Happy new year and all that

I'm quite please to see this year over and done with - I hope it makes a difference! Hope u all had a nice year!

I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move.”
- Robert Louis Stevenson

this the closest anyoen has made it to border! Bother, they dont have a map on thier site!

Finally the moment we all were waiting for came - we were at the Indo-China
border - the reason for the expedition. The mountain appeared - it stood boldly
in black, in stark contrast to its pastel shaded peers.In shape of a Trishul (Tri-pointed weapon used by Hindu God Shiva), it gives birth to the name
Chusul. Incidentally, the name of the regiment that serves the nation in
this region is also Chusul. It took sometime for the thought to seep in that
2 kilometers away from where I was standing, was China.

http://www.60kph.com/rides/north/sublink1/lehtoindo2.htm

Tentative Plan for Journey from Lhasa to Leh

Stage 1 is Katmandu to Lhasa (see below for itinerary.)

Please Note.

• This is the first plan to nothing is Final.
• All distances and accommodation ideas have been sourced through the Net or Capt. Raj @ India Shepards.
• I am positively sure that it will take us longer than the predicted time.
• Crossing the border needs to be on a pre confirmed day and time, so leave los of reserve days and cushion time.
• Ideas, brickbats, opinions and suggestions are welcome narayangopalan82@hotmail.com

Day 1,2 & 3

Lhasa: (Previously arrived from Kathmandu) rest

Walk around, bike around enjoy and explore Lhasa.

Day 4

Depart Lhasa Early Morning (5 – 6 am)

Bike 256 kms to arrive at Shigatse (5 – 6 pm)

I know this is a lot of riding, but as we would have already done Shigatse – Lhasa, it should be easier. And there is a long way to go.

Day 5

Shigatse: Rest. In case didn’t make it previous day, then arrive at Shigatse; Maintenance and Repairs.

Stay at Shigatse Hotel Accommodation (3 Star available!)

*Re –Fuel*

Day 6

Depart Shigatse to Lhatse (157 kms)

Stay at Lhatse Hotel accommodation

Day 7

Depart Lhatse – to Sangsang. (123 Kms)

Stay at Sangsang. Simple Hotel accommodation

*Re –Fuel*

Day 8

Depart from Sangsang – to Saga (180 kms)

Stay at Saga. Simple Hotel accommodation (maybe!)

Day 9

Depart from Saga – to Zhongba (145 kms)

Stay at Zhongba, Hotel if lucky be prepared for Tents!

Day 10

Rest at Zhongba.

*Re –Fuel*

Rest/ catch up on any ground lost over the past couple of days riding.

Also heavy long journey ahead, through Kailash and Mansarovar. So get lots of sleep and fill up energy tanks!

Day 11 & 12

Leave Zhongba – to Baga (Mansarovar)

384 kms Have to find a place to stay on the way no towns, will probably have to pitch camp or stay with nomads. Also more importantly will have to carry about 10 liters of fuel extra.

Day 13

Rest Day at Baga, Mansarovar. Spend the day in and around Mansarovar! Maybe take a walk up Kailish?

*Re –Fuel* - how I do not know, but have to get someone to leave some fuel for us here!

Day 14

Leave Baga, Mansarovar – to Moinder (150 kms)

Stay night at Moinder – freezing cold and in tents!

Day 15

Leave Moinder – to Gar (180 kms)

Gar is a largish town, so maybe our first bath after 4 days and hopefully a bed!

*Re –Fuel*

Day 16

Rest Day at Gar. Maybe go to Ali Shiquanhe and see the vegetable market – 20 kms.

As usual catch up on any lost ground.

Day 17

Leave Gar - to Rutok Xian (127 kms)

Reach Rutok final city/town in China. Stay in hotel.

Day 18

Rest at Rutok.

On the banks of Pangong – and so should not be a problem getting through the day. Also rest relax and catch up on any lag.

Day 19

Rest at Rutok.

*Re –Fuel*

This could be an important day as we have to get papers for clean exit and permission sorted out. Might be a bit of delay.

Day 20

Leave Rutok – Leave China!

Not sure how we going to do this, but if we bike its about 200kms before we reach the Indian Check post. Other option is we raft it. Can we put 2 500ccs on a raft? Its 130 kms of rafting to reach the Indian post on Pangong.

If we bike we have to cover this area of 200 kms on no actual Road – just barren ground, and we have to cover it in One Day only or else we are screwed.

Day 21

If we are lucky we will be in INDIA! Arrive on the banks of Pangong and rest. Catch up on any lost ground and time. Last minute repairs and tinkering before the Grand Finale! Empty all reserve fuel into Tanks.

Day 22

We leave Pangong Tso – to Leh. 167 kms

Cross Chang La, Sakti and join the NH1 – Indian Highway – to go to Leh about 20 kms from Karu! Arrive in Leh comfortable by 2 pm.

Celebrate!!

Day 23, 24, 25

Rest at Leh. Those interested can take a trip to Hemis, Khardungla and maybe even Tso Mo Riri. Repair bikes, and buckle up.

*Re –Fuel*

Day 26

Leave Leh for Seerchu. (250 kms)

If we can make it, then we go on to Keylong and stay at a hotel or else it is the HPTDC tents at Seerchu. 150 Rs per night inclusive of food!

Day 27

Leave Seerchu – to Manali (200 kms)

Arrive in Manali in late evening, find a place to stay (not a problem), and generally think about what you have achieved.

Day 28

Rest at Manali. Smell the last few breaths of fresh air and mountain breeze. Maybe go to Solang Nala and Hidamaba Temple!

Day 29

Leave Manali early (6 am) – to Delhi (600 kms)

Clean roads, a bit zigzag until you reach Punjab then its cruising that last 400 kms to Delhi. Arrive in Delhi by 6 pm to receive a standing ovation!! J

A map - Finally!

I know everyone has been asking for a while, but i finally got hold of a goodmap, actually a few maps and the collated them onto one and chalked out the journey. The high res file is about 18 MB and is 22 x 29 inches - so if anyone wants it we have to cordinate it (narayangopalan82@hotmail.com.) I have a printed copy so the next time we meet I will have mine with me (its A3 BTW what i printed.) Its quite detailed and a great map. The bit where we enter India, I am still mapping that area so pls be pateint :)!

We have an organizer!

Dear. Mr.Narayan

Greetings From Indian Shepherds ,

Thanks for your tele call last week to apprise us of the keen adventure flair being planned next season post monsoon .

It will be honor for us to back up the logistics' of operation's for your esteemed end .

We are looking forward to discuss the details after we acknowledge the mail & discuss the project & meet you in very near future .

Best Regards

Part 1 of the 2 stage trip to Leh. Section one is from Katmandu to Lhasa. Via Everest Base Camp. The following is a first draft itinerary of the proposed journey. Will post Part 2 after a bit more research.

Day 1

Kathmandu 1320m to Kodari - 1750m 35km

Nigh Halt: Kodari (Hotel)

Day 2

Nepal (Kodari) 1750m - Nyalam - 3700m 58km
Nyalam 3700m - Lalung La 4650m 88km
Lalung 4650m Tingri –La 4859m 77km

Night Halt: Lalung (Camp)

Day 3

Tingri 4859m - Rongbuk 5000m 86km

Night Halt: EBC (Everest Base Camp)

Day 4

Rongbuk 5000m - Pang La 4920m 32km

Pang La 4920m - Shegar 5150m 28km

Shegar 5150m - Lhatse 5220m 85km

Night Halt: Shegar (Hotel)

Day 5

Lhatse 5220m -Tso La 4520m 65km

Tso La 4250m - Shigatse 4250m 85km

Shigatse 4250m - Gyantse 3990m 95km

Night Halt: Shigatse (Hotel)

Day 6

Gyantse 3990m - Lungmar 4330m 38km

Lungmar 4330m - Nakartse 5045m 38km

Nakartse 5045m- Chutsu 4475m 69km

Chusul 4475m- Lhasa 3600m 95km

HALT: LHASA.

Spoke to Capt.Raj of the Indian sheperds and here are the minutes.

Brief Intro

Capt.Raj runs the Indian Sheperds - biking tours into and around the himalayas. They do all the ladakh business to the Mansarovar tours.

Points taken and agreed on (?) in the meeting
1. All bikes to be 500 cc ( i still feel a 350cc willd o for single riders)
2. Tyres need to be Dual Sports (or something of the same sound)
3. Need two months to comfartably do it.
4. Need a backup vehicle to carry tenting/cook and most impttly Fuel!
5. Hardly any P/Stations, need to arrange for fuel
6. All accommodation, permits, visa and food can be taken care of him (in china)
7. Are we having a TV crew?

The final route

The route as i see it has 2 stages -

Stage 1: The Kathmandu - Lhasa Friendship highway! 953 kms accross 4 passes (5600 mts or >) crossing, EBC (Everest BAse Camp), and staying at the three star at Shigatse!

Stage 2: Backtrack to Shigatse/Lhatse then head off along NH 219 to Xingxang, along the brahmaputra, past Mansarovar/Kailash, then head to Ali Shiquanhe, turn off at Rutok, and cross into india Along pangon by bike, or accross pangong by Boat. Cross Marsimik la (worlds highest road) and enter ladakh regoin, ending at Leh.

Stage 3 (optional) Cruise back to Delhi in 3 days from Leh. Leave leh at 5 am , spend the night at Keylong, next day bike to Manali, rest and enjoy. Third day lave Manali 5 am arrive Delhi 6pm! Celebrate!

I put in a word with the chinese and look what they are doing for us? :)

more images form the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway

more images from the road...

DONKEY PARKING!!! CARS WILL BE TOWED AWAY!!! :)

Xinjiang-Tibet Highway Images from the road.

arrived by fax December 8th 2005 1600 hrs IST!

It finally came – a call from the Chinese embassy!

Transcript of the conversation (Mobile phone rings)

Me: Hello…
Mr.Xuang: Is that MR. Nalayan Goplaan?
Me: Speaking (wondering who this is??)
Mr.Xuang: Good evening, I am calling from the Chinese embassy.
Me: aah. Yes. (Thinking it’s a practical joke)
Mr.Xuang: You had written a letter enquiring about entering china on a motorbike?
Me: (checking the number on my mobile – OH MY GOSH THIS IS A GUNIUNE CALL!) Oh…oh..hello sir, so good to hear from you…..blah blah blah. Yes indeed we are going to go on a bike trip etc etc. and we want to do it for India china peace,( sweet talking him )
Mr.Xuang: OH yes, you see we don’t have a problem you going anywhere, except you CANNOT do it on a normal tourist visa. You need a special visa and an entry permit. For which you will have to contact the Beijing office for application. You will also have to tie up wih a travel agent in your country as well as a local agent.
Me: Absolutely, totally will do!
Mr.Xuang: Please give me your fax no. and I shall fax you a letter.
Me: Sure thing sir…. (gave him the no.)
Mr.Xuang: Thank you very much sir, have a safe journey.
Me: Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

It finally came – a call from the Chinese embassy!

Transcript of the conversation (Mobile phone rings)

Me: Hello…
Mr.Xuang: Is that MR. Nalayan Goplaan?
Me: Speaking (wondering who this is??)
Mr.Xuang: Good evening, I am calling from the Chinese embassy.
Me: aah. Yes. (Thinking it’s a practical joke)
Mr.Xuang: You had written a letter enquiring about entering china on a motorbike?
Me: (checking the number on my mobile – OH MY GOSH THIS IS A GUNIUNE CALL!) Oh…oh..hello sir, so good to hear from you…..blah blah blah. Yes indeed we are going to go on a bike trip etc etc. and we want to do it for India china peace,( sweet talking him )
Mr.Xuang: OH yes, you see we don’t have a problem you going anywhere, except you CANNOT do it on a normal tourist visa. You need a special visa and an entry permit. For which you will have to contact the Beijing office for application. You will also have to tie up wih a travel agent in your country as well as a local agent.
Me: Absolutely, totally will do!
Mr.Xuang: Please give me your fax no. and I shall fax you a letter.
Me: Sure thing sir…. (gave him the no.)
Mr.Xuang: Thank you very much sir, have a safe journey.
Me: Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

Bit Busy...

Sorry not been blogging. Have a final jury on monday so will be a bit busy till then. Back to normal after that!

Narayan