Shangri-La is one of the most evocative myths of our time —so powerful that it has entered the dictionary as a synonym for paradise.As myths go, it is a young one: Shangri-La made its debut with the 1933 publication of British author James Hilton’s novel, Lost Horizon. No sooner was Shangri-La created by Hilton than a host of places staked claims to being the real location that inspired the book.

This guide to the mythical site of Shangri-La is rooted in the glorious reality of the Himalaya, encompassing parts of southwest China, Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, Sikkim and Ladakh. It forms a concise guide to the most remote areas of the region, with a focus on major mountain peaks, and some well-chosen treks in each area.

Practical information and maps will ensure that visitors can make the most of their trip to this other-worldly destination, while armchair readers can browse and dream...

• First and only guide on the market blending exploration of the myth with practical advice on visiting the contested sites

• Focus on the region’s legendary sacred peaks and monasteries, including acclimatisation hikes, as well as tougher treks

• Provides background on oddball adventurers and seekers of lost kingdoms of the Himalaya

• Sidebars on esoteric topics like Tracking the Yeti (Bhutan) and Crazy about Hockey (Ladakh)

• Illustrated wildlife appendix — a concise field guide to the most unusual animals

• Extended color photo sections to illustrate the concept of Shangri-La