This book tells the story of three great empires that eventually clashed amongst the most rugged mountains of the world - the Pamirs, the Tien Shan and the Karakoram. The Russian 'bear', the British 'lion' and the Chinese 'dragon' were the three great adversarial animals that dominated Asia in the late 19th century. This was the Great Game - a chess game of historical intrigue. The modern Karakoram Highway between Pakistan and China is the final twist in the story - the highway of history. For today's travellers, the region is a vast melting pot of people, cultures, scenery and excitement. But what will be the scenario for the travellers of tomorrow? Will they be forced by security issues and deadly bureaucracy to see the world only through computerised screen images divorced from reality? Or will they too be able to journey across lands of different cultures, admiring the jewels of nature? Perhaps, despite the contradictions of modern mankind, they will experience the touches of kindness that people everywhere are still eager to show to a stranger. This book tells more than a story; it is an historical amalgam laced with travellers' tales of Asia over 40 years, illustrated with a vivid collection of nearly 200 photographs.