I cycled to Kathmandu airport the day before my flight to confirm the details with the airline. The road directly West was in a terrible state and even a bridge was out. I returned to the hotel via the ring road and which appeared to be the way to go. Worried that Jet airways might take exception to my bicycle in a plastic bag I had booked my hotel room for an extra night in case I had to return for a rethink. I explained to the hotel owner, dropped some surplus gear off to Buddha the owner of my favourite Newari cafe and headed for Tribhuvan airport. I arrived with time to spare. But the check in had closed early! Arghhhh. Another passenger was in the same boat and very unhappy. After ten minutes an airline official asked me about my planned flights and said he would return after twenty minutes. I was transferred onto an Air India flight and my baggage excess fee used up the remainder of my Nepali money. I was relieved to get another flight but also a bit peeved that Jet airways had closed the check in early. The flight was excellent and chatted to a student nurse returning to her course in India. I loved seeing the snowy mountains jutting up through the clouds.

The alternative flight meant that I had to retrieve all my luggage at Delhi. Once again I headed into the city on my bike. It was as hot as hell and took an age to return to the Tibetan enclave.
As an interesting diversion I visited India Gate.

Once again Wongdhen house looked after me and I went to my favourite street restaurant for chicken tikka, matar paneer and roti.

Returning to Delhi airport the following lunchtime there was a problem with my bike. Aside from being stung badly for excess weight my bike would not go through the security scanner. Eventually it went through with a support. I was hurried through to the plane and was the last person on board.

Up, up and away I was on my way to Kashmir and Srinagar.