Michael Palin | Himalaya

Michael Palin knows a good thing when he sees it. Travelling the world, to far flung exotic places, and getting the BBC to pay him to do it. It’s a hard job, but someone has to do it!

But the BBC knows a good thing when they see it as well, and Michael’s many trips (this is his sixth) always make for great viewing.

Not only is the viewer taken one a journey of discovery, through many different landscapes, cultures and events, but the viewer is also given a warm, sometimes funny, running commentary by the man himself.

Himalaya is no different. Starting out Pakistan and travelling through India, Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and finishing in Bangladesh you’re taken on a journey from the top of the world all the way down to sea level. Through physical, spiritual and economic deserts, you get to see real people who express genuine love, not only for the people around them, but for their culture and their land.

You also get to see the struggles. The struggle of walking in high altitude, the struggle of dealing with increasing tourism, and the struggle of poverty.

But one place stood out above all the others, and that is a place that you won’t find on many maps: Naga Land. Made up of groups of ex-head hunter tribes, now this group of people know as Naga are 99% Christian, thanks to the success of the American Baptist Church. Education has bought peace to these once waring tribes.

Through stunning visuals and numerous cultures, Himalaya is an inspiring, enjoyable 6 hour series.