Born April 12, 1839,
Kimborovo, Russia
Died November 1, 1888,
Karakol [now Przhevalsk], Russia

During his lifetime Nikolay Mikhaylovich Przhevalsky gained considerable fame for his explorations in the Russian Far East, Mongolia, Sinkiang, and Tibet. He wrote books about his adventures, was honored by geographical societies throughout Europe, and even discovered a wild horse that was named after him. Yet Przhevalsky never realized his dream: to explore the “Forbidden Kingdom” of Tibet. He died during his last journey to that country.

After finishing high school, Przhevalsky joined the Russian army. He served during the Crimean War and then entered officer training school. While he was a student he wrote a paper on the Russian Far East that gained him membership in the St. Petersburg Imperial Geographical Society. In 1863, before his graduation, he was sent to Poland, which was still part of the Russian Empire, to help suppress a...