Summary
"A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush" is a humorous travelogue by Eric Newby recounting his ill-prepared and often disastrous attempt to climb Mir Samir, a 19,000-foot peak in the Hindu Kush mountains of Afghanistan, in 1956. Newby, a dressmaker with limited mountaineering experience, embarks on this adventure with his friend Hugh Carless, a British diplomat, despite their lack of skills and equipment. The book chronicles their journey from London to Afghanistan, filled with comical mishaps and cultural observations.
The journey begins with Newby's chaotic departure from the fashion industry after a book he wrote was accepted for publication, and his desperate attempts to acquire mountaineering knowledge. Along the way, they encounter a series of eccentric characters and navigate unfamiliar terrains, from the bustling streets of Istanbul to the desolate landscapes of Anatolia and Persia. The author highlights the stark contrasts between the western and eastern cultures, providing humorous anecdotes about their interactions with locals and the challenges they face.
As they progress towards their destination, Newby and Carless grapple with the harsh realities of travel in remote regions, battling infected food, language barriers, and a complete lack of mountaineering expertise. Their journey to the Hindu Kush is fraught with comical mishaps, including encounters with suspicious border officials and a near-fatal traffic incident with a nomad. Despite their lack of preparation and the numerous setbacks, they continue to push forward, driven by a combination of naivety, determination, and the sheer thrill of adventure.
The heart of the book focuses on their time in the Hindu Kush, where Newby and Carless team up with local drivers and attempt to ascend Mir Samir. Their lack of skill and the mountain's treacherous terrain lead to a series of humorous yet perilous situations. Newby vividly describes the stunning but unforgiving landscape, the challenges of high-altitude climbing, and the eccentricities of the Nuristani people they encounter. The book beautifully captures the spirit of amateur exploration, where the journey and the experiences gained are more important than reaching the destination. While they ultimately fail to reach the summit, they come away with a wealth of unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the beauty and challenges of the natural world. The narrative blends self-deprecating humor with vivid descriptions of the Afghan landscape and its people, making "A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush" a classic of travel literature.