RACE TO TIBET is an exciting historical adventure about a group of intrepid explorers headed by Gabriel Bonvalot, who attempt to become the first living Europeans to reach Lhasa, the mysterious capital of Tibet. Along the way they are besieged by ferocious winds, freezing cold, sandstorms, hostile Tibetans, but they are resolved to beat the odds and reach the legendary Potala Palace, the seat of the famed Dalai Lama.
Gabriel Bonvalot is a rugged French explorer who has accomplished many daring expeditions throughout Central Asia on horseback, especially one harrowing journey over the Pamir and Hindu Kush Mountains at the height of winter. After the death of Nikolai Prejevaksly, his Russian rival, he comes up with the daring plan to reach Lhasa, the forbidden capital of Tibet by trekking overland from Paris to Tonkin and veering off into Tibet. The dangers were real: the Tibetan authorities are known for putting to death any stranger caught infiltrating their holy city. For a man like Bonvalot, the challenge is irresistible.
Prince Henri d'Orleans is a pompous, incorrigible aristocrat who can't keep his
name out of the gutter press. When he goes too far, his
father, the Duke of Chartres, comes up with an audacious plan to get ride of
him. He offers to finance Bonvalot's next expedition to Tibet on
condition he takes along the wayward prince. After many scrapes and near-death
experiences, Bonvalot must muster every ounce of self-control to not take the
young prince to task.
Father Constant de Deken is a Belgian Missionary with an
unusual dossier. He speaks fluent Chinese and knows every trick on getting
under the skin of the Qing authorities. Bonvalot persuades de Deken to
accompany him on his journey to Tibet
and soon the fearless missionary is an invaluable member of the team. It
doesn't hurt that he shoots with impeccable accuracy and rides like a cavalry
officer.
Camille Dancourt is the beautiful, strong-willed wife of a
French surveyor who went missing inside Tibet. At the outset, she is determined
to join Bonvalot's caravan to search for her husband, but Bonvalot refuses,
citing the danger. Instead of giving up, Camille comes up with another plan for
infiltrating Tibet
and soon their paths meet again…
Rachmed is Bonvalot's trusted Uzbek caravan leader. Rachmed
is a giant of a man, as strong as Goliath and the veteran of many rough scrapes
and near-death experiences; he even spent a month spent in the Mehtar of Chitral's
dungeon. But when Rachmed goes missing on the Tibetan Chang Tang for 3 days
straight during a blinding blizzard, Bonvalot faces the prospect of losing his
companion forever…
Princess Pema is a beautiful Tibetan noblewoman who is literally
running for her life. After escaping from the Chinese Ambans, she is
desperately trying to make her way back to Lhasa and sees Bonvalot as the answer to her
prayers. She joins his caravan, and when they discover her secret, they realize
all their lives are in danger. And when Prince Henri falls head over heels in
love with the Buddhist princess, sparks fly!
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