On the Hippie Trail

Istanbul to Kathmandu and the Making of a Travel Writer

De: Rick Steves

Narrado por: Rick Steves

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 changed his life. Stow away with Rick Steves on the adventure of a lifetime through Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Nepal.

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

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2025 Rick Steves (P)2025 Rick Steves

Rick Steves at his very best!

A wonderful look back at Rick Steves amazing young adventure! Nice to find out how he became the ultimate travel writer later in life. From Europe to Kathmandu bouncing around on trains and buses getting a feel for the hippie trail in the late 70’s. A great ride!

Honest and real enthusiasm as always

I am a Rick Steves fan and this was the start of his travel life in a new challenge with his friend Gene. He honestly tells us about their many good and difficult moments including getting sick many times. Rick still loved the journey and helped me to enjoy it too. Thanks Rick!!

A fun and nostalgic travel log

Wonderfully young Rick Steves musings. I can hear his tour operator voice as he tells of his adventures on the Hippie Trail. Really loved his young take on Afganistan. A pre-USSR visit would have been a sight to behold.
I can say, even during my late teens and early twenties, I would not have liked to have done this overland trip. This evocative book with its wonderful travel pictures brought back a lot of memories of my youthful meanderings.

Wonderful Travel Story

I thoroughly enjoyed Rick’s journey of his young along the Hippie Trail. Brought back memories of my own travels by train in Europe in the early 70ties.
So fun to hear what it was like going all the way to India. Don’t think I would have had the stomach for it, but wonderful to make the journey through Rick’s story telling! I highly recommend this book.

Rick Never Disappoints!!!

Great story telling and written in a way that brings you along for the journey. Inspired by his message to keep on traveling.

Cutting it up in Asia.

I didn’t dislike anything. I loved the stories. Loved all the unique experiences and imagining a boy of 23 with his buddy that no longer exists

Wonderful Journey

Goodness. I loved hearing 23 year old Steve’s perspective of the world. I especially loved his narration AS that 23 year old!

A great adventure and travel story

If you’re a fan of Rick Steves or even if you’re not, this is a must listen. Read by the author, it’s a recollection of his trip from Istanbul to Kathmandu and how his experiences changed him.

Unique Voice and vision

Naive and nerdy first impressions are a thing of my adolescence. I have long admired and appreciated Rick’s Unique Voice and vision. He’s a folksy force of fun and world peace. His vivid descriptions of his formative foray into the far east is remarkably fully-formed. As frank, fluent and fun as his current work. Long may he continue. I hope this isn’t the last narration or memoir from this godly goofball.

Vivid experience

The authentic voice of Rick Steves and his love of travel combine with good writing to take the reader there. Thoughtful observations of a young man daring to go outside his comfort zone and into the richness of travel beyond Europe he goes beyond tourism into a real involvement with people an places.