Hello Edgar,

I am one of these crazy guys who did this ride (Kathmandu - Lhasa) 20 yeras ago as the very first european cyclist. It´s not an easy ride, one should be in good shape, healthy and the equipment first class. The distance is about 1.000 km (600 miles) where you have to climb 3 passes more than 5.000 meters, the average altitude will be about 4.000 meter. But - the Kathamdu-Lhasa-Route is not steep! When you left Kathamdu (1.300 m) the Friendship-Highway goes down to 560 m in Dolalghat. From here the road climbs continuously to the first 5.000 meter-pass (Lalung-Leh 5.050 m), which is about 150 km away. To cope with this altitude you should calculate some days of rest for acclimatization. If you do so it should be no problem. It took me four weeks to cycle to Lhasa (normally this distance I do in one week). To be honest: the true challenge you will encounter on the Lhasa-Chendgu-Road!

Bernd