Bøker av Bob Gibbons

An authoritative photographic guide to Europe's spectacular Alpine floraEurope's Alpine Flowers covers the flowering plants and conifers that occur regularly on mountains and in Arctic areas north of a line that runs from the Pyrenees to Southern Romania. For many botanists-and gardeners-the alpine flora is the best it gets. There are many species adapted to a harsh climate of extreme winter cold and strong winds, including some of our most beautiful rock plants, such as gentians, saxifrages, and crocuses. These also include subtle and rare flowers that require care to discover and identify. With outstanding photographs and concise text that covers key features, this guide enables confident identification in the field. Covers the plants most likely to be seen above an elevation of 1,000 metres, concentrating on plants confined to high mountain areas of Europe and to the Arctic1,500 colour photographs illustrating almost 1,300 speciesConcise, descriptive species accounts including details of habitat, altitudinal range, flowering period, and distributionFeatures easy-to-use text with minimal botanical jargon and illustrations of essential biological termsWith sections on flower identification, the alpine and Arctic environments and their habitats, and the best places to see alpine flowersComprehensive index including synonyms

The trek to Makalu Base Camp is a sensational experience that has been ignored for so long by so many. Where else in the Himalaya can one stand just a few hundred metres below 3800m of soaring rock, ice and glaciers? Unlike Everest and Kanchenjunga, which are both viewed from a few kilometres away from the actual faces, Makalu towers directly above the base camp. Makalu is simply stunning at sunset, a gigantic sweeping face of magical majesty. Words cannot convey the sense of awe and raw power that nature has bestowed on this unique mountain. A new route, the Yeti Foot Trail, has been forged through the pristine, deeply cut canyon of the Barun Khola to entice the adventurous. The aim of this trekking guide to Makalu is to introduce the different treks and mountain areas. It highlights the choices for those willing to rough it a bit more than in other areas of Nepal. The most secretive jewels of the Himalaya are rarely seen easily, shining only for those who make the effort to discover their hidden wealth.

Annapurna I was the first 8000m peak to be climbed; in 1950 a French expedition led by Maurice Herzog reached the summit. It was an epic climb and has become a classic in mountaineering achievement. Over seventy years later, the route remains obscure, unheard of and rarely trodden. The trail up the mysterious Miristi Khola canyon is finally on the map, with a glittering route to the turquoise Narchang Lake and the stunning amphitheatre of peaks surrounding Annapurna North Base Camp. With unimaginable mountain grandeur and breathtaking trails through pristine nature, this trek is a revelation. To follow in the footsteps of those illustrious climbers of 1950 is a sensational experience that few have yet discovered.

Eastern Nepal has long been neglected by all but the most ardent trekkers, due to its remoteness and difficult access. Dominating the northern horizon from afar is Kanchenjunga. The 'five treasures of the snows', as it is known locally, is one of the most difficult and dangerous peaks in the Himalaya. Of all the highest peaks in Nepal, Kanchenjunga is the hardest to reach, hiding away at the end of a maze of contorted valleys, a secretive and shy massif that is scarcely seen even when within touching distance. The five treasures are guarded by more than thirty-five lesser treasures that almost steal the show. Of course a great view of Kanchenjunga can be captured on a flight to Bhutan from Kathmandu with a great deal more ease and comfort, but that would be to miss all those fabulous moments on trek to savour. Peaks such as Khumbakarna (Jannu), Mera, Pathibhara Chuli, Chang Himal (Wedge Peak), Kabru, Talung and Rathong are some of the lesser peaks that grace the panoramic views from airy ridges and high notches en route to the base camps.There is more to Kanchenjunga and Eastern Nepal than just snowy peaks, though. The valleys are sliced deep as if slashed with a khukri knife, their sides almost sheer. The forests are enticing, mysterious, enchanting and pristine - even though they do seem to dominate a little too much of the march in. The region is a naturalist's paradise, as Joseph Hooker found out more than 150 years ago. This is the third edition of the Map House guidebook to this fascinating region.

It may not have the aura of Everest or Annapurna, but the majestic mountain of Manaslu (8163m) has a remote charm that calls on all trekkers to discover the undiscovered. Lush forests, terraced hillsides, mysterious canyons, gargantuan summits and Buddhist culture are enticing. For so long beyond the horizon, the Tsum Valley is astonishing and secretive. Hilltop monasteries, traditional villages, colourful people, enigmatic yaks and hundreds of mani walls, chortens and kani gates add to the compulsive blend. This is the fifth edition of the definitive introduction to trekking around Manaslu and the Tsum Valley, updated after the Covid pandemic. Go soon!

This guide is the definitive introduction to trekking around and across a vast, undiscovered region. Dolpo may not have the aura or international renown of the Everest region, but there is a magical air of mysticism about this forgotten land. It has a remote charm that calls for more trekkers to discover the treasures hidden in these Tibetan-dominated landscapes. Dolpo is a place of mysterious canyons, sparkling summits and strangely sculpted outcrops. Its hardy inhabitants conduct their lives through the rhythms of Bon and Tibetan Buddhism; the monasteries are legendary and enticing. For so long beyond the horizon, Dolpo is astonishing and secretive. Go soon!

A remarkable thing happened in Nepal in April/May 2015. There were two major earthquakes and hundreds of aftershocks, with an official death toll of over 8000. But the biggest aftershocks may well be the changes that were already starting to manifest across the country. Suddenly hundreds of thousands of local people were mobilised, not by greed, money, power or status, but by a need to pull together and rebuild their country. Many were city dwellers, who had rarely trodden beyond the ring road and were unused to the rough conditions of the rural areas. Others deserted Kathmandu for their ancestral villages in the devastated countryside. All were motivated to help the earthquake relief efforts in any way they could, not waiting for foreign aid to arrive. Having visited Nepal for several decades in the overland and trekking adventure business, we have made many friends and witnessed many significant events, but nothing like this. For us this was a unique but shattering experience. The quakes were 7.8 and 7.3, but the magnitude of the destruction is uncountable. The text is illustrated by more than 150 colour photographs of the quake, the people, the efforts and some of this stunning country to inspire readers to visit Nepal as soon as they can! This is our short story: thirty days that shook us and millions of others.

Bhutan has captured the imagination of travellers for centuries; today it is one of the most sought-after destinations for discerning guests. With an incomparable historic and cultural background, the country has so much to offer the curious visitor. Fabulous dzongs and monasteries dominate the terrain and settlements, the people are welcoming, the markets colourful, the nature pristine, peaceful and delightful. All the while the soaring Himalayan snow peaks are full of a different drama. This introductory guide attempts to highlight the major sites, historic centres and cultural aspects of the country. There is a brief outline of the major routes for trekkers, but serious walkers will need to consult other books for more details. Gross National Happiness is the country's most noted catchphrase, and this, for most visitors, is enough to entice them to Bhutan.

Iraq - also known as the 'Cradle of Civilisation' - has in recent years been far from 'civil', but as the situation improves the country is witnessing a small renaissance in tourism. With some of the oldest historic and archaeological sites in the world, Iraq has so many treasures to amaze all who tread here. The people are welcoming, animated and industrious. The country has stunning mosques, pilgrimage shrines and a mix of religious sites. There are bustling bazaars, traditional souks and busy markets. The fabulous museums detail the diverse cultural melting pot of great empires that have held sway over millennia. The land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers is the rich breadbasket of Iraq, while elsewhere is mostly desert. In the northern Kurdish area are the snowy mountains of the Zagros, with waterfalls and rolling hills. This pictorial guide aims to introduce this often-tragic country to a wider audience in the hope that very soon its stunning heritage, fabulous history and magnificent mountain areas will be open to all. Only then will the Iraqi people truly believe that their country has finally turned a page to a brighter future.

This is the fourth edition of our popular guidebook to the highest mountain on earth, updated in December 2021 during the Covid pandemic. The magic of Everest (Sagarmatha or Chomolungma) grips the human soul; it's a mountain so magnetic that it casts an intoxicating spell. For so long off the map, its rocky ramparts, windblown bastions and soaring summit now constantly attract mountaineers and trekkers to witness its grandeur firsthand. The region is home to many enticing treasures; a myriad of beautiful peaks guard the flanks of Everest, towering above quaint villages, idyllic forests and mysterious canyons. The Sherpa people, who live in the shadow of Everest, have an amazing wealth of cultural attractions and centuries old traditions. Colourful monasteries adorn the slopes. Lower down are fabulous terraced hillsides and picturesque farms. Everest was made for dreams and dreamers, seeking the riches of adventure and challenge. The sparkling jewels of the Everest region will shine forever.

Mustang is a magical and mystical Shangri-La. Hidden for centuries behind the Himalaya, this high and wild land has remained untarnished. As Mustang stirs into modernity, the spirit of old Tibet lingers on in its cultural treasures: walled cities, crumbling fortresses, ancient monasteries, inaccessible cave dwellings and secretive religious art. The wildest dreams of nature unfold: a panorama of strangely eroded fairytale outcrops, pinnacles and twisted turrets. Mysterious canyons and fantastically etched, contorted cliffs are painted in a myriad of vivid colours. The aim of this new trekking guide to Mustang is to introduce not only the different trails, but also the amazing, almost unique, culture. Each of the monasteries and hidden cave shrines of Mustang holds a spellbinding allure. In one or two of the caves, even stranger and very dark secrets from the ancient past have been unearthed. Mustang will change, but no earthly mortal can tear apart the phenomenal sights of nature here - only nature herself and those fiery, hot-headed demons that are suppressed by the stronger forces of the cosmos. The fourth edition of this ground-breaking guide, packed with cultural detail, is an indispensable companion for those discovering this lost paradise. See also Mustang: The Untrodden Trails. ISBN: 978-1519105240

This is the fourth edition of this popular guidebook to the Langtang Valley and its surroundings, updated after the main impact of the Covid pandemic and the devastating earthquakes of 2015. To the north of Kathmandu, the Langtang, Gosainkund, Helambu and Tamang Heritage regions are a surprisingly pristine garden of nature''s wonders. Enchanting forests host rarely seen wildlife, such as the endangered red panda and musk deer. Sheer ramparts guard the tremendous cirque of Himalayan glaciers and finely fluted ice walls of the upper Langtang valley. Colourful idols abound in ancient monasteries. Below the fluffy clouds above the Gosainkund ridges, pilgrims bow in reverence beside 108 sacred lakes. Trekking around the Langtang region is an exquisite experience, where the authentic face of Nepal presents a kaleidoscope of variety and interest. From sparkling spires and furrowed valleys to sweeping terraced hillsides and quaint village lanes, the Langtang region is sure to capture your heart.