Bapi Debnath, a 34-year-old cinematographer and editor from Tripura, has made history by becoming the third Indian and eighth global cyclist to reach the South Base Camp of Mount Everest in Nepal on his bicycle. This remarkable journey spanned 54 days and stands as a testament to his endurance and determination. Originally hailing from Chandrapur in Agartala, Bapi, also known as Neel, is an alumnus of Umakanta Academy School in Tripura. Bapi recounted his journey, “Due to my work, I have been living in Kolkata. I was a student at Umakanta Academy. On May 21, 2024, I began my journey to Mount Everest with my single-gear cycle.”
Bapi’s challenging route included Kolkata, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Saloni Border, Kathmandu, Gurmi, Namche Bazaar, and finally, the South Base Camp of Everest. He shared that during his journey, he carried a tent and mostly stayed there, cooking boiled food to avoid digestion issues caused by weather changes. “When in India, I stayed at temples and roadside dhabas. Upon entering Kathmandu, I stayed at Ram Mandir, and the local people there helped me,”. Bapi mentioned that he returned to Tengboche on July 15.
Bapi's incredible achievement not only highlights his physical and mental strength but also inspires many aspiring adventurers and cyclists. His journey is a reminder that with determination and perseverance, even the most challenging goals can be accomplished.