In the Footsteps of Alexander Csoma: An 8,500 Mile Cycling Odyssey From Hungary to East India

This campaign supports the telling of an incredible story of adventure, exploration, and a triumph of the human spirit and will pay for its publication as a book in two languages. It is the story of present day Hungarian adventurer, photographer and videographer Viktor Zichó’s 11 month, 8,500 mile bicycle expedition across Europe and Asia in the footsteps of the famed philologist Alexander Csoma de Kőrös, some 200 years before him.

Csoma de Kőrös, a Siculo-Hungarian countryman and fellow adventurer like Viktor, was fascinated with the discovery of the Hungarian roots and origins, so he decided to travel to Asia and learn about possible language similarities with Hungarian. He spent years in Ladakh and created the first English-Tibetan dictionary and grammar book. Viktor paid homage to Csoma de Kőrös recently by riding his recumbent bicycle from Hungary to East India, roughly along the route that the founder of Tibetology forged in the early part of the 18th century. Viktor cycled through 11 countries, crossing deserts, steppes and snow-capped mountain passes.

Along the way he was imprisoned for one month in Pakistan due to an immigration mistake, quarantined for two months in an Indian hospital because of COVID-19, and forced to complete his journey dressed in disguise due to post-lockdown residual regulations still in effect in India. 

This was a journey packed with real life drama and thrills, and while likely not as tough as his predecessor's journey, Viktor faced many hardships as well as encountered many joys along his way. From crossing illegally into Pakistan (thus the prison sentence) from Afghanistan over 3,000+ meter passes in deep snow, carrying his bicycle and gear on his back for four days, to feasting with locals and enjoying culturally rich hospitality from Iran to Tajikistan— and plenty of places on either side and in between, Viktor undertook the journey to celebrate Csoma de Kőrös’ bicentenary of when he created the first English-Tibetan dictionary and grammar book. 

We need your help

This campaign will generate the funds necessary to print a Hungarian language version of Viktor’s book and also to pay for professional translation into English and subsequent editing and publication of the English version! As a contributor you have the unique opportunity to become a part of the adventure and make these books into a reality! When you pre-order here you will receive a dedicated hardbound copy of the book in your chosen language. In addition to securing one of the first copies of the author’s incredible book you also have the opportunity to connect with this world class athlete directly through some fantastic perks/rewards that he’s offering like a photoshoot, an hour-long video chat, and a guided mountaineering trip with Viktor and a group of your closest friends!   

Breakdown of costs and possible outcomes: Our goal is to raise $14,000 USD which will cover the expenses of an initial print run of 1000  hardback copies of the Hungarian language version and 1000 hardback copies of the English language version of the book. This number also covers the cost of translation and editing. In the case that we do not reach our financial goal, the funds we have accumulated will be utilized to produce a more ‘stripped down’ and economical version of the book: a paperback edition printed entirely on offset paper and without any photographs. This version would cost $10,000. In the case that only $10,000 is raised, any perks/rewards that you have purchased will be honored and you will simply receive a paperback version of the book instead of a hardcover version. Finally, if our goal of $10,000 is not reached, you will still receive any perks/rewards that you’ve purchased and as long as we have achieved 50% of our funding goal ($7,000) you will still receive your copy of the book. There will simply be a delay of some months before you receive your copy as Viktor will require some time to generate the rest of the funds required of his own accord!

The Impact

Viktor’s book has been written to connect you with the direct experiences of his journey— the places, situations, remarkable people as well as perspective that he encountered on the road. It also introduces sustainability as a way of life through the eyes of an intelligent, well educated man who is a solar energy engineer by training and also an environmentalist.

“In June of 2018 I decided that I would make this expedition come true. I maintained my commitment and was able to complete it in spite of hundreds of obstacles blocking my way. I could have given up countless times but I held on; my will was too strong to stop or turn back. Now that I’ve written a book to share the story of my journey I must see it through to publication— and that’s where you can help!” —Viktor Zichó

Risks & Challenges

The project’s greatest challenge is simply realizing our financial goal through your support. Viktor is as solid as they come. He’s already completed a nearly yearlong expedition AND he’s written a kick-ass book about his experiences. He’s done his part. Now we’re counting on supporters like you and your interest in one man’s fantastic journey to make the project succeed. Thank you for your support!

Other Ways You Can Help

Some of you may not be able afford to contribute financially (and that’s completely alright), but that doesn't mean you can't help! You can support the campaign by sharing it on any social media channels that you use. Please share this project with the tools on this page to make more people aware and get more people involved who might be able to help!