A Story of Karma

“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

"An intriguing tale that entwines exploration and education. Schauch has a lively and involving narrative voice, and he’s adept at conveying 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

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.

"Each word ushers you deeper into an external journey to the Himalaya and an internal journey to the heart. Schauch's masterful storytelling transports you to a healing realm where external and internal distinctions dissolve in the beauty of embodied love. Not only is this a tale of transformation for Schauch, the reader, too, is transformed."   

— Paula Arai, Ph.D., author of Painting Enlightenment, Bringing Zen Home, and Women Living Zen

“Martin Buber, the Israeli philosopher and mystic, has said that "All journeys have destinations of which the traveller is unaware." This is nowhere more true than in the riveting new book by Michael Schauch entitled A Story of Karma. Schauch takes us deep into the natural, cultural, and spiritual mysteries of the Himalayas of Northern Nepal, where we are dazzled by his storytelling, his fearlessness, and his wide-open heart. The tale will have you on the edge of your seat with awe. I've already been compelled to read it twice!”

— Stephen Cope, bestselling author of many books, including The Great Work of Your Life, and Soul Friends

“Michael Schauch’s vividly descriptive writing will transport you to a remote Himalayan village and leave you with the taste of yak butter tea on your tongue and the odour of dung-fuelled fires in your clothing. A Story of Karma is a thoughtful and passionate meditation on privilege and poverty, consumerism and spirituality, fate and chance, individualism and community. Above all else, 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

It's absolutely beautifully written. The attention to detail, the turn of phrase, it's absolutely lovely. I was completely entranced. I put down my "for fun" book until this one was done. It's got about half a package of sticky flags sticking out of it because so many things caught my attention. If you want beauty and travel and escapism, this one is so worth it! If you enjoyed Lost Horizon by James Hilton, you will fall into this book. Schauch's ability to turn a phrase makes you feel like you're right there with him. I'm completely torn between sending it to my Mom to read and just waiting to buy her a copy when it comes out because I don't want to let it go but I know she will absolutely love it.

— Goodreads Reviewer