A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush

In “A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush,” Eric Newby, a British haute couture businessman, embarks on an unforgettable journey from the streets of London to the remote and breathtaking wilderness of Afghanistan. The year is 1956, and Newby, yearning for adventure, sends a now-famous telegram to his friend Hugh Carless: “CAN YOU TRAVEL NURISTAN JUNE?” This simple message sets in motion a legendary expedition to the Hindu Kush mountains, northeast of Kabul.

Despite their lack of experience and preparation (which consisted of nothing more than advice from a Welsh waitress), Newby and Carless, a pair of amateurish adventurers, set out on a month-long journey through one of the most beautiful and challenging landscapes on Earth. Their odyssey is filled with hardship, humor, and breathtaking beauty, as they navigate the rugged terrain and encounter the unique culture of the region.

Newby’s charming and witty narrative style, combined with his keen observations, elevates “A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush” to the status of a classic travel memoir. His engaging prose captures the essence of adventure and the indomitable human spirit, even in the face of adversity.

This edition features new photographs, an epilogue by Hugh Carless, and a prologue by renowned author Evelyn Waugh, a great admirer of Newby’s work. “A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush” stands as a testament to Eric Newby’s legacy as one of Britain’s most beloved travel writers, inspiring generations of adventurers to follow in his footsteps and explore the world’s most remote and captivating destinations.