Join Bret with a team of like-minded riders for a journey into Tibet. Tibet is one of the most majestic and controversial destinations on our planet with a long, but rich heritage. Become one of the few people fortunate enough to visit Tibet and experience the beauty and spirituality of the Tibetan people which resonates throughout the land.
Starting in the exotic city of Kathmandu you will ride north to China's Tibet region to see awe-inspiring places such as the Potala Palace in Lhasa. You will also experience numerous monasteries dotted on the landscape. This trip will travel along the extremely well maintained roads where you will be able to relax and enjoy the experience to its fullest. For many the highlight will be the to ride to Everest Base Camp sitting at 17,598 ft (5364m).
This is NOT a trip focused on riding motorcycles, this is a trip focused on exploring via motorcycle. Egos must be left at home as we ride as a team, not as individuals. You must come with an expectation that we have an objective but we are traveling in a country where, weather, road conditions and other events are likely to be out of our control. There is no promise or guarantee we will see all the things we have on the itinerary but we can guarantee it will be an experience you will never forget.
To decrease the inherent risk of travel by motorcycle, Bret Tkacs will be traveling with you to help you improve your strategies and skills related to riding (only if requested) and if you are in a situation beyond your skill, either Bret or one of the support crew will porter you and the motorcycle to a safe location where you can resume riding.
We will also be using local restaurants and lodging to ensure you are as rested as possible each day (safety management) and to allow you opportunities to mix with locals and learn about their culture.
Bret is a teacher, not a tour operator so we utilize local professionals to help guide and arrange our lodging, food and rider support. This will be Bret's 6th and final tour through Nepal
Primarily a paved tour with some non paved sections generally ranging from level 1 & 2(visit the ADV Skill Rating System).
This trip will take us to altitudes over 5000m (17,000ft.) Of course we have oxygen and first aid supplies to deal with altitude illness and other foreseeable first aid needs you will need to be in good health. With that in mind altitude sickness can affect even the most experienced mountain climbers so we are not immune as motorcyclist.
Temperatures will likely range from hot in Kathmandu to freezing at Everest Basecamp. We cannot control the weather so you will need to pack to ride in all for 4-seasons. We will likely spend most of our time in a nice balance between the extremes as we are choosing the ideal month to travel.
This is a live tour, which means that we are only as fast as the slowest rider, and emergency medical care is a very long distance away. We have traveled with many groups and have determined these two skills are essential:
1. You must be able to make a left u-turn within 16′ (5m) apart on a Royal Enfield (If you can do 20' or a full steering lock turn on your personal motorcycle you will be fine). The Nepal Rural Road Standards require 8′ (2.5m) lanes and failure to make a very tight left turn will result in you running wide and finding yourself head on with traffic. Tibet, China also has very limited width at times and in traffic it can be very hazardous if you cannot confidently turn around in traffic or turn in tight spaces.
2. You must be able to maintain a minimum speed of 30mph (48kph) on maintained gravel roads. We will be traveling through some very remote regions and failure to keep a minimum speed means we will not reach our hotel… or any hotel… by nightfall.
The rest we can work with. Please keep a humble attitude and recognize that Bret might make decisions for you, based solely on your riding ability, given his 26 years of training motorcyclists as a full time career.
This motorcycle expeditions focuses on culture and regions instead of specific locations.
Our Nepalese team has decades of experience providing support to climbing, trekking and now motorcycle expeditions. Without their support providing food, mechanical support and if needed recovery these expeditions would be risky and in some cases impossible to do as a foreigner.
The changing nature of the area (landslides, road closures, etc.) means mental flexibility is essential and the correct attitude is critical… after all “Attitude Matters”.
This is a very challenging ride for most riders and passengers are not recommended for most. Prior approval from Bret is required.
Single room in Kathmandu
Single room in Pokhara
Shared room in Kathmandu
September 16: It's arrival day. It's time to stretch your legs from the long flight and meet your crew. A driver will meet you at the airport to take you to our hotel.