Through the Himalayas by bike: "A journey like this takes you to the heart of yourself"

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Omar di Felice on Thorong La, the highest pass in the world

SPIEGEL:

Mr. di Felice, you are currently in Nepal and a few days ago you climbed the world's highest pass, the Thorong La, which is 5400 meters above sea level.

How did you do that?

di Felice:

That was one of the most incredible experiences of my life.

I often had to carry my bike because the way up was very icy and a strong wind was blowing, and I equipped my shoes with crampons.

Some sections also had a 30 percent gradient.

I first had to carry up my rucksack and then get my bike.

But the effort has paid off.

To get to the top, there was something mystical about it.

SPIEGEL:

How did you feel at the summit?

di Felice:

It was a fantastic feeling because you realized that at that moment you were on top of the world.

It's not like the Alps, here you are higher than anywhere else, and a unique panorama is revealed, you can see incredibly far.

SPIEGEL:

Then things went down again.

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