Embarking on a dream, scaling the peaks of a lunar mountain, is a journey that captivates the imagination. Jyotishko Biswas, a young man from West Bengal, found his inspiration in Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay's novel, Chander Pahar. This 1937 masterpiece has left an indelible mark on generations, but for Jyotishko, it became a personal quest.
Bibhutibhushan's tale, set in the early 20th century, explores the Mountains of the Moon in Africa. The ancient astronomer Ptolemy referred to Uganda's Rwenzori Mountains by this name. In his book, Bibhutibhushan mentions two mountain ranges, Richtersveld and Rwenzori, and despite never traveling beyond India, he meticulously crafted the geographical details with the help of 19th-century travel writers.
Jyotishko, an avid reader, noticed the subtle clues in the book's description of flora and fauna, leading him to believe that Chander Pahar, or the Mountain of the Moon, was indeed Rwenzori. Inspired by the fictional character Shankar, Jyotishko chose a life of adventure, starting his own trekking agency. After years of preparation, he set off alone on a 45-day journey to the African wilderness, cycling thousands of kilometers to trace the places mentioned in the novel.
Jyotishko's journey began in the village of Arunachal Pradesh, where he grew up near the confluence of the Lohit and Brahmaputra rivers. His restless spirit, perhaps influenced by the flowing waters, led him to cycle across Meghalaya at 21 and later embark on a trans-Himalayan trip lasting half a year. Along the way, he discovered a unique way to earn a living by collecting plastic litter in Meghalaya, which funded his wanderlust.
The end of the Covid-19 lockdown saw the birth of The Trekking Buddha, Jyotishko's company aimed at nurturing trekkers. He meticulously planned his African adventure, listing every essential item from a gravel cycle to a hydration gel. A spur-of-the-moment decision led him to buy his flight ticket to Africa while returning from a trek to Mt. Annapurna.
Jyotishko's goal was clear: to see Rwenzori and, if possible, summit Margherita Peak, the highest point of the Mountain of the Moon range. He understood that Shankar's journey, as described in the novel, was not a straightforward route. The references to places were geographically scattered, making it nearly impossible to follow.
Jyotishko focused his trip on East African countries, excluding Richtersveld and the Kalahari Desert in the south. He began in Mombasa, Kenya, where Shankar's ship had docked in the story. Jyotishko spoke of the contrast between the 'Internet Africa' known to tourists and the real Africa, a place lacking basic infrastructure for outsiders.
He faced challenges like a lack of water sources in Tanzania, making cycling arduous. Food poisoning was frequent, but as he said, adventurers should not complain. There's even a saying among explorers: 'One should not visit Africa unless prepared for unwashed hands and unclean knives.' Yet, he struggled with the semi-roasted beef, the staple diet of the Masais.
While Shankar survived on bread and coffee, Jyotishko found sustenance in rolex, an African egg roll served without plates. His guide, Benard, a member of the Bakonzo tribe, became his Alvarez, familiar with the trees and birds of the Rwenzori foothills. Together, they summited Margherita Peak on July 23.
Jyotishko's journey, though lacking lions and black mambas, presented its own challenges, like a cycle breakdown on the way to the volcano. He was miraculously rescued, much like Shankar's rescue in the Kalahari. The stories of his adventure are endless, a true mountain of tales.
And so, it is a blessing that Jyotishko has decided to share his account, offering a glimpse into the world of a dreamer who chased his vision to the peaks of a lunar mountain.
