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

WINNER of the 2021 Readers Favorite Book Award (Non-Fiction Adventure) 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 complex dichotomies and backdrop of Karma’s 17th-century Himalayan village; the impoverished and polluted Kathmandu; and the modern world of Vancouver, Canada. "This story is a testament to the power each and every one of us has to generate meaningful and lasting change in our beleaguered world.” — Jan Redford, author of End of the Rope: Mountains, Marriage, and Motherhood “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 “The combination of detail and wonder that one looks for in the best travel writing." — Kirkus Reviews "★★★★★ A Story of Karma is a heartwarming and touching tale about fate and what happens when you let go and follow your heart into the unknown. I'm sure anyone who reads this book will feel as moved as I did. Frankly, this well-written tale of adventure and discovery comes at the perfect time. As most of us are prevented from traveling, this book made me feel like I had been almost to the ends of the Earth. I enjoyed every bit of the journey. “ — Susan Miller, Portland Book Review “★★★★★ The book transcends multiple dimensions of the spiritual, physical, and material world, and gives glimpses of the human spirit, and how they overcome adversities and challenges and change lives. A Story of Karma is spiritually uplifting and is a must-read because it is just not about the conquest of the mountains, but also of the mind and spirit. It gives valuable life lessons in human connection, self-discovery, finding truth, the connection, and the compassion between the author, his wife, Karma, and her family. The author's story will transform the vision and perception of readers, and make them more aware of Buddhism and Buddhist teachings.” — Mamta Madhavan, Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews