On the Hippie Trail Audiobook By Rick Steves cover art

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

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.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2025 Rick Steves (P)2025 Rick Steves
Asia Editors Select Middle East Travel Writing & Commentary Nepal Pakistan

Editorial Review

The road no longer taken
A look at a world that is no more. That’s the gift contained in Rick Steves’s 1978 travel diary, which recounts his and pal Gene’s adventures on this countercultural rite of passage. There are days spent with party-hearty Tehran twentysomethings obsessed with American TV Westerns, mere months before the Islamic Revolution. And there's a Kabul trolley ride to the last stop—a standard Stevesian travel tip—where he falls into a robust debate with an Afghan professor as whispers of a Soviet invasion loom. Credit the elder Steves for not editing out some of the ignorant musings of his younger self, be they awkward, cringeworthy, or smacking of privilege. As the trip winds down, the self-awareness rises up, and we hear him grappling with the gulf and guilt of negotiating a good taxi price while surrounded by people struggling for sustenance. World events would soon put this popular bucket-list trek out of reach for most people. But the lessons are as indelible as a passport stamp: Go, lose the judgment at the border, be, and savor the time in the place you find yourself in. You may not have the chance to go that way again. —Maggie M., Audible Editor

What listeners say about On the Hippie Trail

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Nostalgic Travel Log Infectious Travel Enthusiasm Unique Narration Excellent Storytelling Genuine Personal Journey
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time with a friend

Thank you Rick for sharing this experience with me. I can't wait for the next chapter of your life.

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Rick Steeves storytelling is excellent

I enjoyed the entire book. i have always enjoyed Rick Steves books, shows and talks. I loved hearing about the adventures, as well as, his insights and I appreciate his thought provoking views. I have traveled a lot, but not until a few years after the period in this book so wasn't able to do the Hippie Trail.
I know this will be a book listen to over and over.
As always...thank you Rick!

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Highly recommend

This entertaining and interesting book was written by Rick S. years ago and read by the author. I loved getting to hear about his experiences traveling through India, Nepal and other countries in the area that I will likely never travel to. The photos included are amazing. 5 stars

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Great Read by Wel aknown Travel Writer!

Really enjoyed Rick's reflections as a young wide eyed traveller. The descriptions were wonderful and revealing as he embarks with his good friend, on a life changing journey, through countries most people have never experienced.

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A great adventure and travel story

If you’re a fan of Rick Steves or even if you’re not, this is a must listen. Read by the author, it’s a recollection of his trip from Istanbul to Kathmandu and how his experiences changed him.

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Unique Voice and vision

Naive and nerdy first impressions are a thing of my adolescence. I have long admired and appreciated Rick’s Unique Voice and vision. He’s a folksy force of fun and world peace. His vivid descriptions of his formative foray into the far east is remarkably fully-formed. As frank, fluent and fun as his current work. Long may he continue. I hope this isn’t the last narration or memoir from this godly goofball.

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Vivid experience

The authentic voice of Rick Steves and his love of travel combine with good writing to take the reader there. Thoughtful observations of a young man daring to go outside his comfort zone and into the richness of travel beyond Europe he goes beyond tourism into a real involvement with people an places.

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A too-short journey into a long lost era

Rick Steve’s love of travel is infectious. Details from his boyish diary just scratch the surface as he makes a journey impossible to replicate now. Times have changed so much. At the end, we learn that wars ended the “hippie trail”. Glad to have heard about this trip. Rick’s origin story as a citizen of the world.

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Rick Steves at his very best!

A wonderful look back at Rick Steves amazing young adventure! Nice to find out how he became the ultimate travel writer later in life. From Europe to Kathmandu bouncing around on trains and buses getting a feel for the hippie trail in the late 70’s. A great ride!

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Honest and real enthusiasm as always

I am a Rick Steves fan and this was the start of his travel life in a new challenge with his friend Gene. He honestly tells us about their many good and difficult moments including getting sick many times. Rick still loved the journey and helped me to enjoy it too. Thanks Rick!!

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