Himalaya with Michael Palin (2004)

In the captivating 2004 BBC series, Himalaya with Michael Palin, we embark on a breathtaking six-month journey with the famed comedian and travel presenter. Traversing the formidable Himalayan mountain range, Palin immerses himself within a tapestry of astonishingly diverse cultures, and navigates through a plethora of contrasting landscapes across various countries. The journey commences from Pakistan's tribal province in the first episode, "North by Northwest," featuring a memorable exploration of the legendary Khyber Pass, Peshawar, Gilgit, Chitral, and the towering K2. The next stop in "A Passage to India" takes us to Lahore, Pakistan, and further into its predominantly Hindu counterpart, India, with stops at Amritsar, Shimla, Dharamsala, and a significant meeting with the Dalai Lama in Srinagar. The adventure continues in "Annapurna to Everest," where Nepal's vibrant capital Kathmandu, a meeting with King Gyanendra, and the majestic Annapurna Mountain await. The episode also offers a thrilling encounter with Maoist rebels in the Gurkha recruiting area before moving to Tibet, where Pokhara and the Everest base camp on the northern side provide awe-inspiring sights. "The Roof of the World" invites viewers to experience Tibet's capital Lhasa before heading to Yushu in China's Qinghai province. The series then takes a vibrant turn in "Leaping Tiger, Naked Nagas," starting from China's Yunnan province, moving to India's Nagaland state, featuring intriguing locales like Kunming, Lijiang, Lugu Lake, and the Naga village of Longwa, and culminating in a trek along the awe-inspiring Tiger Leaping Gorge. The final leg, "Bhutan to the Bay of Bengal," unfolds in India's Assam state, home to the Kaziranga National Park, followed by a journey through Bhutan's capital Thimphu before reaching Bangladesh for a grand finale in Sylhet, the capital Dhaka, and the coastal city of Chittagong on the Bay of Bengal. This immersive series ensures that the viewer feels part of every thrilling encounter, surprising revelation, and breathtaking vista along with Palin, in the heart of the majestic Himalayas.

Himalaya with Michael Palin is a documentary show featuring Michael Palin.

It is possible to buy Himalaya with Michael Palin on Amazon Video, Apple TV and Vudu.