Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > All Miscellaneous questions > Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else
Fear of heights vs Himalayas Fear of heights vs Himalayas
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else This is an opportunity to ask any question, and post any notice you wish that doesn't fit into one of the other sections.
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Like Tree4Likes
  • 3 Post By backofbeyond
  • 1 Post By brclarke

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 26 Jan 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 1
Fear of heights vs Himalayas
Hi Everyone,

I am planning a trip to the himalayas to ride up to Base Camp on an Enfield. I have a healthy fear of heights at the moment and am committed to seeing this through. It has been a personal goal for quite a while now and this year turning 50 has had me position my partner and I to do it. My partner is indian and she used to trek up the Himalayas frequently.

I suppose I'm writing this to see if anyone else has conquered their fear of heights while travelling? It is a very limiting fear to have and I am going to hopefully break it wide open and rid myself of it altogether.

Am I scared? Yes - I've watched the youtube videos and had my palms sweat just sitting in my lounge room

I would really appreciate any discussion with people who have overcome things while travelling to give some hope that all will be ok. I've been riding motorcycles for many years and am a confident rider. My partner will be pillion.

Thanks!
Peter
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 25 Feb 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Fitzroy Crossing, Western Australia
Posts: 16
I dont think you can ride to base camp..., its a 3 day hike up a goat track with lots of stairs.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 1 Mar 2016
Kayjay's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: India
Posts: 303
Do your home work anything is possible. All the best.

Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 1 Mar 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,104
You don't have go all the way to the Himalayas to find roads that'll bring out the fear factor. Have you tried riding some closer to home to find out how you react?

My wife has a similar reaction and a number of times in the Alps she's stopped and refused to go further so I've had to take over. Once, on a solo day trip, she had to phone me to come and drive the car as she was petrified. She knows it's irrational but that doesn't help. If you react like that you could be in trouble.

If your reaction is milder - sweaty palms, heart rate, sense of doom etc you could be ok but it's when it becomes total paralysis that it'll be trip limiting. I don't have much faith personally in desensitising treatments like hypnosis but it might be worth seeing if any other methods have a reasonable track record. Otherwise get some passes in on the bike and see where your limits lie.

Good luck with it - and the trip.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 1 Mar 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: NSW Australia - but never there
Posts: 1,235
Where are you now Peter. Lots of countries have some fairly hairy roads so you might be able to do some local preparation.

I guess if you are climbing stairs and walkways, paralysis just means holding on for grim life, but riding a bike at speed is quite a different situation.

Maybe get your partner experienced riding the bike.
__________________
Tony
Click here for Travel Photos & Travel Map
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 4 May 2021
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,104
Quote:
Originally Posted by footloosedev View Post
Btw, I am a full-time travel blogger and YouTuber and I have been travelling the lengths and breadths of India since 2016. I have also travelled to over 30 countries so you can trust my words lol.
"Trust me I'm a blogger" - I'll add that to my list of trustworthy occupations

You'll be in good company alongside politicians, 'dealers' (antique I think, but could be any sort), estate agents, journalists, 'traders' (as in "trust a trader"), holiday reps, gamblers, lawyers, 'experts' and a girlfriend from way back. All trustworthy to a fault.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 5 May 2021
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Portugal permanent, Sweden during summer
Posts: 464
Everest Base Camp
Quote:
Originally Posted by familyhack View Post
I dont think you can ride to base camp..., its a 3 day hike up a goat track with lots of stairs.
There is one base camp on the north side, in Tibet.
One on the South side in Nepal.

To the South one. there is no road.
But to the North one there is. That one you can drive to.

To be even more detailed.
There are two base camps in Tibet.
One for climbers. Where tourists can't go
One for tourists.

Nomadknight is one example of organizers of tours. Starting in Nepal
https://www.nomadicknights.com/rode-to-everest/

Asiabiketours is another. Starting Lhasa
https://www.asiabiketours.com/tibet-...t-everest.html


Since it is China, you can't go by yourself.
Only organized tours are permitted.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 5 May 2021
brclarke's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 1999
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Posts: 812
Question
Maybe I'm just a dummy, but how would visiting the Himalayans be different from visiting any mountains..?

I find that if I'm standing where I can actually fall off a cliff or ledge, I get sweaty palms and almost an electrical tingling in my scalp and spine. I take a few steps back and that goes away.

I would just do a few practice runs. Is there a mountain area near where you live now that you can do some riding and whatnot in..?

In the Himalayans I would be worried more about altitude sickness. If you live somewhere flat, it might be a good idea to visit a nearer high altitude to see how much the thin air bothers you.
__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 5 May 2021
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Portugal permanent, Sweden during summer
Posts: 464
Place to train
Not with bike.
But walking....

https://www.theportugalnews.com/news...portugal/59567

Myself have fear of heights. But the worst is at 5-25 meters.
Roof of normal villas and...
When it gets higher, you loose the sence of height. The fear is gone.
And replaced with wow feeling of the view.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Ride through Himalayas - India - Video FJS West and South Asia 1 28 Oct 2015 09:15
Solo in the Himalayas (not an Enfield!) 7days1shower Ride Tales 7 5 Nov 2013 09:05
Route From India into China thru Himalayas Tysoncable Route Planning 2 2 Jul 2012 20:11
Extreme Bike Tours: The Mighty Himalayas: The True Adventure of a Lifetime. thirdmainroad Tours 0 6 Jun 2012 17:01
Planning a trip to India and the Himalayas ggemelos Route Planning 14 23 Mar 2012 17:51

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 12:04.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top