Michael Palin Brings Wit and Wisdom in Six-Part Travel Series 'Himalaya' Debuting on KCET Feb. 6, 2012
MICHAEL PALIN BRINGS WIT AND WISDOM IN SIX-PART TRAVEL SERIES 'HIMALAYA' DEBUTING ON KCET FEB. 6, 2012
Palin explores 1,800 miles of the world's greatest mountain range in a unique journey which includes meeting the Dalai Lama, witnessing Everest's Death Zone and walking the streets of Darra to the rattle of AK 47s.
Los Angeles - January 24, 2012 - KCET, the nation's largest independent public television station serving Southern and Central California, is pleased to expand its travel programming with a new six-part series starring one of Britain's most compelling television personalities, Himalaya with Michael Palin, airing Feb. 6, 2012 at 9 p.m.
Encountering the extremes of wealth and poverty, altitude and freezing cold, this ex-Python brings his unique brand of wit and wisdom as he travels across the roof of the world, traversing dizzying switchback mountain roads with awe-inspiring scenery while encountering people of special interest.
From the historic Khyber Pass, Palin goes to Peshawar by steam train and walks the streets of Darra to the rattle of AK 47s. He crosses into India, passing through troubled Kashmir, and visits Dharamsala for a private audience with the Dalai Lama. In Nepal, Michael witnesses the trials of the Gurkha recruitment, before trekking to Tibet to witness Everest's Death Zone first-hand. After experiencing Lhasa, he heads to the nomads' annual horse festival, then through Yunan to Assam and on to Bhutan, where he is entertained by members of the royal family. Palin's epic journey ends in Bangladesh, where the great rivers of the Himalaya disgorge into the Bay of Bengal, just in time for the monsoon.
"We're excited to bring KCET audiences a breathtaking view of the world's greatest mountain range," said Bohdan Zachary, KCET's vice president of Broadcasting & Program Development. "Himalaya with Michael Palin goes beyond Everest, winding its way through regions that for centuries have held a certain mystique - I think audiences will love what they discover."
Himalaya with Michael Palin is one of several award-winning travel programs that offer viewers a wider view of the world, including Burt Wolf: Travels and Traditions, Globe Trekker, Huell Howser, Rick Steves' Europe and Road Trip Nation.
About KCET
On-air, online and in the community, KCET plays a vital role in the cultural and educational enrichment of Southern and Central California. KCET currently produces the Emmy®, duPont-Columbia and Peabody Award-winning SoCal Connected, a hard-hitting prime-time weekly television news program that examines the issues and people of Southern California. Throughout its 48-year history, KCET has won hundreds of major awards for its local and regional news and public affairs programming, its national drama and documentary productions, its quality educational family and children's programs, its outreach and community services and its website, kcet.org. KCET is a donor-supported community institution. For additional information about KCET productions, Web-exclusive content, programming schedules and community events, please visit kcet.org.
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