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Tour Date: 14 May 2010 - 31 May 2010
Tour Cost ($AUD): $11,997.00
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This trip is not simply a holiday - it is an incredible adventure! We traverse the world’s highest roads and remote valleys, ascend lofty passes and visit scenes of unbelievable natural beauty. Visiting the Himalaya is an amazing experience, but touring the region on a Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle adds an extra dimension. Prepare yourself for an exhilarating adventure that has few equals. The Bullet, a classic British motorcycle originally designed in the late 1940s, is amazingly still manufactured in India. Perfectly suited to the rugged Himalayan roads, the Bullet is used extensively by the Indian Army in the world’s most challenging terrains, including the Himalaya.
Pre-Departure Information
14/05/2010 Australia - Singapore
Dawn on the north face of Everest
Depart from your chosen Australian airport on the flight to Singapore. On arrival we connect with our flight to Beijing.
15/05/2010 Singapore - Beijing (LD)
The Forbidden City
Depart Singapore Singapore Airlines SQ 800, 01.20
Arrive Beijing 07.20
After completing customs and immigration formalities we transfer to our hotel.
Beijing International Hotel
No 5 Jian Guo men Wei Avenue
Beijing
Ph: 0011-86-10-65126688
Fx: 65129972
This afternoon we visit the extraordinary Forbidden City, the world's largest ancient palace structure. Covering an astonishing 72 hectares and containing no fewer than 9,999 rooms, this incredible complex was built between 1407 and 1420 by an estimated one million labourers. Until 1924 it was the Imperial Palace for China's emperors, and in 1987 was World Heritage listed by UNESCO. A visit here is never to be forgotten. In the evening we attend a performance of the world-famous Beijing acrobats.
16/05/2010 Beijing (BLD)
The Great Wall of China
A very special day's sightseeing today. After breakfast we drive out of Beijing and head for the incredible Great Wall of China. We visit the beautiful section at Mutianyu, which is far less touristy than many other parts accessible from the capital.
Built more than 2,000 years ago under the orders of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huamgdi, it remains one of the largest construction projects of all time and stretches an incredible 6,400 kilometres. We have plenty of time to stroll on the ramparts and fully take in this wonder of the world. We also enjoy an exclusive picnic in one of the watchtowers lining the wall. Returning to Beijing, we attend a stunning traditional Chinese folk show while dining on Peking Roast Duck.
17/05/2010 Beijing - Lhasa (BLD)
The streets of old Beijing
Today is our last in Beijing and we spend much of it in the fascinating old part of the city, known as the Hutong. We explore the area by cycle rickshaw and have lunch in the home of a typical Chinese family. Later we have time to shop for bargains at the famous Silk Markets. Dinner is on the 28th floor of our hotel in the Starshine revolving restaurant for spectacular night views of Beijing.
Depart Beijing Train 27 21.30
After dinner we transfer to the railway station for our thrilling journey to the Tibetan Plateau. The oxygenated 'Himalayan Express' is the first to link China and Tibet and the 4,000-km journey will certainly be one to remember!
18/05/2010 Onboard the Himalayan Express
Train 27, the Himalayan Express
The world's highest railway was completed at the end of 2005 and the first scheduled journey commenced in July 2006. Built largely on permafrost, four-fifths of the track is laid at an altitude of over 4,000m with the highest, between Qinghai and Lhasa, reaching 5,072m. There are some incredible views as we head towards Lhasa.
19/05/2010 Arrive Lhasa (D)
Adding an engine to climb up to the Tibetan Plateau
Early morning we arrive in Golmud where two enormous locomotives are attached to the front of the train to haul us up to the Himalayan plateau and on to Lhasa. Treeless plains give way to snow-capped mountains and we pass by the world's highest lake and through the world's highest tunnel as our incredible journey continues. Finally, in the evening the Express pulls into the Tibetan capital at the conclusion of its epic trip. On arrival we transfer to our hotel.
Arrive Lhasa 20.00
Bhramaputra Hotel
Gongbutand Road
Lhasa 85000, Tibet
Ph: 0011-86-891-6309999
Fx: 6309888
20/05/2010 Lhasa (BLD)
The Potala Palace
Above the banks of the Lhasa River lies the mysterious city of Lhasa. It is dominated by the extraordinary architectural wonder, the Potala Palace. Lhasa, which in Tibetan means 'Land of the Gods', has a population of 400,000, of which 87% are Tibetan. Its history dates back 1,300 years.
Today we collect our Royal Enfield Bullet motorbikes. After a road brief, we take a short ride to Moburi Mountain and the Potala Palace. This enables us to familiarise ourselves with our machines and adjust to riding on the right side of the road with opposite side shift gear and brakes.
Often referred to as 'the bright pearl in the roof of the world', the Potala Palace is the traditional winter home of the Dalai Lama. It has over 1,000 rooms and the walls are more than three metres thick. After lunch we visit the old city of Lhasa. The fascinating marketplace is often referred to as 'the window of Tibet', as it showcases Tibetan customs and culture.
21/05/2010 Lhasa (BLD)
Dalai Lama's summer residence at Norbulinka
Today we visit beautiful Norbulinka Park. From the mid-18th century each successive Dalai Lama used the park and palace as a summer residence.
All religious and political affairs were carried out here and in 1994 UNESCO granted it World Heritage status. In the afternoon we visit the Lhasa Hospital of Tibetan Medicine where we learn about the use of herbs, plants and root vegetables in this ancient science.
22/05/2010 Lhasa (BLD)
Prayer wheels in old Lhasa
After breakfast we continue to explore this fascinating city. One of today's highlights is a visit to the extraordinary Sera Monastery. The complex was called Sera (meaning 'wild rose' in Tibetan) because the hillside behind it was once covered in wild roses.
As a part of their study, lamas here must participate in debates to further their comprehension and proceed to more advanced levels of study. The debating traditions in the Sera Monastery are unique and provide an amazing spectacle. Debates are conducted by the lamas every day, beginning at 3am. In a battle of words, they supplement their efforts by using a variety of gestures including clapping their hands, pushing their partners for an answer, or plucking their prayer beads to win the virtue of the Buddha.
23/05/2010 Lhasa - Gyangtse (BLD)
At the Kambala Pass overlooking Yamdruk Lake
After breakfast we leave Lhasa and ride for 280 km, on mostly paved roads, through magnificent countryside to the ancient city of Gyangtse.
The ride follows the riverbed of the Kyi Chu River in the Bramhaputra valley until the Yarlung Tsangpo Bridge. We then take the southeast route and gradually ascend to the Kampa La. This pass has the highest continuous ascent of our entire trip, rising from 1,600m to 4,787m, which is effectively almost 1,200m over a distance of 23 km.
We ride slowly and take frequent rest stops - a technique that helps us acclimatise to the high altitude. We picnic by the turquoise waters of Yamdruk Lake and, in the afternoon, pass the majestic Kanola Glacier before reaching Gyangtse early evening.
Gyangtse Hotel
8 Yingxiong Road
Gyangtse
Ph: 0011-86-892-8172222
Fx: 8172220
24/05/2010 Gyangtse - Shigatse (BLD)
Pecho Monastery
The ancient walled town of Gyangtse is set in a pretty and fertile valley. This morning we visit the Kunbon Stupa and Pecho Monastery, which embraces all sects of Buddhism in Tibet.
If you have ever dreamt of riding to the ‘roof of the world’, dream no more! Passing a range of snowy peaks, we follow the Nyangchu River for 90km before arriving in Tibet's second- largest city, Shigatse. Meaning 'fertile land', Shigatse is more than 600 years old and sits at the confluence of the Yarlong Tsangpo and Nyangchu rivers. It is the traditional seat of the Punchen Lama and is an important stop for pilgrims travelling between Lhasa and western Tibet.
Shigatse Hotel
13 Shanghai Road
Shigatse
Ph: 0011-86-892-8822550
Fx: 8821900
25/05/2010 Shigatse - Tingri (BLD)
Prayer flags on the Tibetan Plateau
Back on the road we head along the Friendship Highway to the remote town of Tingri. En-route we visit the Sakya Monastery, which resembles a castle in typical Yuan Dynasty style. It contains over 10,000 volumes of Tibetan books on astronomy, medicine, calligraphy and history.
This is another day of fantastic scenery as we journey to within sight of Mount Everest and we make many scenic stops before the sun begins to set behind the north face of the world’s highest peak.
Everest Hotel
Balba Township
Tingri, Tibet
Ph: 001186-892-8262715
Fx: 8262818
26/05/2010 Tingri - Everest Base Camp - Tingri (BLD)
Peter Renouf at Everest Base Camp
After breakfast we ride the much anticipated 100 km to Everest Base Camp. The ride is fully cross-country with ascending passes before we round a bend and catch sight of the great mountain, soaring 8,848m into the heavens.
There are few sights on earth that challenge the imagination in quite the same way, and for motorbike lovers, being able to ride so close to the highest point on earth is an experience never to be forgotten. Put another way, it’s the closest to heaven we’ll ever get on a bike!
In the afternoon we visit Rongbuk, once the largest monastic centre in the region. This is a settlement all mountaineers must pass through when attempting to climb the treacherous north face of Everest.
27/05/2010 Tingri - Zhangmu (BLD)
Tibetan women at Zhangmu
This morning, charged with energy after realising a dream, we head out for another long day’s exhilarating ride. We leave Tingri and drive across the high Tibetan Plateau to the trade-post town of Nylam at an altitude of 3,500m.
We then continue 35 km down to Zhangmu, the border town. It is worth having an altimeter with you today as we descend an incredible 1,300m in less than two hours’ riding!
Zhangmu Hotel
2 China - Nepal Road
Zhangmu, Tibet
Ph: 0011-86-892-8742221
Fx: 8742220
28/05/2010 Zhangmu - Kathmandu (BLD)
Office manager Nia Carras at the Friendship Bridge
An early morning start today as we descend to the Friendship Bridge that divides Tibet and Nepal. After clearing Chinese border formalities, we ride across the bridge to the Nepalese border town of Kodari from where it is a short ride to the capital, Kathmandu. This afternoon we ride triumphantly into Kathmandu, where we bid a sad farewell to our trusty motorbikes.
Malla Hotel
Lekhnath Marg
Kathmandu
Ph: 0011-977-1-4418385
Fx: 4418382
29/05/2010 Kathmandu (BLD)
Hindu temple, Kathmandu
The fertile Kathmandu valley lies at an altitude of 1,200-1,500m. Although small in size, no fewer than seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites are to be found within the valley. These architectural wonders are monuments to Nepal's past prosperity and artistry, which essentially make the whole area a living museum.
This morning we take a leisurely tour of Kathmandu and the afternoon is free to continue exploring this extraordinary city.
30/05/2010 Kathmandu - Singapore (B)
Boudhanath Stupa from the air
Late morning we transfer to the airport for our flight home via Singapore.
Depart Kathmandu Silk Air MI 411, 13.00
Arrive Singapore 20.15
On arrival we connect with the flight to our chosen Australian city
31/05/2010 Singapore - Australia
Our flight arrives back in Australia today.
TOUR INFORMATION
Tour Fitness Level: Energetic
MAY 2010 DEPARTURE:
TOUR COST: AUD $11,997
PILLION PASSENGER $11,497
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $2,397
INCLUDED IN TOUR COST:
* All flights between Australia & China/Nepal & Australia
* All ticketable air taxes (may be subject to change)
* Personal use of Royal Enfield Bullet motorcycle and all fuel and repairs
* Support bus
* Mechanic
* All ground transportation and transfers
* All accommodation (twin-share)
* All meals as specified
* All local guides
* Travel Directors tour escort
* All entrance fees in specified sightseeing
* All visas and courier fees
* All tips and gratuities
Our motorbikes: The machines provided are Royal Enfield Bullets. The Enfields were originally produced in Britain but after WWll the factory was transferred to Chennai, where they are still in production today. An experienced motorcycle mechanic accompanies the tour. All fuel, maintenance and repairs are included.
NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR COST:
* Insurance
* Personal expenses
Please note that whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the above pricing, currency fluctuations beyond our control can affect final tour costs.
A booking form is to be completed by all passengers, followed by a non-refundable deposit of AUD $2,000 at the time of booking.
All tours are based on a minimum group size of 10 people travelling.
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