Factual
Discovery Channel to air ‘Walking the Himalayas’
MUMBAI: Six-month journey, over 4 million steps, trekking 1,700 gruelling miles across the roof of the world, teaming up with local guides and meeting monks, soldiers and nomadic tribes, explorer Levison Wood takes on an extreme challenge to walk the length of the world’s highest mountain range from Afghanistan in the west to Bhutan in the East.
Premiering Friday, August 5, Discovery Channel’s new series WALKING THE HIMALAYAS, airing every Friday at 9 PM, introduces explorer, writer and photographer Levison Wood as he embarks on an ambitious challenge to walk the length of the Himalayas.
British Army officer and explorer Levison Wood won critical acclaim for his nine-month long trek and first ever expedition to walk the entire length of the river Nile. Taking the same intimate and authentic approach that made his previous series a hit, Levison takes on a new adventure across Himalayas where he confronts snow and ice, altitude sickness and earthquake-devastated landscapes. He treads carefully through one of the most fought-over areas of the world, navigating isolated Afghan valleys and the Line of Control between Pakistani and Indian Kashmir. Along the way, he passes through some of the most remote, beautiful, and perilous regions on earth – places few outsiders ever get to see.
Levison begins is journey in Afghanistan’s remote Wakhan corridor, where the mountains first rise in the west. This 200 mile long and 25 mile wide strip of land, bordered by Tajikistan remains one of the most isolated and inhospitable places on Earth. His guide Malang Darya – one of the country’s best mountaineers accompanies him to trek through barren, snow-ridged valleys before attempting to climb the Irshad Pass, a 5,000m wall of snow and ice that leads to northern Pakistan.
Levison and Malang traverse breathtaking scenery in northern Pakistan’s remote mountain valleys, meeting tribespeople and nomads, before heading to the heavily militarised frontier with India. He passes through Kashmir, Dharamshala and spiritual heartland Rishikesh to reach the holy city – Benaras.
In Nepal, he reunites with an old friend, Binod Parya, who saved his life when, as a 19-year-old, Levison was caught up in political violence. Levison enters one of its least explored national parks – Bardia, which is home to rhinos, tigers and 10-foot-long crocodiles. But animals aren’t the only dangers he faces… he is forced to evacuate the camp site in the middle of night due to the rapidly rising river, swollen by the monsoon rains. Levison’s journey gets interrupted by a serious car crash which gives him a near-death experience. Levison undergoes a surgery in UK and resumes his journey with his friend Binod after six weeks of rest.
Further in his adventure, Levison heads towards Everest, Kathmandu and Bhutan and gets a rare chance to experience its dramatic scenery, colourful festivals and historic monasteries and meet its people. Levison Wood ends his journey in Bhutan climbing the world’s highest unclimbed peak and country’s holiest mountain ‘Ghankar Puensem’, which mountaineers are forbidden to climb.
Embark on a challenging journey with Levison Wood across Himalayas on Discovery Channel’s WALKING THE HIMALAYAS starting August 5, every Friday at 9 PM.
Factual
National Geographic launches ‘Postcards from Hong Kong’ with Ridhi Dogra
New series explores the city’s hidden gems and vibrant contrasts, premiering 28 March.
MUMBAI: Ridhi Dogra just sent a postcard from Hong Kong that’s worth framing because when a bustling metropolis reveals its quiet trails and timeless traditions, even the skyline takes a back seat. National Geographic has unveiled Postcards from Hong Kong, a refreshing travel series hosted and curated by actor Ridhi Dogra. Produced by National Geographic Creative Works in collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the show offers an intimate, Indian traveller’s perspective on one of Asia’s most iconic cities, moving beyond its glittering harbour and skyscrapers to uncover serene beaches, scenic hiking trails and deep cultural traditions.
Across three visually rich episodes, Ridhi journeys through contrasting sides of Hong Kong. The first episode takes her on a quieter path of self-discovery to places like Sai Kung, Big Wave Bay, Dragon’s Back, Tai O, Ngong Ping, Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha. The second episode dives into the city’s energetic side, from the bustling streets of Causeway Bay to Happy Valley Racecourse, Michelin-starred spots and luxury shopping at Landmark.
Ridhi Dogra said, “Being part of Postcards from Hong Kong with Nat Geo was a deeply enriching experience. What I love about this journey is that it goes beyond the obvious; it’s not just about the skyline or the speed of the city but about the stories that live in its quieter corners.”
A National Geographic India spokesperson added, “With Postcards from Hong Kong, we set out to go beyond the familiar and explore the city through a more intimate, human lens.”
Hong Kong Tourism Board director of South Asia Puneet Kumar noted, “Postcards from Hong Kong is a reflection of meaningful storytelling that brings the city to life in an immersive way. It beautifully captures the diversity and spirit that define Hong Kong.”
Blending travel, culture and personal storytelling, the series celebrates Hong Kong as a city of contrasts where modern life meets tradition and every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered. It premieres on 28 March at 8 pm on the National Geographic Channel and will also stream on JioHotstar.
In a world of hurried travel reels, Postcards from Hong Kong slows things down just enough to let viewers truly see the city not just its lights, but its layers, proving that the best souvenirs are the stories you bring home.
