10,000 km by bike to Khan Tengri – GÉPTESZT Expedition 2026

Sometimes a story, a challenge does not come from the outside — it starts within our own team. Zsolt Kővári is an intern at GÉPTESZT, and on April 1, 2026, he is embarking on an extraordinary adventure: cycling nearly 10,000 kilometers from Budapest to the Tian Shan mountain range, through 11 countries, after which he will attempt to summit the 7,010-meter-high Khan Tengri peak.

Khan Tengri is one of the most well-known mountains in the Tian Shan range, rising on the border of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and China. Its name means “Lord of the Sky”, and its distinctive pyramid shape has earned it a reputation as one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. Interestingly, the rocky summit itself is actually 6,995 meters high, but due to the ice cap on top, it is officially recorded as 7,010 meters — which places it among the seven-thousanders.

Khan Tengri is one of the five peaks of the so-called “Snow Leopard” challenge. This title is awarded to mountaineers who summit all five peaks above 7,000 meters in the former Soviet Union. Achieving this feat carries considerable prestige in the mountaineering world, and among Hungarians, only Zsolt Erőss has ever managed to reach all five summits.

Last year, Zsolt Kővári completed the first milestone by summiting the 7,134-meter Lenin Peak. This year’s Khan Tengri expedition could be the second peak on that journey.

When we learned of his plan, it quickly became clear that we wanted to stand by him — because our company connects closely with his vision and goals on multiple levels.

The route spanning 11 countries and the thousands of kilometers by bicycle reflect the international environment in which we ourselves operate. GÉPTESZT is receiving an increasing number of commissions from abroad, and we regularly collaborate with international partners. Globality is a daily reality for us: our work is shaped by demands from countless countries around the world, diverse technical environments, and international standards.

In our day-to-day work, we inspect and test lifting equipment, lifting accessories, personal protective equipment, and various safety devices. A particular focus is the inspection of fall protection personal protective equipment used for work at height, which forms the foundation of industrial rope access and rope-based work. Recent legislative changes have further reinforced the importance of mandatory periodic inspections: the regular, documented review of protective equipment used at height is now a clearly prescribed obligation, directly serving the safety of workers.

Perhaps this is why we feel a special connection to Zsolt’s endeavor. In mountaineering, people often say: we are on the same rope. This is not merely a technical situation — it is also a relationship of trust. Between two people, the rope is the strongest bond — it connects, it means responsibility, and it provides safety. This is what we also wish to offer our partners.

Reaching a 7,010-meter summit is not only a physical challenge but a series of conscious decisions. Behind it all lies preparation, the use of the right equipment, and mindfulness. This is the same mindset that defines our own work.

We are supporting our colleague’s goal financially, while also becoming part of an inspiring story. Zsolt’s journey leads from Europe to Asia, crossing multiple borders — a fitting reflection of the international outlook that characterizes GÉPTESZT.

Those interested can follow Zsolt’s journey on our Facebook page.