Not quite done with the dirt roads and construction but a definite improvement over the past few days! Only two more days before getting to Chengdu but before that we stay overnight with a Tibetan family.

Head crouched down, visor so covered in dust that it was impossible to see through anymore, shoulders sore from days of keeping the bike upright through potholes, over cliff side landslides, and around trucks determined not to deviate from their path. This was more or less the scene a couple of days into our western Sichuan excursion.

We start entering some exceptionally scenic areas of China including one of China's most popular tourist destinations, Jiuzhaigou National Park. Not an easy road to get there though passing over a mountain pass and navigating around endless landslides.

Though not as long or difficult as our stretch on the G219, our trip north from Lhasa and out of Tibet was not without its challenges! But by the end of the three days there was no denying we were starting the next big leg of our journey.

We are forced to earn our ascent to Everest Base Camp. Nearly two full days each way of dirt track start to take its toll on both of us and the bike, but nearly a month since visiting the lowest inland place on earth we make it to the 5,220m camp!

We push onward into Tibet. Significantly more favorable weather allow us to enjoy this beautiful area of the country much more as we visit monasteries and holy lakes along the way.