Kaptai cyclist reaches Everest Base Camp after 38-day ride

Adventure cyclist Bir Kumar Tanchangya has reached Everest Base Camp after cycling from Cox’s Bazar to the Himalayan destination in a 38-day expedition.

According to a Facebook post of Bir Kumar, he reached the 5,364-metre-high Everest Base Camp at 2:15PM local time on Tuesday (September 22).

He described himself as the first person from the Chittagong Hill Tracts to reach Everest Base Camp by bicycle overland from sea level.

The expedition, titled 'Sea to Himalayas Expedition for Awareness,' began on August 16 from Kobita Chattar Beach in Cox’s Bazar, where Bir Kumar formally launched the journey by collecting plastic waste.

He then cycled north through Bangladesh, crossed into India via the Banglabandha border and travelled through Siliguri before entering Nepal. From there, he continued towards the rugged Himalayan trails leading to Everest Base Camp.

The 38-day expedition was aimed at more than reaching the Himalayan destination. Bir Kumar undertook the journey to raise awareness about blood donation, environmental conservation and climate justice, while also promoting a positive image of Bangladesh internationally and highlighting the country’s potential for adventure tourism.

After reaching the base camp, he said the journey required him to overcome long distances, changing weather, difficult mountain trails and intense physical and mental pressure.

“When the dream is big, no matter how difficult the path is, you cannot stop,” he said. “The goodwill and love of people across the country gave me the courage to keep moving forward.”

A resident of Wagga union in Kaptai upazila, Bir Kumar has previously completed several long-distance cycling expeditions.

He has travelled by bicycle across all 64 districts of Bangladesh and completed the cross-country route from Teknaf to Tetulia. He has also cycled through 10 states of India.

Bir Kumar is the founder of Kaptai Blood Bank and Wagga Volunteer and has long been involved in voluntary blood donation and environmental awareness activities.