Alan Nichols facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alan Hammond Nichols
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Alan Nichols learning the art of falconry.
Tan-Tan, Morocco, 2014. |
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| Born | February 14, 1930 Palo Alto, California, U.S.
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| Other names | Alan Hammond |
| Education | Stanford University (BA) Stanford Law School (JD) |
| Known for | Bicycling the Silk Road |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Law, Exploration Sacred mountains |
| Institutions | The Explorers Club |
Alan Hammond Nichols (born February 14, 1930) is an American lawyer, author, and explorer. He is also known for his knowledge about sacred mountains around the world. He was the 42nd president of The Explorers Club, a group for people who love to explore.
Life and Adventures
Alan Nichols studied at Stanford University. He earned a BA degree in 1951. He was also chosen for Phi Beta Kappa, which is a special honor society for smart students.
From 1951 to 1954, he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a lieutenant and received a commendation medal.
After his military service, Nichols returned to Stanford Law School to study law. He earned his JD (Juris Doctor) degree in 1955. This degree allows someone to practice law.
A Career in Law
After becoming a lawyer, Nichols worked in the San Francisco area for over 50 years. He focused on business, banking, and non-profit companies. He also helped lead many community groups.
One important role he had was as president of the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD). During this time, a big court case called Lau v. Nichols happened in 1974. The Supreme Court decided that schools must provide special help for students who do not speak English well. This was a win for students.
Nichols has also been involved in politics. He helped with campaigns and raised money for the Republican party in California. In 1990, he ran for Congress but did not win.
World Explorer
Throughout his life, Alan Nichols has loved learning about different cultures and religions. This interest has led him to travel all over the world. He has achieved many notable "firsts" in his explorations.
In 1978, when China first allowed tourists into the Tibet Autonomous Region, he was the first Westerner to visit the sacred Tibetan sites of Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar. These are very important places for many people.
One of his most famous adventures was bicycling the entire Silk Road. This ancient trade route is about 10,300 miles long. He cycled from Istanbul to Xi’an in China. He completed this amazing journey in four parts, starting in 1989 and finishing in 2005.
In 2010 and 2012, he led expeditions into less-traveled areas of China. He explored Ningxia and Inner Mongolia. His goal was to search for the tomb of the great Mongol emperor Genghis Khan.
Alan Nichols holds an honorary doctor of science degree from California College of Podiatric Medicine. He lives in Marin County, California, with his wife, Rebecca "Becky" Rygh-Nichols.
Selected Publications
Alan Nichols has written several books and articles. Some of his works include:
- Water for California: Planning, Law & Practice, Finance (1965)
- Journey: A Bicycle Odyssey through Central Asia (1991)
- Travels with Annie (2002)
- To Climb a Sacred Mountain: One Man's Search for God Atop the Holy Mountains of the World (1979), written under the name Alan Hammond.
