Bangladeshi Cyclist Conquered Three High Himalayan Passes
Bir Kumar became the first cyclist from Bangladesh to summit the Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La passes.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Cycling
Live Poll
Do you believe high-profile adventure feats inspire people in your community to take up cycling?
Bir Kumar has completed a historic cycling expedition from the coast of Bangladesh to the peaks of Nepal's Everest region. This journey marks the first time a Bangladeshi cyclist has successfully reached the summits of the Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La passes by bike.
Why it matters
The expedition serves as a high-altitude demonstration of physical endurance and endurance-based cycling. It highlights the potential for human-powered exploration in extreme environments.
The expedition included scaling three distinct mountain passes in the Everest region: Renjo La (5,360 metres), Cho La (5,420 metres), and Kongma La (5,535 metres). These figures reflect the extreme elevations navigated during the final stages of the journey.
The players
Bir Kumar
A cyclist from Kaptai, Bangladesh, who became the first from his country to summit three major Himalayan passes by bike.
The details
The athlete traversed difficult mountain trails and rugged terrain using a bicycle to navigate from sea level to these high-altitude passes. The effort was part of the Sea to Himalayas - Expedition for Awareness, which aimed to promote cycling and environmental advocacy through extreme physical exertion.
Timeline
August 14, 2026: The expedition began at Zero Point in Cox's Bazar.
September 21, 2026: Kumar reached the summit of the Kongma La Pass.
October 1, 2026: Kumar reached the summit of the Cho La Pass.
October 5, 2026: Kumar reached the summit of the Renjo La Pass.
Health Landscape
This feat represents an outlier in extreme-altitude athletic performance, contrasting with traditional mountaineering in the Everest region. It pushes the boundaries of human endurance at elevations where oxygen levels are significantly reduced.
Engaging in high-altitude activity requires significant cardiovascular preparation and an awareness of the symptoms of altitude sickness. Consult your physician regarding your physical readiness before attempting high-elevation athletic expeditions.
The takeaway
This expedition demonstrates the extreme limits of physical endurance and human-powered transport in high-altitude environments. For any reader planning high-elevation activities, prioritize gradual acclimatization and consistent monitoring for symptoms like headache or dizziness.
Further reading
Learn more about the challenges of high-elevation fitness in our Cycling section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Business Standard.
Live Poll
Do you believe high-profile adventure feats inspire people in your community to take up cycling?
