A month ago I set off unsupported for 2 weeks to cycle the worlds highest mountain passes in Kashmir, India. The ride
started at 6500 feet and only got higher from there on. The summits ranged from 13,000 feet to over 18,000 feet but I
luckily managed to avoid altitude sickness. This was by far the hardest cycle tour I have ever undertaken, the lack of
oxygen and terrible 'road' conditions did not make it easy. The stunning scenery kept me going, helping me forget about
the fully loaded touring bike I was pedalling!

Feel free to check out the article on my website for more photos of the trip:

http://www.alwaysbybike.com/manalitoleh.html

Cool trip, I want to get back to India, with bike this time, soon.

Question; how did you transport your bike ? box or bag ? you said about building it in Manali rather than on arrival in Delhi.

Look forward to reading about your other trips later. What is next ?

Sarah

That's one travelled bike going by the ACA stickers and Epic bottles. Shropshire bred, by any chance?

Greetz

S.

Amazing trip mate

How brutal were the climbs?

Did you have to walk much?

Thanks guys.

Sarah - I've always used a CTC bike bag, it's just a thick plastic bag that goes over the bike, it's flown many times and I've never had an issue. Bag makes a great groundsheet as well for camping during tours. No idea whats next, I really want to do a cycle tour on every continent, maybe the Andes next year, or possibly New Zealand.

Scattamah - Yeah a very well travelled bike, cycled Highway 101 from Vancouver to San Fran in 2014, that was a huge undertaking but a fantastic ride, would recommend that route to anyone. I'm actually from Leamington Spa, the Epic cycles bottles come from an event I do every year in February. Love the bottles though, they are the perfect level of squishyness.

Ben - Climbs varied from brutal to merciless, the roads were very rocky and some of the climbs gained over 2000 meters elevation in one go, this one was a personal favourite:

https://www.strava.com/activities/629256680

Proud to say I didn't push even once, bikes too heavy for that really anyway with all the camping gear, water, food and a 2kg DSLR!

Nice trip Rich, sounds fantastic. I recognise the bike and kit from your Gaydon commutes! I'll say hello next time I see you.