One Dream | 8 Women | 4500 Kms | 3 Countries | 198 Days Of Pure Courage
The true story of the world’s first all-women Himalayan traverse – told in stunning visuals and soul-stirring words.
✔️Available on
Granthpremi
The true story of the world’s first all-women Himalayan traverse – told in stunning visuals and soul-stirring words.
✔️Available on
Granthpremi
One Dream | 8 Women | 4500 Kms | 3 Countries | 198 Days Of Pure Courage
About Book
Across the Himalaya is the untold story of an extraordinary journey – one that stretched across 4,500 kilometers, three countries, and 198 unforgettable days. In 1997, eight Indian women set out to traverse the length of the world’s highest mountain range, led by Everest summiteer Bachendri Pal. Among them was Vineeta Muni, photographer, mountaineer, and seeker of quiet strength.
What began as a shared dream soon became a test of endurance, leadership, and deep personal resolve. As the group battled physical exhaustion, unpredictable terrain, and inner conflicts, Vineeta found herself at a crossroads – ultimately choosing to continue the journey with two teammates, forming a new, smaller unit that embraced the spirit of slow, soulful travel.
This is not just a record of passes and distances. It is a deeply human memoir – an exploration of resilience, trust, conflict, and clarity in the wild. With lyrical storytelling and vivid imagery, Vineeta invites us into the heart of the Himalaya and into her own inner transformation.
A trek that redefined limits. A story that reclaims voice.
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About Author
Vineeta Muni
Vineeta Muni is a graphic designer, nature photographer, painter, and mountaineer with over 40 years of outdoor experience. Her deep connection with the wild has taken her across the Sahyadri ranges in western India and far into the high Himalaya.
She has participated in 28 Himalayan expeditions and treks, climbing 21 peaks, 12 of which were first ascents—including the pioneering ascent of Chamshen (7,017 m) in 2013. In 1997, Vineeta became one of the first women in the world to traverse the Himalayan range on foot, covering 4,500 km and crossing 42 high-altitude passes over 198 days.
She documented this extraordinary journey in leading adventure publications. Her exploration continued with a trek to the northern tip of India at the head of the Siachen Glacier in 1998. She has participated in numerous exploratory expeditions to the East Karakoram and Spiti, including a 100 km traverse in the East Karakoram, during which she made the first crossing of three passes and trekked on glaciers that had not yet seen human footfall.
Her pursuit of adventure has remained relentless. Vineeta’s love for photography has led to several features, including in Better Photography magazine. In 2011, she exhibited her photographs at the National Centre for the Performing Arts, Mumbai, in a show titled Himalayan Mystique.
With over 15,000 photographs and a lifelong passion for creativity and exploration, Vineeta Muni represents a legacy where art, adventure, and spirit converge.
Customer Reviews
In Across the Himalaya, the author brings her expedition to life — from rugged mountain passes to surreal, shifting landscapes — with vivid imagery and deep emotional honesty.
What stayed with me most was the mental strength she cultivated along the way. Her resilience in the face of physical exhaustion, and her ability to stay centered amidst uncertainty.
And beyond the story, this book is a collector’s gem — with its brilliant photography, hand-drawn sketches, and heartfelt notes, it’s a keepsake you’ll return to again and again.
A very detailed book filled with not only text, but also high-resolution images, sketches, maps (with clear legend), butterfly themed analogies, handwritten notes...
Excellent storytelling & experience sharing across 280 pages! There is so much to 'explore' about the culture, people, terrain, adventure, experiences, challenges, decision making points, etc...
All from the comforts of an arm chair! Good usage of colours, excellent quality of paper used (reading a physical book has its own charm!), well spaced-out text eases the reading experience.
First Traverse by Women by Vineeta Muni, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.
This is not just a book—it’s a remarkable testament to quiet endurance, honest reflection, and the timeless call of the high mountains. In 1997, eight Indian women set out on a bold 4,500 km journey across the Himalaya, led by the legendary Bachendri Pal. Vineeta chose to keep walking even when the larger expedition ended.
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Her story is deeply personal, quietly powerful and resonates with anyone who has ever looked inward while walking through the world’s highest ranges.
Highly recommended for every mountain lover and seeker of slow travel.
This is a wonderful recollection of Vinee’s journey. I remember it well as I was in touch with Divyesh when the team was walking this path.
What happened at Munsiari was sad, but perhaps for the best. I was there to welcome Vinee back — frail yet smiling after the long trip.
So glad this story is now in a book. Many young readers will be inspired by its simple, heartfelt language. Kudos to all involved.
Reading Across the Himalaya felt like stepping into a life-changing adventure.
In 1997, eight women, led by Bachendri Pal, trekked 4,500 km across the Himalayas. Vineeta’s account is more than travel — it’s about grit, resilience, and the beauty of slowing down.
Her poetic writing, vivid maps, sketches, and photos bring the journey alive. This isn’t a quick read, but like the mountains, it rewards patience. ★★★★★
This book is about resilience and courage. Was a surreal experience reading about the challenges the women’s team endured with the harsh weather in contrast to the beautiful landscapes and flora.
The images and sketches from the authors diary add an adorable personal touch. Must read especially for those who dream of visiting the Himalayas or even if you are not a trekker and enjoy reading about adventure.
A Truly Inspiring book. It required enormous physical and mental strength to complete the traverse. Seven months in the mountains for a city dweller, away from family and friends, not to mention the comforts.
The book very well written and the photographs and illustrations beautiful. The maps are informative, giving information of the route followed. The whole journey is written giving a very human element, the inter personal dynamics in the team, the local people and their role in this journey. A must read for all trekkers.
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Special Jury Mention at the 2025 Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival
The Book received a special Jury Mention at the 2025 Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival. The book was selected in a long list under Mountain Literature category. Jury Paul Scully’s ( 2025 Book Competition ) citation: “In this beautiful and inspiring book, Vineeta Muni draws us into the soul of the Himalaya—and her quiet, powerful transformation.
The sheer joy and deep love for the mountains radiate from the pages, making this extraordinary journey as emotionally resonant as it is physically impressive.
At its heart, the book captures the best of what human relationships can be when shaped by shared purpose, trust, and the transformative power of wild landscapes. A moving testament to adventure, connection, and the spirit of the mountains.
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Why Should You Buy the Book..?
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Who Will Love Across the Himalaya?
Mountaineers
A tribute to grit, altitude, and the untamed spirit of the peaks.
Adventurers & Trekkers
A must-have visual diary for mountain lovers.
Photographers & Artists
A stunning blend of photography and sketchwork.
Story Seekers
A soul-stirring memoir of courage and clarity.
Women Explorers
Celebrating female-led achievement and leadership.
Nature Lovers
A breathtaking ode to wild beauty and serene wilderness.
Solo Traveller
A bold journey of one soul against the spine of the earth.
Himalaya Lovers
An intimate portrait of the world’s most majestic range.
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The Heart Of the Himalaya In Her Words
” In the golden light that morning, the butterfly was floating effortlessly, realising life is but an experience. It was offered each day as a new beginning and felt reborn in many ways, many times. With gossamer wings outstretched, facing different challenges was just a part of living life to its fullest!”
…Vineeta Muni…
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