From Darjeeling to Kanchenjunga
Ed writes…
Dear Michelle, I greatly enjoyed Thin Air. Indeed, I’d like to follow the protagonists journey from Darjeeling to Kanchenjunga. I believe you took just such a journey. Is there a travel agency or your company you’d recommend? Thank you, Ed
Dear Ed,
I’m so glad that you enjoyed THIN AIR. I did indeed follow part of the protagonists’ journey, but I didn’t trek all the way to Kangchenjunga Base Camp, as that would have taken longer than I had time for (although I believe some companies do do that trek, if you’re up for it). In 2015 I went with World Expeditions (who were then based in Wimbledon but I think they’ve since moved) and trekked from Yuksam in Sikkim to Dzongri, where we spent a few days exploring, before trekking back to Yuksam. I started off in Darjeeling, then we drove to Sikkim, and much of the trek was through the foothills, which is much as I describe in the book. I found World Expeditions very good, with an excellent guide whom I mention in the Author’s Note. Obviously, that was a few years ago, though, so I have no idea if things have changed since then. Again, I’m glad that you liked the book – and the best of luck with your travel planes, it’s a fascinating part of the world!
Regards, Michelle
Upcoming Live Events With Michelle
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Shadows and Spirits: Writing the Unseen
Step into the shadows with three masters of modern Gothic and supernatural fiction - Michelle, Syd Moore and CJ Cooke - as they explore why dark stories continue to captivate us. From haunted coastlines to Arctic wastelands, and from age-old folklore to the secrets of the human psyche, these acclaimed authors weave tales that blur the boundaries between the real and the uncanny. In this compelling conversation, they’ll discuss the enduring appeal of the Gothic, the influence of myth and landscape, and why stories of ghosts, spirits, and things unseen still resonate in today’s world. Expect insights, chills, and a celebration of fiction that thrives in the shadows. Tickets are limited so get them while you can!
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23-27 Cecil Court
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Time: 6.30pm (doors from 6pm)
Women in Horror Weekend
Come and celebrate Women in Horror Weekend with Waterstones Nottingham! Including author talks from the some of the best women writers in horror, a classic film screening and spooky goody bags and workshops from Lush Nottingham! Michelle will be in conversation with Julia Armfield on Saturday from 5;15pm onwards... See you there!
Waterstones Nottingham
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Nottingham NG1 2GR
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WINTER HAUNTS 2025
Online event! Ghost story, gothic and supernatural fiction day 10:30am - 6:30pm GMT... Michelle with Lucy Rose, Jess Kidd, Emilia Hart, CJ Cooke, Hollie Starling, Emma Glass. Connect with fellow fans of the strange, the eerie, and the otherworldly!
Oxford Literary Festival 2026
The Oxford Literary Festival takes place in venues across central Oxford, such as Blackwell's bookshop, the Bodleian Library, the Sheldonian Theatre, the Weston Library, and Oxford colleges such as Christ Church and Worcester College. The festival includes international authors, journalists, intellectuals, historians, and poets.