Alexandra David-Neel Entered Forbidden Tibet

After studying Buddhism in Sikkim in the Himalayas, French explorer and writer Alexandra David-Neel set out with her adopted son, Lama Yongden, to enter Tibet when it remained closed to foreigners. Disguised as beggars, they completed a three-year journey and entered Lhasa in February 1924, where they spent two months visiting the city and surrounding monasteries. Her roughly 30 books, including My Journey to Lhasa, influenced British philosopher Alan Watts and Beat writers Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg. David-Neel died at age 100 on September 8, 1969, less than two months before her 101st birthday.

Previous Fact Next Fact