TOUR PROSPECTUS This prospectus sets out the contents of the tour and together with the Booking Conditions and Booking Form is the basis of our contract with you. Tibet Lhasa to Kathmandu 29 September - 25 October 2007 Tour 0763 This has to be the ultimate challenge, a must for those with a passion for adventure, a once in a lifetime journey across the roof of the world from Lhasa to Kathmandu, two of Asia s most exciting cities, via Mount Everest Base Camp. In 17 days you will cycle over 5 spectacular mountain passes over 5000m in height and traverse a distance of 1000km over the backbone of the Himalayas. The ride finishes with the world s longest decent into Nepal. After two days exploring Kathmandu the capital of Nepal, a breathtaking flight over the Himalaya with views of Everest (weather permitting) takes the group to Lhasa, the Tibetan capital, for three days of essential acclimatisation. You will visit the major attractions before setting off on a truly epic ride across a landscape of snow-capped summits. The riding will incorporate a mixture of surfaced and un-made roads through a harsh but spectacular landscape at altitudes between 4000 5200 metres. After crossing several high passes, the route leaves the Friendship Highway and takes a rough road over the Pang La to Everest Base Camp. The first spine-tingling views of Everest will be from the summit of the Pang La (weather permitting). The arrival at Rongbuk monastery and Everest Base Camp is a high point of the journey, which few ever forget! Throughout the tour the group will be supported by experienced Tibetan and Nepali crews who will attend to the logistics of shelter and food, providing as much comfort as possible on a trip of this nature. The combined effects of altitude, rough roads, demanding climbs and the occasional bitter cold mornings and evenings, place this tour firmly at the top end of the expedition category, but vehicle assistance will be available. Itinerary Sat 29 Sept Sun 30 Sept Mon 1 Oct Tues 2 Oct Wed 3 Oct Thurs 4 Oct Fri 5 Oct Sat 6 Oct Sun 7 Oct Mon 8 Oct Tues 9 Oct Fly from London Heathrow on Qatar Airlines flight QR006 departing at 1050 to Doha; connecting Qatar Airlines flight QR352 from Doha to Kathmandu. Arrive Kathmandu 0700. Transfer by vehicle to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure in Kathmandu. Stay 2 nights. At leisure in Kathmandu. Transfer by vehicle to airport for 0950 flight to Lhasa. Vehicle transfer to hotel. Stay 3 nights. Organised guided tour of the main attractions in Lhasa: the fabulous Potala Palace (former residence of the Dalai Lammas), Jokhang and Barkhor. At leisure in Lhasa optional cycle ride to and organised guided tour of Drepung Monastery. Cycle from Lhasa to campsite at the foot of Khamba La. 86 km. Stay 1 night. Cycle over Khamba La (4794m) and descend to campsite at Pede Dzong. 60 km. Stay 1 night. Cycle through Nagartse and ascend the Karo La (5045m) then descend to campsite. 80 km. Stay 1 night. Cycle to Gyantse. 50 km. Afternoon visit to Kum Bum Monastery. Stay 1 night at hotel. Cycle to Shigatse. 95 km. Stay two nights at hotel.
Passports, Visas and Health EU citizens must hold a passport that is still valid on the date of their return to their home country. A visa will not be required for Nepal unless you extend your stay. A visa and a special permit are required for Tibet. There are no compulsory health-related requirements for UK residents, but you are strongly advised to check that your tetanus protection has not expired. Wed 10 Oct Thurs 11 Oct Fri 12 Oct Sat 13 Oct Sun 14 Oct Mon 15 Oct Tues 16 Oct Wed 17 Oct Thurs 18 Oct Fri 19 Oct Sat 20 Oct Sun 21 Oct Mon 22 Oct Tues 23 Oct Rest day to explore Shigatse. Transport to and guided tour of Tashilumpo monastery. Cycle to campsite at base of Tso La. 100 km. Stay 1 night. Cycle over Tso La (4492m) and continue through Lhatse to campsite at base of Gyamtso La. 70 km. Stay 1 night. Cycle over Gyamtso La (5220m). Descend to campsite at Shegar. 70 km. Stay 1 night. Cycle over Pang La (5150m) and past village of Phadrucht to campsite. 56 km. Stay 1 night. Cycle to campsite at Rongbuk monastery (5200m). 32 km. Stay 2 nights. Walk or cycle to Everest Base Camp. Short vehicle transfer then cycle minor road to campsite near Tingri. 50 km. Stay 1 night. Cycle through Tingri to campsite at the base of the Lalung La. 70 km. Stay 1 night. Ascend Lalung La (5124 m) and Shung La (5200m) before descending 1524m to campsite near Nyalam (3700 m). 90 km. Stay 1 night. Descend to Bungey Bridge in Nepal. 40 km. Stay 1 night at tented lodge. Descend further to Dolaghat then 32 km climb to Dhulikel. 90 km. Stay 1 night at lodge. Cycle to Kathmandu. 33 km. Stay 2 nights at hotel. Day at leisure in Kathmandu. Wed 24 Oct Vehicle transfer to airport for Qatar Airlines flight QR355 to Doha departing at 1620, connecting with Qatar Airlines flight QR005 from Doha to London Heathrow, arriving the following day. Thurs 25 Oct Arrive London Heathrow at 0700. Luggage carrying There will be vehicle back up and a Nepal/Tibetan support crew in attendance throughout the tour. It will not be necessary to carry luggage on your bike other than any items you may need for a day ride. Accommodation and meals 11 nights will be in hotels of 2-3 star grade in shared rooms (2 sharing). Half board basis on 7 of these nights and b&b basis on 4 nights in Kathmandu. 13 nights will be camping in 2-man tents on a full board basis; tents, sleeping bags and mats, pit toilets and washing facilities will be provided. Price 1895 The price is based on a minimum number of 15 participants taking part in the tour and is calculated at a rate of US$1.89 to 1 sterling (based on exchange rates quoted on www.x-rates.com on 19 November 2006; please note Booking Conditions, clause 4). If there are insufficient bookings by the closing date of 30 March 2007 we will contact you and return all monies paid, though in certain circumstances the tour may still run at below minimum numbers but at the same price.
Price includes: - Return flight from London Heathrow to Kathmandu - Coach transfers between Kathmandu airport and hotel - Trans Himalaya scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa. - Coach transfer from Lhasa airport to hotel in Lhasa - Back up vehicle and support crew services - 7 nights hotels, half board basis, sharing rooms - 4 nights hotels, b&b basis, sharing rooms - 13 nights camping, breakfast, lunch and dinner, all camping equipment provided. - The services of an English speaking Tibetan guide throughout the tour - CTC Cycling Holidays & Tours costs Price does not include: - Travel to and from London Heathrow airport - Meals in transit - Evening meals when in Kathmandu - Drinks with evening meals other than those provided with the meals - Lunches on 11 days or refreshments at morning and afternoon stops - Entry fees at any attractions - budget 10 - Visa for China to be issued in Kathmandu budget 30 - Entry visa for Nepal - $US40 as of November 2006 - Departure tax - $US38 as of November 2006 - Any other personal expenses - Travel Insurance Travel Insurance It is a condition of booking that you are adequately insured for this tour. Whether you already hold a policy or will be taking out a new one, the cover it offers must be comparable to that stated in clause 8 of the Booking Conditions, and you must complete the enclosed Insurance Declaration Form and return it with your Booking Form. CTC Cycling Holidays & Tours Ltd can accept no responsibility for any costs you may incur due to insufficient insurance cover. Payment schedule A deposit of 500 per person must accompany the Booking Form. An interim payment of 350 per person is payable by 27 February 2007, with the final balance of 1045 per person to be paid ten weeks prior to departure, by Friday 21 July 2007. Cheques should be made payable to CTC Tours. Cancellations Should you be forced to cancel your booking for any reason you must notify us in writing. Cancellation charges are as follows: Written notice received: Cancellation charge: Before 27 February 2007 Deposit ( 500) 27 February 2007 through to 20 July 2007 50% ( 948) 21 July 2007 to departure 100% ( 1895) To make a booking Complete, sign and return the Booking Form together with your deposit and the relevant part of the Travel Insurance Declaration Form directly to the leader (address on Booking Form). CTC Cycling Holidays & Tours Ltd, Parklands, Railton Road, Guildford, Surrey GU2 9JX
LEADER S INFORMATION SHEET The information below is given by the tour leader to help enquirers decide if the tour is suitable for them. Tibet Lhasa to Kathmandu 29 September - 25 October 2007 Tour 0763 The area covered by the Tour We will fly from Heathrow to Kathmandu where we will have two days enjoying this exotic and vibrant city. From Kathmandu we fly over the Himalaya to Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. The time spent in Kathmandu and Lhasa will allow us to adjust after the international flight and acclimatise to the rarified atmosphere and reduced air pressure. Whilst in Lhasa we have the opportunity to visit the Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple. On our third day in Lhasa we will test our lungs with a short ride out to Drepung Monastery. Next day your trans-himalayan cycling adventure begins as we head west on a level surface with good tarmac most of the way, making our first camp at the base of the Khamba La. Bed tea soon after dawn will herald the start of the first of many challenging days to come. The ascent of the first pass, the Khamba La, will take us to over 4750 meters, and for the following 9 days we will rarely be below 4000 meters, crossing four passes over 5000 meters. We ll be camping close to small villages where there ll be contact with the locals, and the towns of Gyantse and Shigatse have surprisingly good hotels, providing a welcome change to the tented camps. After a tough climb to the summit of the Pang La, we will get our first awesome views, weather permitting, of the whole of the Everest range. Our arrival at Rongbuk Monastery and Everest base camp will no doubt be the emotional climax of this amazing journey, but there are still 2 high passes to cross and further hard riding before we start the 4000 meter descent to the Nepali border at Kodari. Nepal will feel decidedly civilized and tropical after two weeks on the almost treeless and dry desert plateau of Tibet. A cold beer, comfortable lodges and a real bed will finish the tour off nicely. Camaraderie and team work will ensure that we all complete this hugely satisfying journey. Riding in small groups of similar ability will enable you to travel at your own pace without being isolated either off the back or the front of the group. We will regroup at least once during the day. You will cycle almost unladen, carrying only extra clothing in case of a rapid deterioration of the weather. Lunch will be provided, and drinking water supplies will be available from one of the support vehicles that will be in attendance. Our support team will do all the daily tasks of making and breaking camp and preparing meals. We have run two tours in Nepal using the same support team and have full confidence in their ability to ensure that we will be well looked after. Accommodation / Meals Accommodation in Kathmandu will be in a comfortable 3 star hotel. We will use this hotel on arrival and departure. Accommodation in Lhasa will be a 2/3 star hotel. Whilst crossing the Tibetan Plateau 13 nights will be spent in 2 person tents. Although sleeping mats and bags will be provided, you may wish to bring your own sleeping bag but this would need to be 3 4 season. All food on camping days is prepared and served by our support team. We eat as a group in a mess tent. Whilst camping, washing and toilet facilities are very basic and supplies of hot water cannot be guaranteed at some hotels although this is usually available. In the Tibetan towns of Shigatse and Gyantse, we use 2/ 3 star hotels. Group information The maximum group size will be 18 including the leaders. The support team will be mixed high altitude experienced Tibetan and Nepali crews.
Visas The visas and special permits required for Tibet will be arranged for us by our agent in Kathmandu. A copy of your passport personal information page and four passport size photographs will need to be sent with your booking form. The payment will be collected in Kathmandu. Suitability/fitness This is a physically demanding tour. You should be cycling fit and confident in your ability to cover distances up to 100 kilometers over unmade roads. There is no technical single track riding involved but there are some steep climbs and descents over rough surfaces which require good bike handling skills. Daily distances may vary by up to 20 km from the itinerary as our intended camping location may not be available for a number of reasons. However, the support vehicles will never be far away for anyone in need. The altitude will impose additional demands. You should not consider this tour unless you are in good health and have prepared in the months leading up to the tour. If you have, or are vulnerable to, any cardio/respiratory problems this tour is not suitable for you. Weather and clothing October is usually dry with cloudless days affording good views, but mornings and evenings can be very cold. Strong winds are often experienced and are the norm when crossing passes. Sudden weather changes may occur, and you should have and carry good quality outdoor clothing at all times whilst on the Tibetan Plateau. Cycles / Equipment A lightweight mountain bike with front suspension is most suitable for the conditions, but the riders on standard touring bikes have completed the journey with good quality touring tyres. Each participant will be expected to carry sufficient spares and tools to deal with punctures and minor repairs. It is essential your bike is fully serviceable. Pay particular attention to wheels. No spares will be available. Individual advice on the suitability of your bike will be available, as will advice on preparing it for the flight. Maps A map and route sheets will be provided. Navigation is simple as there are very few roads. A cycle computer set to kilometers will be useful. Travel Insurance and Advice Information on CTC Cyclecover Travel Insurance is available from CTC (0870 873 0068) or can be found at www.cyclecover.co.uk. Before booking you should check the Foreign Office Travel Advice by Country at www.fco.gov.uk or on 0845 850 2829. About the leaders We are both keen cyclists participating in many areas of the sport, both on and off road. From 1997 to 1999 we completed a world cycling tour before becoming CTC tour leaders. This included 4 months when we toured extensively in India and Nepal gaining valuable experience of the region. The tours we have previously led include two off road tours in Nepal and a tour in Costa Rica. We have not done this particular tour before but have worked with the Nepali support crew on two previous occasions. When planning this tour we have liased with fellow leaders who undertook the tour in 2006. We very much enjoy introducing people to the awe inspiring Himalaya which is close to our hearts. Daryl and Fiona Pollitt 56 Pikes Lane, Glossop, Derbyshire SK13 8ED 01457 860593 darylfee@supanet.com