Hong Kong Highland Exploration Team 2006 Author：Jasmine Ma Picture： 莫炳亮 & Hong Kong Highland Exploration Team

　

The “Hong Kong Highland Exploration Team 2006” was set up by a group of SUV lovers whom have the passion for History, Ancient Civilization and Geography. They love to drive their SUVs across the boarders on vast lands. My father, Victor Ma, was the first explorer in SUV stray adventures in the Chinese society and he offers comprehensive technical backups to this team in line with S & P Auto Ltd. My father started his adventure in the early 90s. He trip started from Olympics to the Great Wall (China) i.e. “The Trip of Millennium”, this year we drove from Europe to African Dakar. We all love to use SUVs as they are more practical and reliable. With our excellent team spirit and mutual trust we have for years, we are able to take up more new challenges ahead and every team member performs well. In recent years, we got together at least twice a year. This summer, we had a 43-day trip to Himalayas and Pamirs. We will depart from Hong Kong for Yun –nan province of China, then to Lhasa via Zhongdian-Xizang (Tibet Highway). We would go along Himalayas – The Roof of the World (Rear Tibet), Tanggula Mountains, Nagqu, Kekexili ( undiscovered area), Kunlun Mountains Tianshan Mountains, Gangdise Mountains, Altun Mountains, Qilian Mountains , Dargo Mountain, Burgyi Mountain, Pamirs Plateau and then move towards Pamirs Plateau, Khunjerab, Ancient Silk Road and Kashmir. Kashmir owns the boundaries of 7 countries: China, India , Pakistan , Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. To move on, from Tibet across Tajikistan desert to Qinghai Lake, Plateau in northwest Sichuan and Hongyuan and back to Hong Kong via Chengdu of Si-chuan Province. This trip takes 19,500 km and covers the entire western part of China, this includes ten provinces: Guang-dong, Guang-xi , Yun-nan, Si-chuan, Chong-qing City , Xi-zang Autonomous Region , Qing-hai , Gan-su and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region etc. nearly half the area of the country. Apart from my father, I believe most of the team members have not been to Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The altitude of our base in Himalayas is over 6,000 meters, this is definitely a huge challenge for us who grown up near the seaside in the Southern part of China. Our vehicles were seriously over-loaded. It was also very tough for the car engines under very poor environment like, lack of oxygen and mountainous terrains in the rainy seasons of July. Moreover , our safety would likely be threatened by debris flow. May is the best season to visit Rear Tibet, however, in order to let the kids to have the chance to experience the simplicity of Tibetan and the last piece of unpolluted land , the Pamirs Plateau, we have decided to go there in mid-July and back in late August. This takes a whole summer holiday for students. This is really a tough journey, all vehicles must be modified in the best way we can. Apart from basic modifications , we have also equipped with a convertible sleeping compartment on the top of the roof ( the first time in Hong Kong Car history) as my father knows clearly Rear Tibet is a one of the most remotest areas of the world and it is hardly to find a small inn there.

We used different brands of SUVs in the past, and for the sake of maintenance and repair we have unified our cars to Lexus 470 and Toyota LC100 ( V8 4.7L) . Some team members suggested to use Toyota LC75 , Mercedes Unimog 4 x 4 etc for comforts sake , however , the Hong Kong Government does not allow this type of Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to be registered. In China , the government officials are more open minded and allowed this type of SPV to be licensed. Therefore , Lexus 470 and Toyota LC100 is the best choice available in Hong Kong . LX470 is spacious , stable in running , its V8 engine is powerful, reliable and comparatively with better fuel economy. Its automatic control devices give us an easy drive for a long journey though it is more luxury then we need.

We have a Five-year plan and we are happy to have a group of good friends to drive freely in vast mountain areas. In 2007 , we will go to Outer Mongolia , 2008 to Siberia; 2009 to Europe and in 2010 to the Grassland of Africa. This team will realize our dreams of going around the world on wheels circle by circle. Our team is just like the “Team of Millennium” to search for Ancient Civilizations and to help the students in poor areas. The wheels of our SUVs keep on rolling on sandy roads and nobody knows what will happen in the next second. To drive for exploration is totally different from a normal tourist , we , as city-born people , have realized our dreams of exploration in some special regions. We have a lot of stories to share and our members have to spare 60 days annually for this two events. 60 days may be too long for normal city people , but we think it is worth trying, because it is priceless. It is not easy to form such a wonderful team and when we take a review on our journeys , we will have so many experiences , feelings and stories to share among all of us.

Special Thanks to Sichuan Summit Lexus Motors Co. Ltd for their generous support in spare Parts .

　

Lexus LX470

1. TJM/ARB Bull Bar T3/Sahara
2. Warn Winch 9000 LBS ~9500 LBS
3. RAGUNA 16 x 8.5 JJ Alloy Wheel x 6
4. PIRELL1/Bridge stong 275/70R16ATx6
5. Dakar 800 HID spot light
6. TJM Rear heavy duty Bumper
7. LHS Tire carrier
8. RHS Tire carrier
9. Dakar Ladder
10. Dakar SKID plate
11. Dakar Under Guard
12. Dakar 170 Fuel Tank Guard
13. 170L TJM/ARB Fuel Tank
14. 2" Life Suspension
15. AHC Hdy Suspension Lock
16. 4 x 4 Engineering Anti Roll Bar F & R
17. ARB front & Rear ditt lock
18. Pump up kit
19. Dakar Rear Axle Guard
20. Twin Battery
21. 220V output 1000w ~ 2000w
22. 60L ICE marker x 1
23. 3.5 Tones Tow hook x 1
24. Hi Lift Jack point x 4
25. Hi Lift Jack x 1
26. Sand board x 2
27. Engine oil cooler
28. Gear box cooler
29. Snorkel
30. 2.7m Roof rack
31. Safari roof tents
32. Vent Disc
33. Bug wing
34. Spade
35. Sides

　

 

　

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