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China, Mt Everest base camp, Lhasa, Mohan to Laos 2012
We a small group of riders have organised a trip from the UK leaving the last week in July, entering into China from Kyrgyzstan on 10 September 2012 for a 35 day tour, covering approx 6500km.
We will be taking National Highways 315/219/318/214 leaving China into Laos at Mohan, riding Route 219 in Tibet, described as the most inhospitable and highest ride able route in the world, calling into Mount Everest North Base camp for one night at 5545m. We have a four wheel drive support vehicle all the way in China, carrying the English speaking Guide and some of our bike gear. The Chinese part is already pre booked, using an Accredited Chinese tour Company based in Urumqi. We are keeping the group size small {max4} due to the terrain and lack of facilities on the way. There are already three confirmed riders, with deposits paid.:clap::clap: |
Hi I can ask out of interest how much the cost is per person? Sounds great! Many thanks
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Hi
Approx 2500, depending on rider numbers.this will be the route we will be taking, and a few notes. John O Groats to Mukdahan, the China Leg September 2012 DAYS PLACE TO PLACE DAILY KMS 10th Arrival in China via Turgart to Kashgar. 60km Meet with your guide, deal with border paper works & ride to Kashgar. The border is on a top of a mountain, it could be snowing in September? There is 20km of very rough road after all check points. 11th Kashgar to Police station to Kashgar 90km Drive to Police Station for motorbikes' checking of the number tags & driving permits, then get the drive license and number plate. 12th Kashgar sightseeing 90km To visit Abakh Khoja Tomb, Id Kah Mosque, Sunday Bazaar & Old Town. Kashgar is a very traditional city with a population of 3 million people. It is one of main points on the Silk Road. Marco Polo mentioned its prosperity on his book. It is a chance to view Islamic culture. Suggest you dine in a Muslim restaurant. 13th Kashgar to Yecheng 260km Yecheng is a very small town with old Islam culture. From Yecheng to Rutog, you will have 3 hard days, high altitude, few people, no adequate accommodation. Need take good care of yourself and your motorbikes. Suggest prepare in Kashgar or Yecheng. Food, drink, medicine, warm cloths. 14th Yecheng to Mazha 250km The altitude goes up till Lhasa. The road is being built, could face with stops for few hours and dusty. 15th Maza to Dahongliutan to Tielongtan 360km Wild place but beautiful and peaceful stunning scenery. 16th Tielongtan to Jieshandaban (5600m) to Songxi to Rutog 370km Today you will meet the first high peak 5600m.The scenery is wonderful. 17th Rutog to Shiquanhe to Zhada 350km 18th Zhada to Darchen(Mt. Kailash) 220km Mt. Kailash and Manasarovar lake are the holy mountain and holy lake in Tibet area. It is very worth visiting. 19th Darchen (Mt. Kailash) to Manasarovar Lake 110km Half day explore the Mt.Kailash, after lunch ride to Lake Manasarova. Beautiful Camping spot. 20th Manasarovar Lake to Zhongba 320km 21st Zhongba to Lhaze 495km 22nd Lhaze to Dingri to Mt Everest 240km 23rd Mt. Everest to Dingri 100km 24th Dingri to Xigaze 240km Xigaze is a bigger town with Tibet culture, visit Tashlunpo Monastery, where the gliding bronze figure of ninth Panchen Lama exists. 25th Xigaze to Gyantse to Yamdrok Yum Tso Lake 110km Yamdrok Yum Tso Lake, the peaceful holy lake which is the biggest inland lake of northern Himalaya. Nice camping spot. 26th Yamdrok to Lhasa 160km 27th Lhasa To visit the Potala Palace in the morning, it is a masterpiece of Tibetan art. In the afternoon, to visit Jokhang Temple, which is the oldest wooden building in Tibet. The first construction is in 647 A.D. 28th Lhasa A free day for you to explore the beautiful Lhasa. 29th Lhasa to Nyingchi 460km 30th Nyingchi to Bomi to Ranwu 350km 1st Ranwu to Basu 90km After visiting the far remote beautiful Ranwu Lake, then drive to Basu. 2nd Basu to Mangkang 360km The road from Basu to Bangda is very steep and many abrupt turns. It is a challenging day. 3rd Mangkang to Deqin 240km The Mingyong Glacier and Meili Snow Mountains near Deqin, whose main peak Peak Kawa Karpo is very famous among the world. 4th Deqin to Shangri-la 184km 5th Shangri-La to Lijiang The ancient city of Lijiang, whose architecture is worthy for the blending of several cultures. It is a nice peaceful old city, a good place for you to have a short rest with nice view. 6th Lijiang 7th Lijiang 8th Lijiang to Dali 140km 9th Dali Dali is a small old city, it is very touristy, but very nice to visit. 10th Dali to Zhenyuan 200km 11th Nanjian to Puer to Jionghong 200km The road situation is very good, riding through mountains, villages, fields, tea gardens etc, up and down. 12th Jinghong to Mengla 150km 13th Mengla to Mohan 60km Exit China, ride into Laos. WARNING *The risk of the route is high altitude, especially the day5, the altitude jumps from 1000m to 3000, the altitude is above 3000 from the Day5 to Day19, high altitude and low temperature will be the challenge for you and your motorbikes. *The area between Xinjiang and Tibet is being built, you could face problem when crossing, depending on the road situation, will know nearer the time. *No garage with right parts for motorbikes and any experienced mechanic. (in small towns/cities). It will be perfect if you have a mechanic in the group. *From Day8, the road is very good, except for somewhere is just being built.. |
Looks like some very serious planning going on. Well done Revenue! bier
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Tibet and China
Wow
Looks like a great plan. The chinese travel agency are often the ones who issue you with the chinese driving licence and registration plate. We didn't need to go to the police to get ours. http://tiffanystravels.smugmug.com/O.../IMG1917-S.jpg And as for altitude, you are 4500m and above for the first week or more on the Tibetan plateau. Don't underestimate how tough this can be, both riding and sleeping at these sorts of altitudes. Have fun and enjoy yourselves. |
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Yes we have been planning for over 12 months, this was going to be a private 2 man ride from the UK to Thailand, but sadly my friend/ riding mate died suddenly in Sept 2011. This is where we are now, been looking at a few options/ rides, but all lacking for me, so this is why i sorted my own China part. There has very good interest in the ride, but if it ends up with just me riding i am not to worried, just my wallet will be! |
Hi Tiffany
Been a lurking fan of your 2010 ride/blog, we where oridginally going to take the easy roads through China, but seeing your report and on my WANT TO DO list was visit Mt Everest, so i have got you to blame for the new route! My XT660z is standard with Metz Tourance, i was going to take a set of Michelin Sirac tyres, looking at your pictures you are using TKC80??? what are your feeling on tyres for the route? What about fuel?? the tank is standard 23L, and i will be carrying a 7L fuel bladder, i feel i should be able to ride max 600km. Eric |
Sorry to hear about your friend........ but if you accept a GS1200 in your Ténéré group, I'll definitely come along.
Maybe I could ask Tiffany to baby-sit me all the way to Lhasa:funmeteryes: |
Just to share a bit of info. 219 is mostly paved these days. Only about 900km dirt road left and almost no more water crossing. If you have a back up vehicle to help carry fuel and luggage, it is very easy to do. The only thing you might want to look out for will be the quick climb from Xinjiang towards Tibet. Must becareful of the drastic altitude change and riders may not be aware of getting hit. Do have plan B readily available. You will enjoy the nature & hospitality:funmeterno:
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I do agree there is a massive change in altitude in such a short time, maybe we will need to spend 1 extra day around here to acclimatise, thanks for the sound advise, also feel more happier with the Michelin Siracs now. Plan B is already sorted, thanks again |
Hi
What is your plan B out of interest? I am so physically unfit that I daren't choose this route, I know altitude sickness can affect both the fit and unfit, and it is quite random with severity, however changing routes and covering epic distances as a result is something that I cannot cope with physically, I have to pace myself. If one of your party suffered, would the chinese guide be able to arrange alternative plans for that person? Sorry to hear about your travel partner :-\ i'm sure they will be there in spirit, especially when you are near everest! |
Hi Fern,
Consider this one: There are 2 couples crossing from Mongolia to Laos ( opened recently) with two 4x4 in October 2012. troopytracks They are working with the same travel agent as Eric does. (Spring from Desert Roses) Maybe you can join them? Good luck!:mchappy: vic Chinese tour operators To cross from Mongolia to China one must make arrangements with a Chinese tour operator. Following are a few which operate in west China. Qinghe Kanas International Travel Service Ltd. Xinjiang Overseas International Travel Service. Spring from Desert Roses desert_roses@sina.com +86 135 7981 0241 |
Sorry Fern, I got the dates wrong. They did this trip in 2011!:oops2:
Promise: next time i put my glasses on before publishing!:blushing: |
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The ride is not a trip in the park, and I do feel a lot of people under estimate the route, look on the map and think, Oh I will ride there! I have mentioned before this is one if not the most inhospitable drivable route on planet earth. I am also unfit, but ride now every day, and swim 1 hour each morning, cut back on the beer and after 2 weeks now I feel better mentally and physically. Altitude sickness as you say can effect anyone and no one knows until it happens, the support vehicle we use is a pickup so a bike could be put in the back if needed, I have asked the Tour Company to make sure we have Oxygen bottles in the vehicle, but the rider would need to wait until Lhasa the nearest airport, there are Military Outpost all the way and the occasional vehicle using the roads. If there was a major problem with one of the bikes/ riders in China, they would be transported in the support vehicle to the Laos border, where my wife would be there to transport the bike/ rider back to Thailand, abviously any cost would be the riders/ owner. This is another backup plan so plan A works. I sailed to Antarctica on the Marco Polo and on the boat was Sir Edmund Hilary, what an inspirational man he was I sat with him many times, the words I remember he said are; “life is between your ears if you want it that bad you can achieve anything” and even today I remember this, so all I can say Fern is set your goals a bit higher and achieve something that not many people have done, as we are only passing this way once. So basically plan B is to make sure plan A works by digging deep, and overcome anything that come in our way and being prepared. Eric |
Hi Eric,
FYI: 1. all military postings do offer emergency oxygen supply and sometimes temporary accomodation. 2. There are airports every 500km along 219 but some may not be opened to public. There is one in Pulan (near Zichuanhe) which has a regular flight to Lhasa once every Tuesday. 3. I always carry Dymox with me when I travel through high altitude area. I have not used it myself but have given to many who has suffered or wants to prevent from high altitude sickness. It helps. Franki |
Thanks Franki, some interesting informations and advice in your post.
I appreciate Eric's plan in case of bike related problems; wouldn't like mine to end up the same way as the Bmw Tiffany saw. :nono: An Abandoned Bike at Chinese Customs I thought this might be one for the HU Bar Crowd In the Customs area on the Chinese side of the Irkeshtam Pass, there is a dusty mound hidden away in the corner of the compound. Being a bit on the nosy side I pulled away some of the coverings and underneath there is... A BMW F650GS The number plate has been removed, it was impossible to see the engine number and it's so securely wrapped in canvas that I couldn't get to the speedo to see if it's in miles or kms. It's pretty dusty and looks like it's been there a while. Any idea who it might belong to? |
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When did you ride the 219??? Eric |
China
I am so envious of you guys doing this trip !!!!!!:(
I fly into Beijing on the 10th of Feb. but instead of riding to Lhasa we are going by train, then 4x4 to Kathmandu where a 500cc Enfield awaits us, to continue on thru Nepal & India for 3 mths. But really really really would of loved to ride across China.:( Have a great ride !:thumbup1: Cheers Paul |
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Dont worry there is always another day, might do the trip in reverse in 2013 if i dont move to Auz next year, but head upto Mongolia and Russia then UK. Its such a shame we cannot get across Myanmar for me its only 600km away and Bangladesh 850km as the bird flys. Your trip sounds awesome, maybe to cold for me that time of year! Feel i do need to get a job soon and explore the parts i havnt seen. Eric |
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Eric, My doctor friend advised me 250mg tablets dosage one each time, 3 time per day, 3 days before the climb will help with high altitude symtoms. One thing to remember though, stay close to a WC during that period.:rain: This is the RR I posted of my last ride in 2010, part of it is 219. China, Tibet - The closest place to heaven & closer to God - ADVrider Franki |
Nepal
Eric,
I actually get to do the trip in reverse, as our bikes are presently in Kenya after riding down from Egypt. We have spent a total of 8 months doing this and feel we need a break from Africa, so decided on this as a side trip. But after continuing to Cape Town in Aug, then to Sth. America after Xmas, which we have allocated a year for then of course there is America, Alaska etc then Europe then overland to Nepal again it will be bloody 2016 before I get back !!!!, so by that time with a wee aid of a bit of dementia it should be all new again LOL.:thumbup1: Cheers Paul |
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I have just been reading your thread, words cannot describe the pictures, i am in awe! Some good reading for tonight. What month did you ride the 219? Road works will be a problem, its difficult to get accurate information, as the road is closed during the winter months. Just been reading the label on the Diamox may have to rig up a pipe system to get rid of the excess water, bad enough in cold weather for me. Ericbier |
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Sorry for the late reply, the wife/girlfriend is in Laos probably twice a month with her business, so no problem to meet us at the border just a ride upto Nong Khai cross the Friendship Bridge, then route 13 goes all the way to Mohan, she does not need any excuse to head off to do a bit off shopping. Once the bike is in Thailand no problems can be stored securely here. Just a backup plan and would hope we didnt need it, but there just in case. Eric |
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Need to get the instruction manual out for the camera. Ride safe Eric |
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I am glad that you have enjoyed my thread. I did that trip from May and ended in Aug., 2010 It crossed the rainy season but I was extremely lucky to have good weather. Riders who was 2 weeks before or after my trip had to abandon their trip due to impassable 'road'. I should have less worry as the 219 section from Lazi to Zichuanhe has already been paved in 2011. I went through there when they are working on it and I have to ride mostly in the field along side the road works. Your trip will be in Sep. so out side the rainy season. You will have hail storm, snow and strong wind instead. Enjoy. Franki |
Hi Franki,
I also read your RR, one of the best ones that I've ever read. I loved the pictures, the landscapes and the strong spirit that you guys show in the difficult situations. One question, If May-June is the rainy season and in September there is snow and hail, when yo think is the best time of the year for route 219? Thanks, Martin |
Your trip will be in Sep. so out side the rainy season. You will have hail storm, snow and strong wind instead. Enjoy.
Franki Hi Franki Like Martin when is there a good time to go?? Feel i prefer wind and snow to rain. I have tried to leave it late to cross as i really dont want to arrive in Laos /Thailand untill the rainy season has ended, for the last 4 years it has been the end Sept/ Oct, and some of the roads in Laos are dirt roads we will be taking, so better dry!! Eric |
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Hi Martin, I am sorry that I have not made it clear. I planned to start in May and finish the trip by early July but things happened as you have read and the trip has been prolonged into early Aug. The rainy season is July Aug. where the ground will turn into a big mud pond. A friend of mine on a 125cc spent 7 hours digging his bike out of the mud.... It is better to do the trip in drier season if you want to do the whole length of 219. May, June and Sep is best months but still you will get the elements thrown at you at such altitude. That is why you saw us carrying a tent with us even though we have always managed to find a roof over our head. The tent is our survival kit. Franki |
That is why you saw us carrying a tent with us even though we have always managed to find a roof over our head. The tent is our survival kit.
Franki[/QUOTE] Good idea, think the tent and a good sleeping bag just incase, would not have thought there was much accomadation along the way, the tourist towns like Lhasa i guess there will be no problems?? E |
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E[/QUOTE] Hotel or Hostel can be found a long 219 small towns. I can find a place to stay relatively easy. But as a foreigner, there is a law saying that only certain hotels are allowed to put up foreigners. Having said that, laws are not streightly enforced there. It all depends how good your guide isbier We carry the tent mainly for emergency in the Northern Route where there is a no-man's-land. Franki |
Hotel or Hostel can be found a long 219 small towns. I can find a place to stay relatively easy. But as a foreigner, there is a law saying that only certain hotels are allowed to put up foreigners. Having said that, laws are not streightly enforced there. It all depends how good your guide isbier We carry the tent mainly for emergency in the Northern Route where there is a no-man's-land.
Franki[/QUOTE] Thanks for the info Franki, been reading about the Hotels and restrictions and talking with our guide Spring, she says no problems she will make it happen, but still good to carry a tent, been living in Thailand to long and dont know how the body will take the cold, especially camping at those altitudes, may need to take some Rum along. Eric |
do you have all 4 people paid up or is there 1 space left?
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From Kirguistan into China
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We are arriving China from Kirguistan next 10th September, We are interested in being part of a group. |
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We have had a few changes we actually enter China on the 5th September from Kyrgyzstan now, as i previously mentioned we have kept the group size small [two riders and 1 4WD], deposits have been paid two months ago so it maybe difficult to re organise now as the paper work process has already been started, drop me a PM with some details about your plans and numbers and i can ask the other members their views. Eric |
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