On the Hippie Trail: Istanbul to Kathmandu and the Making of a Travel Writer by Steves, Rick

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Stow away with Rick Steves for a glimpse into the unforgettable moments, misadventures, and memories of his 1978 journey on the legendary Hippie Trail.

In the 1970s, the ultimate trip for any backpacker was the storied "Hippie Trail" from Istanbul to Kathmandu. A 23-year-old Rick Steves made the trek, and like a travel writer in training, he documented everything along the way: jumping off a moving train, making friends in Tehran, getting lost in Lahore, getting high for the first time in Herat, battling leeches in Pokhara, and much more. The experience ignited his love of travel and forever broadened his perspective on the world.

This book contains edited selections from Rick's journal and travel photos with a 45-years-later preface and postscript reflecting on how the journey through Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Nepal changed his life.

You know Rick Steves. Now discover the adventure of a lifetime that made him the travel writer he is today.

Author: Rick Steves
Publisher: Rick Steves
Published: 02/04/2025
Pages: 256
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.50lbs
Size: 8.60h x 5.80w x 1.00d
ISBN: 9781641716437

Review Citation(s):
Library Journal 01/01/2025 pg. 77
Kirkus Reviews 02/01/2025
Shelf Awareness 02/18/2025

About the Author
Since 1973, Rick Steves has spent about 100 days a year exploring Europe. His mission: to empower Americans to have European trips that are fun, affordable, and culturally broadening. Rick produces a best-selling guidebook series, a public television series, and a public radio show, and organizes small-group tours that take over 30,000 travelers to Europe annually. He does all of this with the help of more than 100 well-traveled staff members at Rick Steves' Europe in Edmonds, WA (near Seattle). When not on the road, Rick is active in his church and with advocacy groups focused on economic and social justice, drug policy reform, and ending hunger. To recharge, Rick plays piano, relaxes at his family cabin in the Cascade Mountains, and spends time with his son Andy, daughter Jackie, grandsons Atlas and Dashel, and favorite travel partner Shelley. Find out more about Rick at RickSteves.com and on Facebook.

Connect with Rick:
facebook.com/RickSteves
Twitter: @RickSteves
Instagram: ricksteveseurope