Overlander's Handbook
Trip Reports

Kathmandu to Pondicherry ~ 150cc Auto rickshaw

Who Tom Burke ~ email
ProfessionOrthopaedic Surgeon
Born 1954Nationality Irish
Previous travel experienceCoast to coast USA x2, South Africa, Oz, Loads of europe
This tripKathmandu to Pondicherry
Departure dateJune 2008
Number in group3 in Bajaj Rickshaw (among 65 Rickshaws)
Trip duration14 days
Distance covered3500 km
Cost of trip (not incl. vehicle)4000 euro for three
Best dayFirst day out, trundling down the Himalayas trapezing out the side of the rickshaw to stop it falling over
Worst/ hardest dayBlown piston, mechanic went off with money to get piston and came back hours later completely pissed, a row among the onlookers went feral and police called, fitted piston myself & crawled away into the night, Passed a main Bajaj dealershjp 2km later
Favourite placeKathmandu, always wanted to go there. In India, Mallinupuram, coastal, laidback, tons of temples and not far from the end in Pondi
Biggest headacheClutch, Steering, exhaust, overheating engine, no lights, Piston
Wish I hadn'tIts not a motor bike trip but it required a motor bike stamp on the International drivers licence, So There!
Most pleasant surpriseVery much off the beaten path, noted very little English spoken but incredibly friendly and helpful people, never felt even remotely unsafe except in traffic
Any illnessNo, only bottled water & hot food, ate anywhere and everywhere
Other trips plannedCircumnavigation of the Med on a Honda CG125, Why Hurry?
One overlanding tipIt is always possible to carry less, use no electrics that use anything other than AA batteries, Keep smiling No matter what, It is a universal fact that most people avoid individuals that appear totally insane. Don't dream about it, Do it.
Type of VehicleBajaj 149cc Auto rickshaw 2stroke
Age/ mileage on departure400 km ,6 months
ModificationsBugle, Roofrack, 5l Fuel cans, Duct Tape, coil of wire, Loctite. Wild paint job in Day Glo Pink
Most useful accessoryAir Horn (Essential)
Mods you wish you'd doneHorn from locomotive or lighthouse
Tyres usedNo idea
Number of punctures
Vehicle's weak pointIt was flogged too hard, 3-up, 3500km, 12 days, get real
Vehicle's strong pointRemarkably comfortable
Vehicle problemsAs Above + being sideswiped, rearended, driving off road to avoid truck bus taxi x 20
Same vehicle again?If I stop taking the Medication
One driving tipDrive defensively, stay alert, keep focused.