Program

Nepal Race Coordinator: EventManager@AdventureSports.com.np, BikeRace@HimexNepal.com   

Closing Date for Application: June 15^th, 2006

This event is open to all athletes – cyclists, extreme sports lovers and high altitude enthusiasts regardless of caste, creed, country or religion. Friends and family of people taking part in the race can also participate as non-competitors.

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 1^st, 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.

Qualifications/Requirements to Compete:
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.

 

Qualifications/Requirements For 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.

Flight Arrangement:

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 / departure dates, we can organize your hotel for extra nights in Kathmandu. The cost for such extra nights will be US $25 per night (sharing twin in a double room). Please write to EventManager@AdventureSports.com.np for CONFIRMATION.


Airport Transfers:

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.

DEPARTURE DAY FOR HOME OR TO NEXT DESTINATION

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.

 
Tibet Visa:

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.