Introduction
In the past 30 years or even more we felt the continuous need to travel by private 4WD to remote areas
of the vast Sahara, to all but two Arab countries
(Bahrein and Qatar), to cross Africa from the Mediterranean coast
to the tip of Africa and to travel to Central Asia and China.
In 2005, in spite of having made all necessary organizational preparations to visit Tibet,
we were totally surprised by learning at the border that we were not allowed to enter
China with our car this time. Unfortunately, no reasonable explanation was given.
After the US-sponsored unrest in Tibet and Xinjiang with the intention to disturb the 2008 Olympics in Beijing,
we now take into consideration another attempt to travel across Tibet in 2009.
In order to meet Chinese travel regulations and to reduce individual costs we
are looking for a second team.
Requirements for Participation
-
Travel experience
Although this trip is by no means an 'expedition', extensive experience in
individual, self-organised travel, preferably in Central Asia, is imperative.
This will help decisively to overcome difficult problems and to bear unexpected
hardship.
-
Dependability
This trip is the common venture of the team. It can only be successful
as long as every team member can depend on each other. Commitments for participation
are binding. No money refund in case of withdrawel is possible. Visa for Russia and
all Central Asian states as well as for China are valid within a given period.
Entry and exit dates are fixed! Especially, entry dates must be met in any case!
-
Proven 4WD vehicle
It is urgently recommended to drive a rugged, reliable and fast 4WD Diesel car, preferably a
Toyota LandCruiser or a Land Rover. Toyota spare parts (if needed at all)
may be found easily in all countries visited on this trip. Land Rovers are somewhat
exotic there and not so well supported. In order to facilitate camping wherever possible,
fully equipped camping gear is recommended. Every car of the team must have at
least a third seat. Extremely high altitudes (exceeding 5500 m) must be taken
into account when preparing the car. Each car must be absolutely self-sufficient.
Fuel capacity for at least 1000 kms (increased consumption!) must be provided for.
Be aware of overloading the car will result in climbing problems due to thin
air in high altitudes.
-
Willingness to cooperate
Individual activities must focus on the common venture. It is the objective
of this trip across Tibet to finish it with undamaged cars in time. Therefore,
cooperation amongst team members is imperative. This includes
the readyness to accommodate the Chinese tour escort in one's car alternately.
-
No serious health problems
Having in view the extreme altitudes where we have to travel (~4000-5500m) and
the impossible descent in case of altitude sickness, every participant should
see his doctor for consultation prior to travel.
-
Miscellaneous
It is assumed that the journey up to the Chinese Border and from the Chinese border
onwards will be done by each team member individually. We shall meet at the
Chinese border post on the defined day at the defined hour. Until then we shall stay in
contact by cellphone. Travel preparations will be effectively coordinated by e-mail.
I am not a tour operator but a privat individual traveller looking for people with same
background and interests to join me on this challenging trip.
Alternative itineraries, tentative
The following itineraries are being proposed to avoid buying the very expensive Carnet de Passage
which would be needed to travel through Nepal, India, Pakistan and Iran by car. Instead, the itinereries outside Tibet
are focused on visiting Central Asian countries with their beautiful scenery and rich cultural heritage.
According to latest information received from China, the proposed itinereries across Tibet are open again for
self-driving tourists. However, this may change without notice.
-
Kyrgistan - China (Southern Silkway - Tibet - Northern Silkway) - Kasachstan (~9.700 km)
This very extended route through western Tibet will take about 6 weeks or more. We could also travel in
the opposite direction.
(Sary Tash-) Erkeshtam Pass-Kashgar-Hotan-Yuka(Iqe)-Golmud-Amdo-Lhasa-Xigatse-Everest Base Camp-
Moincer-Shiquanhe(Ali)-Gerze-Amdo-Golmud-Dunhuang-Hami-Turpan-Urumqi-Yining-Korgas (-Dostyq)
-
Kyrgistan - China (Northern Silkway - Tibet - Southern Silkway) - Kyrgistan (~9.500 km)
This is nearly the same route as the route mentioned before but we will not travel to or from Kasachstan.
(Sary Tash-) Erkeshtam Pass-Kashgar-Turpan-Hami-Dunhuang-Golmud-Amdo-Nagqu-Lhasa-Xigaze-Lhaze-Tingri-Everest
Base Camp-Saga-Samsang-Barga-Kailash-Gartok-Shiquanhe-Yanhu-Dongco-Nyama-Amdo-Golmud-
Magnai-Ruoqiang-Qiemo-Hotan-Kashgar-Torugart Pass (-Naryn)
-
Kasachstan - China (Northern Silkway - Tibet - Southern Silkway) - Kyrgistan (~6.700 km)
This route is the most exciting one in Western Tibet. It leads from Everest Base Camp to holy Kailash mountain proceeding
via disputed Aksay Qin region to Mazar and Yecheng. On this way we have to cross passes nearly 6000 m high which is a
big challenge to the car and the health of the teams. Permission to drive this road may be suspended by Chinese authorities
at short notice. Duration of the trip about 5 weeks.
(Dostyq-) Korgas-Yining-Urumqi-Turpan-Hami-Dunhuang-Golmud-Amdo-Nagqu-Lhasa-Xigatse-Lhaze-Everest
Base Camp-Tingri-Saga-Samsang-Barga-Kailash-Gartok-Shiquanhe(Ali)-Mazar-Yecheng(Kargilik)-Kashgar-Erkeshtam Pass (-Sary Tash)
Best time to go
Having in view possible flooded roads in August on one hand and snow
fall in some high regions in late October on the other hand, the optimum time frame for travelling in
Tibet by car would be month of September. This time of year is also good for travelling to and from Tibet.
How to organize the travel
Undertaking this kind of travel is only possible with the help of a Chinese
tour agency experienced and specialised in organising individual travels by
privat car.
In the last couple of years I established good contacts to reliable tour agencies.
They will provide us with all permits and documents required for our travel. They also
will provide the obligatory tour 'guide' who will accompany the party during
the whole trip in one of our cars.
After decision has been made which itinerary we want to follow, I will contact
the tour agency in order to obtain a price proposal for the envisaged tour.
Then, a down-payment has to be transferred in
advance to the tour agency's Chinese bank account by SWIFT or VISA. As soon as they have
received the money they will start working for us. They need a lot of personal
as well as car-related information. The Chinese visa will be obtained individually
from local Chinese embassies within short. If needed, visa extension may be provided by
Chinese authorities there and then.
The whole procedure must start as early as possible, 5 months before entry to China at the latest.
I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Reinhart
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