The book is dedicated to the life and work of the world famous traveler of the 19th century, the first explorer of Central Asia Nikolai Mikhailovich Przhevalsky. The main attention is paid to the personality of the pioneer scientist, his relationship with relatives, comrades and companions on expeditions, colleagues in the service. Publications about Przhevalsky as a scout, geopolitics, conquistador, a fan of Shambhala are critically comprehended.