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How to get there: Bruce flew Auckland to Kathmandu via Guangzhou with China Southern Airlines approx. $1000 return (booked through byojet.co.nz – expect to pay more though; this is a very good price). There are multiple airlines operating from New Zealand to Kathmandu.

The motorbike trip: Nomadic Knights (nomadicknights.com) is founded by Scotsman Alex Pirie who is based in India. Alex leads a selection of adventurous motorcycle tours across India, Nepal and Tibet. His wife, Vidhya, accompanies him on all his trips, riding pillion the whole way. The Rode to Everest trip costs about US$6000 for 13 nights and includes bike hire, accommodation, breakfast, evening meals, English-speaking guides, back- up vehicles with mechanics, spare parts, a doctor (also traveling in a back- up vehicle) and return taxi to the airport from Kathmandu. You take your own bike-clothing and footwear.

Tips for the trip: Do plenty of motorcycling before you go. Good leg and arm strength makes the days easier. Take plenty of high- quality layers of clothing as temperatures fluctuate from 25 degrees C to snow and blizzard conditions.