A Story of Karma: Finding Love and Truth in the Lost Valley of the Himalaya

By: Michael Schauch

Narrated by: Michael Schauch

“An inspiration to all as we set out again to explore the world of spirit, culture and adventure.” (Wade Davis, author of several books including Magdalena: River of Dreams and Into the Silence)

A deeply personal travel memoir that combines alpine adventure, family connections, and spiritual encounters in two very different worlds: a Himalayan village and Vancouver, Canada.

In 2012, Michael Schauch and his wife, Chantal, undertook an expedition deep in the Himalaya of Northern Nepal, into a remote valley that had been closed off to outsiders for decades. They led a team of artists (a photographer, a musician, and a painter), with the objective of capturing a moment in time through their unique lenses. As a mountaineering fanatic, Michael had a second (and less conspicuous) goal to climb an unknown mountain he had only identified through a photograph.

What unfolded in the mountains forced him to question his values and his own identity and eventually resulted in meeting a little girl, which was the most profound encounter of his life. Little did either know that from that moment they would completely change the trajectory of each other’s life.

A Story of Karma recounts this journey, and the years that follow as Karma (the little girl), and Michael and Chantal grow their lives together amidst the confusing dichotomies and backdrop of Karma’s 17th-century Himalayan village; the impoverished and polluted Kathmandu; and the modern world of Vancouver, Canada.

“An intriguing tale that entwines exploration and education. Schauch has a lively and involving narrative voice, and he’s adept at conveying the combination of detail and wonder that one looks for in the best travel writing." (Kirkus Reviews)

©2020 Rocky Mountain Books (P)2021 Michael Schauch

Enjoyed it!

This was such a heartwarming book! As someone who lives in a mountain climbing town, I appreciated learning about this more intense side of mountain climbing. Michael does a great job of setting the scene and making you feel like you’re there with him on his expedition to Napal.

The book definitely took an unexpected and unanticipated turn when we meet Karma, a bright little girl from the small village of Nar. Mike and his wife Chantal have an immediate connection with this little girl and spend time getting to know her and her family. Ultimately, they take a huge interest in her life and make an investment in her future. I won’t give too many details because this was a heartwarming, pleasant turn of events, but I thought it was so special to see how two families from opposite sides of the world could become so connected to each other.

It’s worth noting that I listened to the audiobook, which was read by the author. He did a great job!