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Trip Dates: July 13th – August 6th, 2007
Competition Dates: August 1st– August 6th, 2007
Venue for Race Start: Tibetan North Face, Everest Base Camp to Kathmandu
Total Distance (including tour & race): 395 kilometers
Maximum No. of Applicants: Limited to 50 (including competitors and non-competitors)
Cost for Competitors: US $2,995 per person, Single Supplement: US $295
Cost for Non-Competitors (non-racing participants): US $2,975 per person
Deposit Amount: US $250 per person
Race
Websites: www.everestmarathon.com/bikerace/
www.AdventurousTrekker.com/transhimalaya.htm
Nepal Race Coordinator: EventManager@AdventureSports.com.np, BikeRace@HimexNepal.com
Western (U.S. Based) Agent: Becky@AdventurousTrekker.com
Closing Date for Application: June 15th, 2007
Race Description:
Trip starts with an acclimatization tour from Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, and crossing 6 high passes. Race will start at 7:00 am, on the morning of August 1st, above Everest North Base Camp (commemorating the Nepal-China Day). This is the highest starting line for any bicycle race in the world. The race will pass through glacial moraines and dirt tracks, with some sections on motorable roads on the Tibetan Plateau before eventually descending into Nepal. Due to high altitude, difficult terrain, possible head winds and extensive climbing, this race is sure to be challenging.
Participants must be physically fit and mentally sound. A medical certificate from a doctor is necessary, stating that the participant are healthy, free of injury and therefore fit to take part in this racing event. Health certificates should be faxed or mailed with your entry form. See sign up procedure. This event is open to all athletes regardless of caste, creed, country or religion. Friends and family of people taking part in the race can also participate as non-competitors.
Non-competitors should be in good health and physically fit. They may also wish to consult with their doctors before signing up for this trip, since this program includes altitudes above 5,000 meters.
Our arrangements start from Kathmandu, Nepal, so make sure that you have organized your flight to Nepal using your preferred travel agent. If your flight date to Kathmandu differs from our arrival or departure dates, we can organize your hotel for extra nights in Kathmandu at US $25 per night (sharing twin in a double room). Please contact Becky@AdventurousTrekker.com for CONFIRMATION.
Everyone will be met at the airport in Kathmandu by one of our representatives and taken to the Shanker Hotel, a former royal palace that has been converted to a unique lodging experience. Once you have arranged your flight itinerary, please fax it to us at one of the following numbers:
Fax No. 1: 9771 5526 575 Fax No. 2: 9771 5549 682
Arrival Procedure and Nepal Visa: In-flight; during your last connection flight into Kathmandu, the airline will hand out Nepali Visa application forms. Fill them out completely and have one passport size photo ready to turn in with your application and cash.
Now that you’ve flown half way around the world, you reach Kathmandu, Nepal. You exit the plane and either stand in the line that says “Tourist Visa’s” or “Non-Visa”. If you don’t already have a Nepali Visa you should go to the “Tourist Visa” line have your Passport, paperwork and photo ready to hand the agent. The fee as of January 2003 is $30 for a 60-day visa. There is no other choice but a 60-day visa. Since you are traveling onto Tibet or any other destination and returning to Nepal, you’ll also need a 60-day multiple – entry visa cost: $50, totaling $80 USD. Please remember to carry USD for these transactions and make sure to have exact change.
Important Passport information: your passport should be good for 6 months after the date you plan to exit Nepal and have at least 4 empty pages.
Alternatively, you can get your Nepal entry visa from the Nepalese embassy in USA or Nepalese Consulates located throughout your home country.
Today is departure day and not everyone will leave at the same time or even this day. You should be packed and come down to have breakfast. Since check out time is 12:00 noon from the hotel the staff will watch your bag until its time for your departure to the airport. Everyone most be at the airport no later than two hours before departure and maybe sooner if the season is a busy one. DEPARTURE PROCEDURE AT THE AIRPORT, make sure you have your luggage, airline tickets, passport and 1100 rupees for airport departure tax. Once the cab drops you off at the terminal for departures you go directly inside where you’ll need to show the guard your tickets before entering. No one will be allowed inside the airport unless they have a ticket for that day’s flight. As soon as you’re inside the terminal your luggage will go through an x-ray machine. Now proceed directly to your left to the counter that says, ”BANK,” this is where you’ll need to pay 1100 rupees for airport departure tax. Once you have your tax receipt you can precede to your airlines counter for check-in. Caution – you cannot check-in at the airline counter without the airport tax receipt. Once you’ve checked-in you will you’re your boarding pass to security and then proceed up escalator to the Emigration Check-Through. You will need to fill out a form supplied at the counter stating how long you’ve been in the country. The emigration counter is to make sure you don’t owe any extra visa fees and have been in the country legally. Now you are finished and will wait in a lounge for your flight to be called. The lounge does have a restaurant, snack bar and restrooms.
Once booked with us for this event, you should send us a photocopy of your passport by fax or email (in order to process your Tibet Entry Visa). We will do all the necessary paperwork for your Tibet Visa after your arrival in Kathmandu. You must arrive in Kathmandu at least 2 days before your flight to Lhasa in order obtain your Tibet Visa from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. Your Tibet visa will be a “group visa” (all the participants – competitors and non-competitors – are listed together on one visa). The cost of your Tibet visa is already included in your package price.
Sign up procedures 1) Application forms can be downloaded from our website, www.AdventurousTrekker.com/transhimalaya.htm. You can also e-mail Becky Harrison, Race Coordinator at becky@adventuroustrekker.com and she’ll e-mail or mail you all the needed forms, billing and mailing instructions for the race. Becky can be reached by phone in the US at 1-603-374-2438. If you have questions contact Becky.
2) Fill out forms and send your non-refundable deposit of US $250. This deposit is needed to hold your space in the race, as space is severely limited. Balance is due before July 1, 2007. If final balance is not received (or special arrangements made) by July 1st, your space will be forfeited. Payment options are below.
3) Each participant will need a Health Certificate from their doctor, stating that you are physically able to participate in a marathon at these altitudes (11,000 ft. – 18,000 ft) and on this type of terrain. This can be presented in Kathmandu once you arrive.
4) If you’re not sure we are still accepting applications, e-mail Becky Harrison at
becky@adventuroustrekker.com, or becky@EverestMarathon.com
TransHimalaya Mountain Bike Race
c/o Becky Harrison, PO Box 446, Bartlett, NH 03812 USA
Payment Options
01) Personal Check A personal check or money order can be sent. Make your check payable to TransHimalaya Mountain Bike Race, and mail it to the address above.
02) BikeReg.com The race will be listed on www.BikeReg.com. You can reserve your spot and make your payments there via credit card. BikeReg does charge a service fee for this convenience (see BikeReg.com for more information on added fees),
03) Bank Wire Transfer
Your bank will need the following information to make a Bank Wire Transfer. Please take note that most banks charge $30 each time for this service.
(Beneficiary Bank)
Himalayan Bank Ltd., Patan Branch,
BIC (swift code): H I M A N P K A
P. O. Box 20551, Pulchowk, Lalitpur, Nepal Telex: 2789 HIBA NP, Fax 977-1-553-5554, Tel: 977-1-553-5556, 553-5579
Credit to: (Beneficiary Party)
HIMALAYAN Expeditions, Inc.
US$ Dollar Amount
Bank account # 03329D1
Everyone participating in this event will be staying at Hotel Shanker, and the lobby will be our race headquarters. Upon arrival, all meeting times and important information will be posted in the hotel lobby.
Our host hotel will be Hotel Shanker, located in Lazimpat, approximately 20 minutes’ walk from central Thamel. All rooms are double occupancy unless otherwise stated. There is an extra fee for single rooms. Breakfast will be included with your room. Lunch & dinner will be available at any number of nice restaurants within easy walking distance.
Hotel Shanker will store your extra luggage for you in a safe claim check area. Your biking gear bag should be ready to go the night before your flight to Lhasa and your extra luggage should be checked in with the front desk.
You will need to purchase bottled drinking water, soft & alcoholic drinks in Kathmandu & Tibet hotels. Also, any snacks or other personal items in Kathmandu or during the trip. Once back in Kathmandu and finished biking, all participants (competitors and non-competitors) will combine money toward tipping the staff. But once in Tibet, all meals & lodging are included (this includes hotels in Lhasa and camping while on the tour/race). Also count on spending some money while in transit to Nepal.
We suggest bringing a total of US $500. We suggest US $300 in travelers’ checks and US $200 in cash, preferably small bills.
There are ATM machines in Thamel, Kantipath and at the Bluebird department store in Lazimpath (10 minutes from your hotel) that take most major bank ATM or credit cards. You will receive your cash from the ATM machine in Nepali currency (the rupee). As of Jan. 14, $1 USD = Rs73.45. The fee for using the ATM machine will depend on your bank’s transaction fees. Most fees are around US $2.50 per transaction.
Each person should plan to bring US $100 for tipping. Some of the staff with be Tibetan and others from Nepal, so you should keep your money for tipping in dollars for Tibet and you can get some rupees for tipping once back in Nepal. You will be advised on how the tipping process works. Also, if you have personal contact with a staff member and want to pass along an item of clothing, that is acceptable (but not in replacement of the tip).
It is highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance that covers the following things:
If you have never purchased this type of insurance, you can ask your health care provider, travel agent or homeowner’s insurance agent. If you’re still unsure, we suggest contacting CSA Travel Protection (formerly GlobalCare: http://www.csatravelprotection.com/comfort). Or you can perform an internet search, as there are quite a few others to choose from.
What You Should Bring As “Carry On” When Traveling To Nepal:
What Is Included:
What Is Excluded:
13 July: ARRIVAL OF PARTICIPANTS
Upon arrival your group will be met by our staff and transferred to Hotel Shanker – Race Headquarters.
After a great breakfast we’ll head off with our Nepali guide for a tour is the most important temples and monasteries in the Kathmandu Valley. While you’re off sightseeing our office will obtain your Tibet Visa from Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. Afternoon will be free for shopping or repacking your bags. Late afternoon meeting in Hotel Shanker lobby for final briefing of the trip. (Includes Breakfast)
After breakfast, we take a one-hour long flight over the Himalaya to Lhasa. Upon arrival at the regional airport near Lhasa our group and our bikes will be transferred to our hotel. We’ll have a chance now to reassemble our bikes and get things ready for out first ride. The remainder of your day is free to just soak in the atmosphere of Tibet’s capital city. (Includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Today we’ll meet for breakfast and head over to the Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Market. Later after lunch it will be possible to ride your bikes around Lhasa and do some personal sightseeing. (Breakfast, Lunch Dinner)
After a great rest you should now be feeling better acclimatized and almost ready for the cycling to begin. After breakfast, we’ll visit the Potala Palace. After visiting the Potala Palace you’ll be able to get on your bikes for another ride. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Yes, one more day for acclimatization. In the morning we will ride out 15 kilometers to the Sera Monastery, a fascinating complex of whitewashed walls and golden roofs, housing one of the best-preserved monasteries in Tibet. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Today you should have all your bags packed and ready to be loaded into our waiting support vehicles. Taking with us only the things which we are likely to need during the course of the day’s ride (water bottles, camera, wind jacket), we set off on a relatively level and easy ride to the bottom of the Khamba La. (58 miles / 90 kemps). Overnight camping. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Continue our ride to a lovely campsite just before the village of Ngartse, just after marker 150. (43 miles / 70 km). Overnight camping. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Continue our cycling through a series of colorful Tibetan villages, to a camp at an elevation of 4375 meters, beneath a pass called the Simi La. (38 miles / 58 km). Overnight camping. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Easy ride, mostly downhill to Gyantse, third largest settlement in Tibet. In the afternoon, we visit local monasteries (time permitting). (50 km). Overnight hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
A long 7-8 hour road ride of 95 km to reach Shigatse (3880m). (95 km). Overnight hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Shigatse is Tibet’s second largest city, and capital of the province of Tsang. We spend a rest day here to relax and visit the famous Tashilungpo Monastery. Overnight hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Continue our cycling tour to our camp (4290 m) below the Tso La. (70 miles / 106 km). Overnight camping. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Continue our ride, crossing Tso La at 4500 meters to a small town at Lhatse and finally on to our camp (4760 m) half way up the long climb to the Gyamtso La. (44 miles / 67 km). Overnight camping. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Continue our riding tour, crossing Gyamtso La (5220 m) with superb views of Everest, Lhotse and Cho Oyu. After lunch, you may opt to jump on a support vehicle to reach our campsite beneath the Pang La. (30 km to lunch). Overnight camping. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
We cross another high pass: Pang La (5150 meters). The views from the top beat just about any other road pass in the world. Spectacular is not the word, for the whole Himalayan range from Makalu to Shishapangma is completely uninterrupted before you. The mountain biking is now the best so far: a steep, rough 1010 meter descent, with lots of switchbacks and wild cut-offs, descending over 19 km to the village of Phadu (35 km). (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
It is a long, hard ride to Everest Base Camp. We stop for a while at the Rongbuk Monastery, considered the highest in the world, and the site of the original base camp for the first British expeditions to Everest. Our goal though is 8 km (2 hours by bike or 3 hours on foot) beyond the monastery, at 5100 meters. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Rest days and time to appreciate the stunning views. Traditionally, it has been possible to trek up beyond the base camp area towards the site of Advance Base Camp, at close to 6000 meters. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Today is the big day of this trip. We start the world’s highest mountain bike race in the morning, above Everest Base Camp near the elevation of 5,500 meters, with out support crew. We continue our race through Rongbuk until we take a left turn crossing a small bridge towards Lumja valley, following less frequented bike trails for 25 kilometers, uphill to Ramala Pass (5,150 m). (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
We will continue our race as we descend toward Tingri, passing by Lumja village and several small hamlets.
We continue our race through the Tingri settlement towards Sumo Village with superb views of Everest and Cho Oyu. (55 km). Overnight camp. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Cross the Lalung La (5124m.) & the Thang La, (5050m) just past Nyalam (3700 m). This will be our lowest campsite since leaving Lhasa. (87 km). Overnight camp. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
The big one, a day long descent all the way to Chinese border checkpost at Zhangmu, cross the “Friendship Bridge.” We stay at the comfortable campsite at Borderland Resort. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
05 August: STAGE 5: THE FINAL DAY – RACE THROUGH DHULIKHEL TO CONCLUDE THE RACE IN KATHMANDU
Today will be the final day of our race, we continue our racing on the main road passing through local villages to Dhulikhel, a scenic view point from where can see an array of Himalayan Peaks. The race concludes in Kathmandu.
There will be delegates from Tibet and Nepal welcoming the racers and other participants to celebrate the successful completion of world’s highest mountain bike race. In the late afternoon, there will be distribution of prizes & certificates followed by a post-race dinner party. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
You will be escorted back to the airport for departure. Instructions for clearing immigrations will be provided.
Packing List (excludes race gear – see next section):
This list should include everything you should need. Any item with the word OPTIONAL isn’t necessary but will make your trip more enjoyable. Each person is restricted to a 30 lb. luggage limit (which includes your sleeping bag, but not your bike), so pack wisely. If you really need to bring more than 30 lbs., you are responsible for any overweight charges on domestic & international flights. Everyone should remember that clothing can be washed out on rest days or in the evening.
Only items you’ll take on the actual race/tour should be on this list. Your travel and street clothes will be left behind at originating hotel, locked in a secure claim check, until your return from the trip
01) Camp Footwear -ONE PAIR of sneakers or sturdy, comfortable shoes.
02) Socks -FOUR PAIR SOCKS made of synthetic materials or wool blend. Next to the skin, some people like thin polyester or polypropylene socks to transport perspiration from the foot to the outer sock.
03) Long Underwear (tops and bottoms) -One pair. Should be made of CoolMax, polypropylene, or other synthetic (no cotton blends).
04) Underwear -FOUR PAIR, synthetic (no cotton blends).
05) Bra/Sports bra -TWO, synthetic (no cotton blends).
06) Shirts -TWO, 1 short and 1 long sleeve.
07) Fleece Pullover and pants – ONE each. These will be worn at night around camp.
08) Jacket -One warm jacket, down filled or Hollofill or any similar high loft insulation.
10) Pants – TWO PAIR Some people like the kind that you can zip the legs off of to have shorts for warm afternoons. This is a good idea; it saves space and weight. Please, no cotton jeans.
11) Shorts -ONE PAIR Most Asian cultures feel it's an insult to expose large areas of the body, so when buying shorts make sure they are a longer style. Instead of shorts, many women trek in skirts. Wearing a skirt allows you to change bottoms without much trouble, and if no bushes are around it gives you some privacy.
12) Gloves -warm gloves are needed for evenings in camp.
13) Headgear, a.k.a. Hats -During the day you'll need a hat with a brim to protect your face from intense sun, and at night a fleece or wool hat for warmth.
16) Bandana – One or two
17) Sunscreen and Lip Protection -One of each, you should carry these with you during the day. We recommend that you purchase sunscreen that doesn’t come off when you perspire and the highest rating you can find.
18) Baby Wipes -Amount depends on time traveling. Average one large container will last 2 weeks. These can also be purchased in Kathmandu, so if you're going in and out of town during your trip you can restock. These work great for cleaning up after a long day!
19) Camp Towel -ONE, LARGE this will be for drying after showering. The brand I use is called "Pack Towel," and can be found at EMS retail stores. These must be washed before use, so check out the directions.
20) Toiletries -Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, dental floss, lotion, etc. Try to find organic brands that won¹t hurt the environment. Women must remember to bring sanitary napkins or tampons. The sun is intense in Tibet so bring at least a level 30 sunscreen.
21) Flashlight or Headlamp -Remember to bring extra batteries.
22) Duffel/Travel Bag -One bag that holds 6000 cubic inches. Bring one extra bag (small) that can be left in Hotel with street and travel clothing. Your bag shouldn’t have wheels or any other metal or plastic parts.
24) Trash Bags -(4) -32 oz. garbage bags. These can come in handy to cover your daypack during a downpour or for dirty clothes.
25) Sleeping Bag – Your bag should be rated zero degree F. Don’t bring an old worn out bag, they loose their rating after being used for many years. It will be cold at night while camping at base camp.
26) Ear Plugs -Good for blocking out barking dogs or a snoring roommate (OPTIONAL)
27) Waterless Hand Cleaner/Sanitizer -(1 SMALL BOTTLE) Carry it with you during the day. Most people assume that if they get "the Nepali two step," it was because the cook didn't wash his hands before preparing dinner. Or was it the water? But much of the time, it was their own hands that made them go running for the bathroom.
28) Personal Prescription Drugs & First Aid Kit -Your guide will be carrying an extensive medical kit; but if a whole group gets ill, a full course of antibiotics for each person would involve carrying a lot of drugs. So, when you get inoculations for the trip, ask your doctor to write a prescription for a full range antibiotic, like Cipro or Noraflaxin. Common illnesses include sinus infections, strep throat and intestinal problems. All these drugs can be purchased in Kathmandu at any pharmacy without prescription. The costs for drugs in Nepal are very very low and it might be less expensive to wait and purchase them in Kathmandu. Also pack together a sampling of non-prescription drugs for headaches, stomach aches, diarrhea, and a blister kit. These will be for your own use during the trek.
****For altitudes over 12,000 ft., you might want to talk with your doctor about the use of Diamox, a prescription drug used to help with acclimatization to extreme altitude. Diamox has been shown to help the body adjust to altitude, but will not mask the symptoms. The suggested dose is 125mg twice per day after 11,000 ft. and increasing the dose as you gain altitude, but not to exceed 500mg twice a day. If you cannot take sulfa drugs, then you will not be able to take Diamox.
29) Camera – Now that most people are carrying digital cameras, you won’t need film. But if you do, film can be purchased in Kathmandu. If you have a camera that has rechargeable batteries, you should bring an adapter and a spare battery. Batteries can also be purchased in Kathmandu.
30) Books, Tape Player, Journal, Cards, etc. -On this trip there will be time to read, listen to music, and reflect on your day. One of the highlights of this race is spending time getting to know our Nepalese staff with a game of cards. (OPTIONAL)
32) Passport -Should be good for at least 6 months after your return date for home and should have at least 4 empty pages. Also you should carry at least 2 photocopies of your passport. You can use a photocopy of your passport in Kathmandu to change traveler’s checks and for ID while on the trip. A photocopy of your passport does not replace having to bring your actual passport on the trip.
33) Passport Photos – 4 photos you’ll need one to get your visa if traveling to Nepal without a Nepalese Visa and it seems that someone always needs one for something.
SPECIAL RACE GEAR
The clothing you bring to wear during the race will be separate from this list, but you must still keep your bag under the 30 lb limit. Many of you will be wondering how warm to dress or what is appropriate with consideration to the culture. Most any type of short or tights will be acceptable to the local people because they understand this is a race event and they expect something will be different. Only you know what clothing you prefer to wear during a long race like this. As you might expect, the start of this race will be cold and warming up by the time you enter Nepal.
Personal Mountain Bike – Many of us have very high tech brakes and shocks on our bikes, but while in Tibet there will be no bike mechanic that will be trained to deal with this type of equipment. Also, the lighter your bike the easier this race will be. If you have a choice I’d bring a less techie bike with rim brakes and a simple shock. You will need easier gearing and tires that aren’t too aggressive, since you’ll be riding on a mixture of paved roads, rocky single track and rutted jeep trails.
Cycling Gloves – Half & Full
Cycling socks – 4 pair
Wind Vest – something brightly colored is best.
Spare Tubes – 4 spares and a couple of patch kits