Interview with Guinness World Record Holder, Mr. Emilio Scotto

Argentine national, Emilio Scotto is a sheer adventurer, enthusiastic photojournalist and a noteworthy travel writer. He has been holding the Guinness World Records since 2009 for his achievement of 10 years Motorcycle ride-which is the longest journey in a motorbike taking him to 279 nations covering 735000 kilometers. His ride around the world was his beautiful Black Princess- 1980 Honda Gold Wing GL1100 . Scotto was in Nepal in the beginning of the Monsoon of 2013 with other fifteen associate riders. Explore Himalaya was overwhelmed to have an opportunity to be a part of Mr. Scotto and his team’s Nepal Tour. These Argentine travelers took a short rest from riding  and traveled on a private vehicle to the three most delightful cities of Nepal- Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan. After the completion of the trip Explore Himalaya had a small interview with Mr. Emilio Scotto. Mr. Scotto married in India. To live his dream of a traveler he and his wife sacrificed with not having a child. Actually, we are humbled to have an opportunity to host a person like Mr. Emilio Scotto who has acquired such heights. Personally, I pride on myself for having interviewed this traveling icon.

An interview view with the well known traveler- Emilio Scotto

Here we have Mr. Scotto’s comments on the behalf of his entire team regarding the tour to Nepal.

EH: How was your trip to Nepal?

When I was kid, the names of Nepalese cities were in my dreams. So, I came to Nepal in 1990, and now I am here again after 23 years, I won’t be surprise to see enormous changes in Nepal. Whatsoever, Nepal is as beautiful as it was then in 1990. Actually, last time in 1990 I came on a bike. I returned to Nepal again because I am in love with Nepal. All my friends traveling with me liked Nepal. They loved Pokhara and they wished to stay a few more days there. They also wished for a day more at Chitwan.

EH: So, far in the cultural aspect, Kathmandu valley holds seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Which one do you appreciate the most?

See it’s pretty hard to pick one from the choices, as all of them are equally amazing. However, we visited Boudhanth before we traveled to Pokhara and Chitwan and once we have returned back to Kathmandu, my fellow members wanted to spend some more time at Boudhanath. They were amazed to see such an serene place which is so sacred and tranquil.

EH: How was your experience in Pokhara?

Pokhara is very nice place. Boating in Fewa Lake was exceedingly pleasurable, Davis Fall (pause for a while), it is just out of the world. The caves were not that interesting as my team had expected. The hotels were very nice and services provided by the hotels were great. My team wished to stay a few more days in Pokhara, so they could explore more in this enchanting city. We were lucky enough to see the panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges including the unique Fishtail  on the last day at Pokhara and  even that, just for a while. The view was awesome.

EH: Did you enjoy the wildlife experience in Chitwan National Park?

Chitwan National Park is a beautiful place for the wildlife adventure. Everyone in my team loved the place. It is probably the best destination for the Wildlife Safari in entire Asia. We had great fun during the Safari. As we began the journey from Pokhara to Chitwan it was raining. Upon arriving at Chitwan the rain stopped. So, we began our Safari. As the Safari was on the verge to an end, we experienced the heaviest rainfall riding on the back of an elephant for the last ten minutes. It was probably the best experience for all of us at Chitwan National Park. We loved photographing in the rain. However, the next time I would go for a two person ride on an elephant instead of four as we Argentines are little bigger in size (laughs). It was total fun at Chitwan and we expected to spend more time there.

Emilio Scotto with the Explore Himalaya family

EH: Since the day you arrived to Nepal the heavy rainfall has created an adverse scene in properly exploring Nepal, Were you affected by the rain?

Yes. Though we didn’t have problems in exploring the cities but we also had  planned for the Helicopter ride to the Himalayas and I must admit rain did spoil it. As we didn’t want to risk the significant amounts chargeable for the helicopter ride and get nothing. Or, else everything was perfect.

EH: How would you describe Nepal in one word?

I am sorry, but I may not be the right guy to describe Nepal in a word. Nepal is synonymous to so many beautiful sides of nature and culture.

EH: Can we be hopeful that some day we will entertain more visitors to Nepal from Argentina who are especially recommended by you?

Yes, next year I am planning for the two groups. First in April, adding the Himalayas view tour to this tour we had this year. Next one, I am planning a Motorbike Tour in Nepal during the month of June.

EH: How were the services of our staffs during the entire tour?

All of them were very good. You know Argentines are not easy to handle (laughs). However, every guide was patience, informative and desperate in explaining. Guide in Chitwan was very good; similarly the guide in Pokhara was equally great. The guide in Kathmandu spoke Spanish so it was easy for me and all others to know better about Kathmandu. Even the bus driver was extremely good and had good explaining quality.

EH: Finally, is there anything you do not like during the tour?

Yes, overcrowded traffics in Kathmandu (laughs).

EH: Okay, Mr. Scotto it was nice talking to you and we wish for the exciting safe Motorbike journey in China.

Thank you so much.