This is a book about Nepal as it was in April 2014, before the devastating earthquake. More than simply a travelogue or an adventure story, it describes a journey of discovery through Sherpa culture and the wonders of the Khumbu region.

Based on the author's experiences of flying to Kathmandu, then trekking from Lukla to Gorak Shep, visiting Kalapatthar overlooking Everest Base Camp and subsequently climbing Imja Tse (Island Peak - 6189m), it follows a very personal journey from the inception of the idea in the UK, through the journey itself, to the return. It is a story of opposites... of triumph and tragedy; beauty and ugliness; hope and despair.

Illustrated with photographs taken during the trek, and using information taken from the author's personal journal kept before, during and after the trek, this book attempts to explore not just the sights, sounds and smells of the area, but also feelings it generated. It also looks at how people are affected by their environment, and touches on the ways in which the area has been both used and abused by outside interests.