I told you I’d let you know about car problems over the last few days, well, here they are. On the morning of our last camping night, the whole tank of diesel in Rudi’s Defender was completely frozen. It took until 2 in the afternoon until they were able to leave the coldest, windiest campsite in the world. Then, they had missed an amendment and … Continue reading A picnic, ruins and sheer majesty.

Where to start? Where to bloody start? Our expedition leader, Mac, who has led expeditions with Ranulph Fiennes, no less, said that what we are going through now is as extreme as it gets. Kim, our route Director, veteran of ALL P2P’s, plus other rallies worldwide, said that day 2 of our off road is the most difficult day he has ever known. It’s hardcore … Continue reading Into the freezer.

Sorry if I’m boring you, but we’ve just had another great day. While nothing can top Everest, what we have seen and done today would normally be the best day of any rally. Every day is a best day here. It is stupendous. I’m a bit of a fool though and you may wonder how on earth what I’m about to tell happened. The views … Continue reading Snowy mountains, a cobalt lake and a foolish woman.

Our very comfortable three night stay in Chengdu was enriched by Claudia, the marvellous Singaporean woman who runs the show. Never has a GM of a large 5* hotel been so hands on. She was everywhere from breakfast to bedtime ensuring our stay was perfect. She was very worried the first night as so much of their expensive wine was ordered. She said never had … Continue reading To Everest!

For the devout here, there is a tradition of walking to all the monasteries in Tibet. 2,600 kms. Walking. I’ll just let that settle in your mind. Often, someone is appointed from a village to do the pilgrimage for the whole community. It can take their whole life to complete. Others, will walk a shorter distance, but it is still an heroic feat. We have … Continue reading 2 days in Lhasa

The landscape today reminded me of New Mexico or Arizona. I wasn’t expecting that. Desert, huge sand dunes and arid Rocky Mountains reminiscent of the Afghanistan you see on news bulletins. Gorgeous. We went to visit the first monastery in Tibet – Samye. It was built in 775. Imagine. It was so beautiful and intensely moving to visit. We all had a spiritual moment. The … Continue reading The road to Lhasa

Things seem to have settled down with the cars somewhat, thank goodness. The most common difficulties seem to be carbonisation of plugs and petrol vaporisation. The altitude is tough on the cars and adjustments have to be made depending on height. David, in the beautiful and oh so fast 1925 Bentley, told me he is adjusting it several times a day. Our Defender adjusts electronically … Continue reading Tibetan majesty and trains

It’s been another great day and no one has had any problems. Tonight, we are staying in an amazing hotel with the best food and drink. After the last several days of tea and slop in a bowl – delicious though some has been, we have all over indulged. Our first g&t’s since Chengdu, sashimi, food we recognise – even Haagen Dazs ice cream! We’re … Continue reading Day off.

What a day! 10 hours of heaven. Sweeping valleys; snowy mountains; glaciers; narrow rocky gorges; high passes; dramatic roads; Landslides; below freezing temperatures; burning hot sunshine; snow; hail; a turquoise river; ancient villages; brand new Chineses ones; vultures; tiny green valleys with peach blossom and wheat growing; the whole shebang. It was unbelievably good. I love an early start. The light is so much better … Continue reading Scenic drama and an earthquake.

The first part of our journey today was through a very long stretch of roadworks. We were fine in the Landie, but it was not so good for the olds. Very rough roads and endless mud. Chinese engineering is top class and the roads are unbelievably good, and this one will be too, when it’s finished. The infrastructure has to be seen to be believed. … Continue reading A day of fixes.