wild Himalayan winds.”

Ms. Jagannath’s story was my introduction to The Singalilla trek. I loved her detailed and vivid descriptions of the food, the tea, the clothing, the colors, and the smells. Though I never desired to hike in India, Nepal, and Tibet, I felt as if I were there on the trail with the author.

As an older hiker, this book reminded me that I should not let age be a deterrent to chasing my dream and for this, I am grateful to the author.

foxglove1028

Follow your dream

Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2018

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It’s more about chasing this dream but an inspiring story as to why our dreams should not be forgotten either. The author in this book says that she put her dream of going on this trek on hold because of everyday life expectations such as marriage, child rearing and so forth. However, once she finally had a moment to herself the dream of hiking the Himalayas resurfaced. What I found to be the most intriguing part is that this is a journal of her experience. She didn’t continue to dream about doing it but she went ahead and did it.

The story’s lesson is that even if we put our dreams on pause that it is never to late to go and attain them when we finally have the time. Also, that we must make time for these dreams to happen so that they do not fade away. All the planning in the world will amount to nothing if we don’t act on them.

AvidReader

Thoroughly enjoyable read

Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2018

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Chasing Himalayan Dreams. What I like the most about this read, was the vivid description of the trek. What I like the least is that I don’t feel like I have to go anymore. The author’s vivid description made me feel as if I were in her backpack looking over her shoulder. Seriously read this book. It is an awesome trek and I cannot imagine whom I’d rather go with than Susan Jagannath who finally fulfilled a long-held dream. I don’t dream about mountain climbing and that’s maybe why I found this book such a treat. I was able to go along without enduring all the hardships. Thank you, Susan, for this thoroughly enjoyable read. Highly recommend for all dream chasers and mountaineers.

One person found this helpful

Top reviews from other countries

Pat

If you are an adventurer at heart then this is the book for you

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 8, 2018

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Weather you read your adventures or get up and go you will love this book. I loved it from beginning to end it stirs all your emotions along with those of the writer. When she reaches her goal you feel you have done it with her. As well as reading about the trek she puts herself, family and Keith her husband in the book too. You see where her dream started and how she prepared for it. Along with lots of information and tips for those seeking to chase their own dream. An exceptional read

Hema Shah

Over 60? A woman? You Can So Climb That Mountain – Let Susan Show You How She Did

Reviewed in India on May 9, 2018

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There is something about our culture that says only men and boys can climb mountains. And once you turn 50 – you should pack your bags and get ready to die – you know doing gentle activities like saying prayers and playing with the children and not taxing yourself too much. So what do you do if you are a woman who just celebrated her 60th birthday and has carried this dream of climbing a mountain since she was 16 years old.
You go do what Susan Jagannath did, you climb the mountain NOW! You don’t wait till you’re 70 – there’ll be another mountain waiting for you then.
Of course you prepare thoroughly. You weight the risks, you consult your doctors, you train, you surround yourself with people who encourage and support your mission – peppered in with a few naysayers who remind you of the things you might have missed to mitigate. And then you go climb that mountain.
In this book, Susan has shared copious lists and descriptions on how she prepared, how she packed, and the challenges and joys along the way. Dreams are meant to be chased, to be hunted, not buried deep in your heart – and this book from Susan shows you how you can chase your own Himalayan dream.

Peter Moy

Good Little Book that Accurately Captures the Alpine Trekking Experience

Reviewed in Australia on December 4, 2018

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I read this book while I was hiking the Huayhaush Circuit in Northern Peru. This walk is widely regarded as the most beautiful alpine walk in the world, so it had long been an ambition of mine to walk it. But it not an easy undertaking so I had doubts about my ability to complete it. For this reason, I could readily relate to authors writings. This book describes the authors effort to fulfil a childhood dream to walk to Sandakphu ridge to view the sun rising on the spectacular Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. Any trek at in the mountains is not easy but the thin atmosphere of high-altitude walking made the activity even more challenging. In the book, the author shares her fears that this her age lack of high-altitude training would resulting in the walk proving too difficult. I must say that she accurately conveys the same emotions I experienced.

The book goes on to describe the exhaustion of labouring uphill for hours at time and the reward of the views from the top of the world when you get to the end of the days journey. In most of the iconic alpine walks of world you share the experience with other trekker all with the own reasons for undertaking the challenge. Again, the author does an excellent job of informing the reader of the enjoyable social side of trekking where one shares experiences and life stories with fellow walkers from all over the world you meet along the way.

Because I have experienced most of the fears, doubts, pain and exhilaration and other emotions described in this book, I can assure any potential reader that it very realistically portrays the trekking experience. Plus, on another level, the book is a very good resource if you wish to replicate the authors journal to the Sandakphu to get unique view of one of the world greatest mountains.

Inspiring book and author!

Reviewed in India on May 12, 2018

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Chasing a 16-year-old’s dream of climbing the Himalayas and making it come true at 60 is truly inspiring! Love the author’s conversational tone and helpful tips and advice. Susan shares how she prepared for the trek in Australia.. Walking 10 kms a day during weekdays and double during weekends with 5 kilo+ weight.. Her diet and lifestyle changes… She describes the trek, the journey and the people she meets with a lot of humour.. End-of-the-book material like baggage checklist, glossary, collection of Nepali terms are helpful.. This book is highly recommended, especially for those with a dream they haven’t really pursued.. The author proves that age is just a number and where there is a will, there is a way!

Maria

It’s written in an easy, engaging style and full of practical tips should …

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 17, 2018

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Inspiring story about making childhood dreams come true, regardless of your age. It’s written in an easy, engaging style and full of practical tips should you decide to follow the author’s steps and walk in the Himalaya (which sounds very tempting, the way she tells it!).

Blog posts

https://susanjagannath.com/chasing-himalayan-dreams-is-wild/

Forbidden Dreams

Podcasts

https://susanjagannath.com/how-do-you-fulfil-a-dream-as-big-as-kanchenjunga/

https://getbook.at/TheValleyofFlowers

Back to books

Chasing Himalayan Dreams

About Chasing Himalayan Dreams

Customers say

Read the book to:

The 61km, 6-day trek is a must for any would-be adventurer, or travel enthusiast. Read this book to live your own Himalayan dream, one step at a time.
This is the doable alternative to the Everest trek.

Editorial

Glimpses of the Valley and the Path

Readers Q&A: Chasing Himalayan Dreams

Reviews

Customers say

Top reviews from the United States

Breathtaking Imagery of a Perilous Journey

Beautifully real and painfully honest

Grateful for the chance to experience the Singalilla trek.

Follow your dream

Thoroughly enjoyable read

Top reviews from other countries

If you are an adventurer at heart then this is the book for you

Over 60? A woman? You Can So Climb That Mountain – Let Susan Show You How She Did

Good Little Book that Accurately Captures the Alpine Trekking Experience

Inspiring book and author!

It’s written in an easy, engaging style and full of practical tips should …

Blog posts

Podcasts