July 2003: Sting in Kathmandu

In July 2003, ace chopper pilot and committed Himalayan Enfielder club-member, Suman Basnett was host to legendary rock singer Sting. Seen in this picture is Sting saddled atop Suman’s Royal Enfield 500.

July 2004: Josef Pichler

Brand ambassador for the KTM 950 Adventure motorcycle, Austrian born Josef Pichler has been biking around the world since 1984. In June 2004, Josef led the Tibet KTM Adventure tour to Mount Kailash and Everest Base Camp, for which the logistical support was provided by Himalyan Riders.

Aug 2004: Matsuo and Kayakuwa

Two Japanese bikers Kiyoharu Matsuo and Yohei Kayukawa, who rode into Kathmandu separately came into contact with each other in Kathmandu via a Japanese bikers’ website as each of them were headed to Tibet around the same time for the next part of their journey. Himalyan Riders was called to assist them in organizing their Tibet travel papers.

"A desire to travel the world and to see how changes take place from country to country..." is what inspired Jim Bunn and Lisa George of United Kingdom, to set off on their BMW-F650 (650 cc, 1994 model) for the world tour.  They decided that motorcycle was the best way to travel, as it was a very independent way to see and explore the various countries.

Traveling more than thirty thousand kilometers across France, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan and India they landed in Nepal on April 2005. After arriving in Nepal they visited several places like, Pokhara and Royal Chitwan National Park. From here they rode to Tibet on May 10th, which would lead them across the Tibetan plateau covering a distance of more than 2000 kilometers.

Barren landscape, lots of high passes more than 5000 meters in altitude, wind, dust, cold and the bumpy roads of Tibet along with some of the most spectacular views of the Himalayas including Mt. Everest from the Everest Base Camp, North side, was all included in their adventure to Tibet! It was indeed a tough ride, as when asked, which was the toughest ride so far? They said "Tibet without a doubt! High altitude, extreme road conditions and the added bonus of construction work, but it was worth all that and more..." They were in Tibet for almost 3 weeks.

Jim, a plant operator and Lisa, a teacher by profession are now planning to ride to Thailand and from there to South East Asia and on to Australia and New Zealand and possibly continuing to the Americas on a round the world trip! We, the Sacred Summits family wish them Bon Voyage!