A young adventurer from the hill district of Rangamati is set to embark on a unique and challenging international cycling expedition with the aim of carrying the country’s red and green flag onto some of the world’s most demanding Himalayan trails. Bir Kumar Tanchangya, a resident of Wagga Union under Kaptai Upazila, will begin his journey on August 14 from the Zero Point in Cox’s Bazar after obtaining a 90-day SAARC Sticker Visa.
Titled 'Sea to Himalayas,' the expedition will see him cycle overland from the sea-level coast of Cox's Bazar to Nepal, where he plans to complete four of the Himalayas’ most renowned trekking routes: the Manaslu Circuit, Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), and Everest Base Camp (EBC). Tanchangya said he will carry Bangladesh's national flag throughout different stages of the expedition.
While Bangladeshi adventurers typically fly to Nepal before beginning their cycling expeditions, Tanchangya aims to become the first Bangladeshi to cycle all the way from Cox's Bazar to Nepal and complete the entire journey by land. According to his planned route, he will travel from Cox's Bazar to Dhaka before heading to Banglabandha in Panchagarh to complete immigration formalities. He will then enter India, pass through Siliguri in West Bengal, and cross into Nepal.
Tanchangya expressed his gratitude to well-known Bangladeshi cyclist Rakibul Islam and mountaineer Babar Ali for their support in preparing for the expedition. He said he had to travel several times to Kaptai, Rangamati, Khagrachhari, and Dhaka to secure the necessary permits, visas, and administrative clearances, adding that the expedition is the result of years of planning and preparation.
He said the mission is not only about fulfilling a personal dream but also about presenting Bangladesh's positive image on the international stage and showcasing the country's potential for adventure tourism to the world. Local residents have wished him success in the expedition, expressing hope that he will complete the journey safely, bring new recognition to Bangladesh, and proudly represent the country's flag on the global stage.
However, completing the entire expedition within the 90-day validity of his SAARC Sticker Visa and arranging the necessary logistical support remain his biggest challenges. Tanchangya has appealed to corporate organizations, various institutions, well-wishers, and the people of the country for sponsorship and support.
