Absolutely loved reading this book. What I loved is the author's honest way of story telling, the living in the ever-mystical-Roof-of-the-world, his biggest about His Holiness and the fact that he felt Tibet was his home.

Loved this book. I saw the movie 20 years ago as I was first learning about Buddhism, and found the travel/adventure angle was pretty aligned with my current interests. They look at Tibetan culture before the invasion of the Chinese was also fascinating. It was a country with very limited outside influence and their way of being had been in disturbed for hundreds of years. Harrer found his initial encounters with the Tibetans as people not in a rush, and with a childlike/innocent sense of humour who liked to laugh at everything. They are also an incredibly superstitious culture and the author does a great job of describing their customs without being dismissive. I feel I want to rematch the movie now. This book was a joy to read.

From the AI:

"Seven Years in Tibet" stands as a mesmerizing memoir, chronicling Heinrich Harrer's extraordinary odyssey through the heart of Tibet. Harrer's narrative unfolds with a rare blend of adventure, cultural immersion, and personal growth. His detailed descriptions of the Tibetan landscape, customs, and the warmth of its people paint a vivid canvas that transports readers into an unfamiliar yet enchanting world.

The book is not just a chronicle of geographical exploration; it's a poignant exploration of self-discovery and resilience. Harrer's transformation from a prisoner escaping British internment in India to a trusted friend of the Dalai Lama is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for change and adaptation.

The writing is elegant and evocative, capturing the essence of both the harsh Himalayan environment and the gentle wisdom of the Tibetan people. Harrer's keen observations provide readers with a deeper understanding of Tibetan culture and history, making it more than just a travelogue.

"Seven Years in Tibet" resonates with timeless themes of friendship, cultural exchange, and the universal quest for meaning. It's a literary gem that not only entertains with its adventurous spirit but also enlightens with its profound insights. I wholeheartedly award it 5 stars, recognizing its enduring impact on my understanding of the world and the human spirit.

My textbook, for life.

I actually believe this book changed my body chemistry for a while. I was fueled to succeed, motivated to work hard(ER) in my everyday life to achieve similar quality of life, similar adventure, and similar greatness. Just wow. And so educational for historical and contemporary world affairs. FREE TIBET! Seriously just wow. Oh yeah, I thought I had roughed it in my travels...gone places and done amazing things...HA! I was so humbled...

Movie is great too but a 2 hour movie will never capture all the grandeur of a full read.

This is one of those classics that I knew I would get around to eventually. As I'm slowly trying to read all of the best travel and adventure books, this sort of ticked two boxes, plus the exposure to Tibetan life and Buddhism was very interesting as well.

Really his story of getting from India to Lhasa is remarkable. He probably downplays the accomplishment. For anyone other than a highly trained mountaineer like himself who had also spent lots of time previously at high altitudes, this would have been impossible. Indeed, several of his fellow escapees had to turn back.

Then the time in Tibet is an amazing window into a now forever gone independent Tibet.

I remember learning about his story growing up from my father, watching the movie with him which I remember being kind of mystified by, and having friends who went to the free Tibet concerts. So reading this finally connected a lot of dots.

The only reason I didn't give it five stars is that it is really written like a diary, which I believe it is based on. But I would have preferred that he turn it into more of a narrative. But all in all an incredible story.

I’ve been going through a Tibet phase. So far I’ve read books by Sir Charles Bell (worth a read), Han Suyin (propaganda), and then I discovered this one. This is a wonderful book depicting life in Tibet before the Chinese invasion. The author entered Tibet as a penniless refugee determined to penetrate the Forbidden City and left as the tutor and close friend of the Dalai Lama. The book starts with his daring escape from a PoW camp in India and describes how he tried to stay in Tibet despite official disapproval. He eventually made it to Lhasa and obtained permission to stay, spending several years among new friends.

His descriptions of social customs and monastic life are interesting and objective. While not religious himself, he maintains an open mind to the beliefs of his hosts. The Tibetans showed great hospitality, helping him settle down and he showed his gratitude by assimilating to their way of life.

The book ends with his escape after the invasion. Tibet would never be the same again. Heinrich Harrer laments the loss of independence for a peace loving people and the destruction of their society. He became one of the proponents of Tibetan independence.

The only thing I can complain is a lack of dialogue which would have made it more vivid.
A must read for anyone remotely interested in Tibet. Also recommend the movie.

Very good book.

I quite enjoyed this adventure!

I found it a very interesting story, filled with intrigue.

A window into a culture / people seldom seen.

Just an interesting book in intirety.

Would recommend, if you can find this book.

4.6/5