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On the Hippie Trail

Istanbul to Kathmandu and the Making of a Travel Writer

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On the Hippie Trail

By: Rick Steves
Narrated by: Rick Steves
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About this listen

 A 2026 Audie Awards Finalist!

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. Asia Editors Select Middle East Travel Writing & Commentary Nepal Iran
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Loved this book, great listen, well read and kept me listening until the finish. It’s such a shame this journey is now vanquished to the past.

Lost travels in time

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I enjoyed getting lost in Rick's world of adventures. Lots to think about and how travelling has changed with devices and the Internet.

A lovely listen

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This is a brilliant story from the hippy era and reminds one of the difference between then and now.

the difference between then and now

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I loved this book. It was a good listen giving a vivid account of how it was to travel on the hippie trail

An amazing travel journey

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