In 2016, it was 30 years ago that mountaibikereise.ch founder Ruedi Christen set off on his first Himalayan expedition together with friends. Initially, he led trekking and ski tours in India under the name "Himalaya-Trek". After more than a year of planning, the time had finally come in June 1991: the Himalayan crossing by mountain bike together with five clients began and was a success.

"Suspension forks, GPS, down sleeping bags and satellite phones were wishful thinking at the time. With rigid forks, poor maps and Sagex helmets, the group set off on an unknown adventure. The local support team also had no experience of mountain bike tours in the Himalayas. The 1000-kilometer tour is all the more risky: The high altitude, the poor natural roads, the high alpine weather. Plus a route that rides through the middle of the restricted area between India and Pakistan," reports Nadja Keller from mountainbikereisen.ch.

Keller goes on to describe the adventure: "As if this wasn't enough of a challenge, the group is attacked by a pack of Indian road workers shortly before the actual highlight of the tour. The bus driver is injured in the head and has to be treated. But giving up is not an option for the adventurers. Fantastic landscapes, the simple life of the locals, fabulous Buddhist monasteries and the increasing exhilaration of the altitude give the group new strength. At the finish in Leh, the final excitement. The group is invited to tea in the royal palace by the Ladhak prince. Sitting on the throne is none other than their humble passenger 'Tschiggi'. His Highness had accompanied them day after day on the first Himalayan crossing. Incognito - of course!"

This prologue is followed by further bike tours in Asia, and later in Europe, Africa and South and North America. In 2016, mountainbikereisen.ch is celebrating its 30th anniversary and has some surprises in store. "We are cutting a birthday cake on every trip in 2016. As a thank you to our loyal customers who have been discovering new trails with us for 30 years. But that's not all. On the second Saturday of every April, May, June and August, our guides will show you the most beautiful trail in the region on a free guided one-day tour," the company announces.

The highlight of the anniversary year will take place on September 10 and 11, 2016 in the Engadin. This is where the tour specialists will be popping the corks. The program includes free tours, a slide show from the old days, interviews with celebrities, a culinary trip around the world, music and a party on Saturday evening.www.mountainbikereisen.ch