Our first riding day took us to Nam Tso, one of Tibet's holy lakes, around 200 km north of Lhasa. At 4750 m (15,800 ft) it is said to be the world's highest lake. In order to get there we had to cross our first high mountain pass, and I mean REALLY high: 5190 m (17,300 ft) above sea level. Thanks to electronic fuel injection the bikes could make it without trouble, but as soon as you got off your bike and walked around you could feel that there is hardly any oxygen left in the air.

It was a long, hard day, but a magical ride. Snow covered mountains, friendly Tibetans, a clear blue saltwater lake, boiling hot yak butter tea for lunch... what else could you possibly ask for? Maybe for a birthday cake: Hermann turned 67 today. He was elected King for one evening, gathered his people around him and gave them cake. Thank you, Hermann!