Travel Directors, “An Adventure Tour Specialist” ,which is an Australian based company and Explore Himalaya Travel & Adventure , one of the leading travel agent in Nepal had a tour to inspect the status of UNESCO world heritage sites of Kathmandu.

Mr. Tony Evans- the representative of Travel Directors expresses on Nepal after the exploration:

Tony Evans an experienced tour leader and a close friend to Explore Himalaya in Nepal after the quake, Holding the Nepalese flag….

 I am very  closer to Nepal in many ways, I give my heartfelt condolence to all the people who have lost their life and personally will do everything possible to help and rebuild Nepal.

I think with every destruction like this comes a great opportunity to rebuild and create a new foundation for something much more greater.

Nepal has always been a peaceful country  and the people have always been kind to me, i would be very happy to see “Nepal Rise Again”.

Mr. Evans with Mr. Suman Pandey and his team of Explore Himalaya

Ms. Christine Dunn sharing her experience of the tour at Hotel Malla

Some visitors to Nepal have health and time issues which restrict them in trekking to the shadows of Himalayan giants, but they are very much passionate for the close-up view of snow covered peaks. Mountain flights can be one of the options for the aerial views of Himalayan landscapes. Explore Himalaya also offers an ideal aerial exploration of snow-covered peaks from the comforts of Helicopter. Heli Tour offers the breathtaking views of Himalayan landscapes which are even missed by the trekkers.

Two New Zealanders and fourteen Australians from Travel Directors were on the long vacation in Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan. The group leader Ms. Christine Dunn said some beautiful lines on the Mountain Flight to the Everest Region, the group had during their holiday in Nepal.

“Mountain flight was fantastic because of the superb weather. It was the best; I think I could have done that mountain flight five times. It is the best mountain flight I have ever seen. There were no clouds at all, and the views of mountains were magnificently fantastic. We were just over the moon and I am very happy about it.”

Aerial view of the Himalayas

Australian bikers at a dinner at Kathmandu with our tour officer Ms. Pushpa Gurung

Liam Kelly was one of the group leaders of the Lhasa- Kathmandu Motorbike Tour with Explore Himalaya this autumn. He led the Australian riders on seventeen bikes from Lhasa, along the Friendship Highway to Kathmandu. After the end of the tour he shared his experiences with us, during an interview at Hotel Malla.

Australian Bikers ready to hit the roads

EH: One thousand kilometers on a motorbike, must be pretty exciting. Can you please share your experience on Lhasa- Kathmandu Motorbike Tour?

Liam: It was challenging. Roads were challenging, Royal Enfield 500cc bikes were challenging and we always made sure everyone was safe and enjoying the ride. The tour was awesome, it was a great tour.

EH: You rode over 5000 meter plus passes four times, what do you have to say about the Tibetan landscapes?

Liam: Beautiful! From Tingri to Zhangmu we traveled on a bus because of snowing and landslides. While, crossing the other passes, roads were fine and we had great time riding our motorbikes. We enjoyed Tibetan landscapes, lovely views and beautiful vistas throughout the ride. We could not make up to Base Camp because it was snowing and the road was blocked. Weather challenged the ride, but we were able to take most out of such circumstances.

Twist and turns to Kathmandu

EH: Apart, from the food and accommodation in Lhasa and Kathmandu, how were the food and accommodation in between, in the Friendship Highway?

Liam: Some of it was interesting. Tingri again, was challenging. There was no hot water. Otherwise, accommodation and was very good. About the food, though we were served local dishes it was delicious. The picnic lunch at Yam Drok Tse Lake was excellent, which was also the highlight of the ride. I must say the food was hygienic.

EH: During the long journeys, there are issues of mechanical breakdown and fatigues. Did any such thing happen during the ride?

Liam: We had few accidents. On the second day of the ride, from Lhasa to Gyantse we had four minor accidents. Nobody was seriously injured. Or, else we were well prepared. Two mechanics were traveling with us and we were backed up with spare parts and repairing kits.  There was no problem in re-filling the fuel. There was no such big issue of mechanical breakdown or fatigue.

Picnic Lunch at Yam Drok Tse Lake  

EH: As a group leader, are you satisfied with your performance? Are the members of this Lhasa- Kathmandu Motorbike Tour happy?

Liam: Yes, the group was excellent. Throughout the tour, the group was fairly easy to deal with. I think the group is also very happy. Anyways, I will find out once, they report about the tour to Travel Directors.

Eh: Is there anything else Explore Himalaya can do to make this cross country Motorbike Tour better?

Liam: It is understandable. We are not in New York or Europe.  In the remote areas of Tibet, Explore Himalaya has managed to arrange such a wonderful tour. Our group faced few adverse situations on such challenging tours. However, without these unexpected challenges  Lhasa-Kathmandu Motorbike Tour would not be the challenge that it is. It might be better if there were fewer temples and shrines to visit in your itinerary, these guys really want to ride the high mountains.

A short break to view Kharo La Glacier

EH: What was the best part of this trip?

Liam: The End!

EH: The end! Why? That means you aren’t happy.

Liam: No, the trip was brilliant and I am very happy. But, I am tired and it is time to go home and sleep for a while.

Tibetan ladies in their traditional costume

EH: How do you rate the services of Explore Himalaya?

Liam: Perfect. I must say 10 on 10.

EH: Okay, if you have to describe this tour in one word, what would you call it?

Liam: Challenging.

EH: Thank you so much, for your time.

Liam: No, its alright. Actually, it is my pleasure, getting interviewed. (Laughs)

Snaky highway flanked by the mesmerizing landscape

Fine Tibetan road to Nepal

A group photo at the doorway to Qomolangma National Nature Reserve

Livestock- Road barrier during the four wheel drive from Tingri to Zhangmu after the heavy snowfall

All white- Black the riders space

Australian travel company ‘Travel Directors’ and Explore Himalaya organized a road trip across the Tibetan plateau for 25 Australian bikers from 18th to 30th May 2010.The bikers  riding on Bullet Enfields hit the road from Lhasa, speeding across Friendship Highway traversing  the Tibetan cities of Gyantse, Shigatse and Shegar. The chief highlight was the bikers ride to Rongbuk(Everest Base Camp). From Rongbuk the team sped down to  Zhangmu and finally from there to Kathmandu.The group was led by Tony Evans from Travel Directors, Australia.3 Nepalese road captains and a support vehicle accompanied the group.