Can a modern hovercraft successfully navigate the treacherous, high-altitude terrain of the Himalayas to reach remote, isolated regions? Michel Peissel, an experienced ethnologist and explorer, documents his ambitious attempt to traverse the rugged Himalayan landscape using a specialized hovercraft. The book details the logistical challenges, mechanical failures, and cultural encounters inherent in attempting to modernize travel through one of the most inaccessible environments on Earth.

The work provides a specialized, technical look at the intersection of experimental transport and extreme geography. It serves as a focused case study for readers interested in the practical realities of mid-20th-century exploration and the limitations of technology in harsh environments.