Searching for Happy Valley

A global quest to comprehend the meaning of "Happy Valley" on three continents and how these mountain communities continue to survive in a world that constantly challenges the very notion of "happiness."

Over her 17-year career as a travel writer, Jane Marshall has wandered the planet, always in search of wild, high-altitude, off-the-beaten-track places. During her travels she discovered something profound. On three continents, separated by vast oceans, she found hidden valleys known locally as "Happy Valley." Her quest: to discover what makes them happy and learn from their Indigenous keepers.

The happy valleys share common characteristics. They are geographically isolated and protected by walls of mountains; they are home to rare and endangered plants and animals; they exist outside of protections zones — which gives them autonomy but also makes them vulnerable; their Indigenous populations name the land after human and divine body parts; and women...