15 CHEAPEST Transportation Methods
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00:00Planes, trains, and automobiles, they're all efficient ways to get around.
00:04But in some parts of the world, people have to get creative to transport themselves from
00:08place to place.
00:10So I've counted down 15 of the cheapest transportation methods on Earth.
00:14Starting with number 15, Yak Trains.
00:17So first off, let's consider one of the simplest yet most ingenious forms of cargo transport,
00:22the Yak Train.
00:24Now unlike trucks, planes, or even boats, these hearty beasts of burden don't require
00:29fuel, maintenance, or even sophisticated logistics.
00:32They're living, breathing cargo carriers, making them one of the cheapest methods of
00:36transporting goods in some of the most challenging terrains on Earth.
00:40But the Yak Train isn't just a budget-friendly solution.
00:43It's a lifeline for communities in the Himalayas, steeped in history, culture, and tradition.
00:48The story of the Yak Train is as ancient as the Himalayas themselves.
00:52Yaks were first domesticated thousands of years ago by the people living in the high-altitude
00:56regions of Tibet and the surrounding areas.
00:59These animals quickly became indispensable.
01:02Historically, Yak Trains were used to transport essential goods like salt, wool, and grain
01:07between isolated villages and trading posts.
01:10Yaks, with their thick fur, strong muscles, and sure-footedness, were the perfect fit
01:15for this rough terrain.
01:17Over centuries, these trains would become the backbone of trade in the region, enabling
01:20commerce and cultural exchange.
01:23When it comes to sheer muscle power, Yaks are unmatched in their environment.
01:27A single Yak can carry up to 150 pounds of cargo on its back, which might include anything
01:32from food supplies to construction materials.
01:35And it's not just about the carrying capacity, it's about where they can carry that weight.
01:39Yaks are built for high-altitude travel, often navigating trails that climb over 18,000 feet
01:44above sea level.
01:46Their large lungs and efficient cardiovascular systems allow them to thrive in the thin air,
01:50where other animals, or even humans, would struggle.
01:5414.
01:56Ropeway Conveyors So, at first glance, the material ropeway
02:01might seem like a relic from a bygone era, a simple, almost quaint way to move cargo.
02:06The concept of using ropes to transport goods dates back centuries.
02:10The first recorded mechanical ropeway was designed in 1616 by the Croatian inventor
02:15Fausto Varenzio.
02:17However, the world's first cable car supported by multiple points wasn't built until 1644,
02:23by Adam Wiebe in Gdansk, Poland.
02:26Wiebe's creation was powered by horses and used to transport soil across a river to build
02:31defenses, a practical solution that laid the groundwork for the development of the material
02:35ropeway.
02:36The principle behind these ropeways is elegantly simple.
02:39The goods are loaded into containers or buckets suspended from a cable, which is strung between
02:44two or more points.
02:46The cable can then be powered by various energy sources, including electricity, engines, and
02:51even gravity.
02:52In some cases, gravity-driven ropeways function similarly to ziplines, with the weight of
02:57loaded containers descending a slope, providing the necessary force.
03:01The ropeways are primarily used in industries where heavy, bulky materials need to be transported
03:06over long distances or even challenging terrain.
03:08This includes mining operations, where they move ore, coal, or other minerals from mines
03:13to processing plants or ports.
03:16For instance, the Kristineberg-Bolleden ropeway in Sweden, which was 60 miles long, once transported
03:21ore across vast stretches of forested land.
03:24But it's not just in mining that ropeways shine.
03:26They've been used to transport everything from cement and steel to agricultural products
03:30and even water in arid regions.
03:33In the United Kingdom, for example, the Claughton Aerial Ropeway, built in 1924, is still in
03:38operation today, transporting shale to the brickworks in Lancashire.
03:42Despite its age, this ropeway remains an efficient and cost-effective solution, slated
03:47to continue until 2036, when the shale is expected to run out.
03:5213.
03:53A Buhay Cariton At first glance, the Buhay Cariton may seem
03:58like nothing more than a humble pushcart, a simple contraption cobbled together from
04:02scraps of wood, metal, and rubber.
04:05But beneath that rough exterior lies a powerful symbol of Filipino ingenuity, resourcefulness,
04:10and the enduring spirit of those who use it.
04:13The cariton isn't just a tool, it's a way of life, a mobile home, and a means of survival
04:18in the bustling streets of Metro Manila and beyond.
04:21Constructed from materials that are often discarded by others, scrap wood for the frame,
04:25metal sheets for reinforcement, and rubber trimmings for makeshift wheels, these pushcarts
04:30also represent the Filipino trait of diskarte, or resourcefulness.
04:35Ball bearings salvaged from old machines become the wheels, while a three-wheel design compensates
04:41for the lack of a steering system.
04:42Despite its rudimentary construction, the cariton is incredibly versatile, serving as
04:46a mode of transportation, a tool for earning a living, a playground for children, and even
04:51a home.
04:52In the 1980s, and likely even earlier, caritons were a common sight on the streets of Metro
04:57Manila.
04:58They were typically used by scrap collectors who would push the carts down from dawn to
05:01dusk, collecting recyclable material to sell for a small profit.
05:06At night, these same carts would be parked in a quiet corner, providing a makeshift shelter
05:10for their owners.
05:12The roots of the cariton can be traced back to the Filipinos' nomadic past, long before
05:16the establishment of structured communities, or barangays.
05:20In many ways, the cariton represented the last vestiges of that nomadic lifestyle, a
05:25mobile solution for a people constantly on the move.
05:28Over time, as Filipino society evolved, so too did the cariton.
05:32What began as a simple means of transport became an occupational tool, and eventually
05:37a symbol of resilience and survival in the face of poverty.
05:41In modern times, the cariton has taken on new meaning, evolving from a symbol of poverty
05:46to one of hope and possibility.
05:4912.
05:51Moving Bamboo In regions where roads are absent or impractical
05:56and where traditional vehicles are non-existent, rivers become the highways.
06:01Bamboo, a material that grows abundantly in these regions, offers a sustainable and creative
06:07solution for transport.
06:09Instead of relying on cumbersome boats or makeshift vehicles, locals have devised a
06:12method of using bamboo itself as a floating raft.
06:17This solution addresses both the transportation of bamboo and the inherent challenges posed
06:21by the natural environment.
06:22The process begins with cutting bamboo into uniform lengths.
06:26This raw material is then carefully fashioned into a raft.
06:29This construction involves laying the bamboo parallel to one another and binding them securely
06:34with ropes or vines.
06:36The raft is designed to be long and wide enough to accommodate a substantial amount
06:39of bamboo.
06:41Once assembled, the raft is maneuvered into the river with precision, and the raft's size
06:45can be so extensive that it may appear as a floating bridge.
06:49Once the raft is set afloat, navigating the river is a delicate operation.
06:53The raft has to be carefully steered along the river's path, avoiding any obstacles and
06:57ensuring that it follows the intended route.
06:59The potential hazards here are significant.
07:02If the raft collides with rocks, branches, or other obstacles, it could lead to damage
07:06or disintegration.
07:08The impact might also cause the bamboo to fall into the water, making recovery difficult.
07:13Adverse weather, such as heavy rains or strong currents, can also complicate navigation and
07:18increase the risk of any accidents.
07:20The bamboo raft offers several clear advantages.
07:23Utilizing bamboo, which is locally available and all but free, save for the cost of tools
07:27and labor, it reduces costs associated with transportation itself.
07:33Bamboo is a renewable resource, and its use aligns with some sustainable practices.
07:37A large raft can carry a significant amount of bamboo, making the process more efficient
07:41compared to multiple smaller trips.
07:4411.
07:46Bagasse Trucks In Pakistan, the sugarcane industry is a vital
07:50pillar of the local economy.
07:52This perennial crop, which thrives in the country's warm climate, is not only a key
07:56ingredient in traditional sweets and beverages, but also a crucial export commodity.
08:01However, the journey from the field to the factory produces more than just sugar.
08:05It also results in considerable amounts of waste.
08:09Enter the innovative solution of Pakistan's sugarcane waste-harvesting trucks.
08:14Sugarcane is a tropical grass that, once harvested, undergoes a rigorous process to extract that
08:19sweet juice.
08:20This juice is then processed into sugar, ethanol, and other byproducts.
08:24However, the extraction process leaves behind a substantial amount of sugarcane waste, which
08:29includes the fibrous residue known as bagasse.
08:33Bagasse is the dry pulp remaining after the juice has been extracted, and constitutes
08:36a significant portion of the post-harvest material.
08:40While modern machinery is often celebrated for its advancements, the sugarcane waste-harvesting
08:45trucks of Pakistan are a shining example of how simplicity and ingenuity can create effective
08:50solutions.
08:52These trucks, which are essentially standard flatbed vehicles, are modified to handle the
08:56bulky and somewhat cumbersome sugarcane waste.
08:59The transformation begins with an addition of a makeshift mechanism in the truck bed.
09:03Crews use tarps and ropes to construct a giant makeshift container that lines the flatbed.
09:08This setup helps to hold and transport the sugarcane waste without the need for any specialized
09:12equipment.
09:13The unique aspect of this method is the human element involved in the process.
09:18Once the truck's bed is loaded with sugarcane waste, the crew climbs up onto the pile and
09:22begins the task of stamping down the mounds with their feet.
09:25This labor-intensive process serves a dual purpose.
09:28It compacts the waste, allowing for more efficient use of space, and ensures that the tarps and
09:32ropes remain in place, holding the waste securely.
09:3610.
09:38Log Transport In the dense forests and rugged terrain of
09:42Indonesia, where modern machinery is often impractical or too costly, local loggers have
09:47developed a remarkable solution for transporting massive timber.
09:51This method combines traditional ingenuity with basic technology to create a system that,
09:56while unconventional, proves incredibly effective.
09:59At the heart of this method are simple motorcycles, small but mighty, that transform into a makeshift
10:05logging apparatus capable of handling enormous loads.
10:09Here's a closer look at how Indonesian loggers use this method to transport timber across
10:13some landscape.
10:15Indonesia's rainforests are a treasure trove of timber, providing resources for local construction,
10:20export, and various industries.
10:21However, the logistics of transporting large tree trunks from the forest to processing
10:25centers pose some challenges.
10:27In response, Indonesian loggers have adapted a creative solution that leverages the versatility
10:32of motorcycles, a common and affordable mode of transportation.
10:36The process begins with the selection and cutting down of large trees.
10:40Once the timber is ready for transport, loggers construct a makeshift apparatus using smaller
10:44branches and tree trunks.
10:46This framework is designed to hold the giant logs securely while they're being moved.
10:51The motorcycles, often older models with basic features, are connected to the timber apparatus
10:56in a way that maximizes their pulling power.
10:59Typically, two to four motorcycles are used, each attached to the apparatus with ropes
11:03or chains.
11:04They are strategically positioned around the timber, and their engines are used to provide
11:08the necessary power to move the load.
11:10A crucial aspect is the need for precise coordination among the motorcycle riders.
11:15Each rider must operate their motorcycle in perfect sync with the others to ensure the
11:19smooth movement of the timber.
11:21This synchronization is vital because any misalignment or delay can result in the apparatus
11:26becoming unstable or even breaking apart.
11:309.
11:32Reindeer When it comes to the lore of Santa Claus,
11:35one of the most fun aspects is the sleigh pulled by a team of reindeer.
11:40Is this holiday tale steeped in reality?
11:43Reindeer, also known as caribou in North America, are among a unique deer species as one of
11:48the only ones to be domesticated.
11:50They've been part of human life since the Stone Age, primarily used for transportation
11:54and a source of food and materials.
11:57Their exceptional adaptations make them perfectly suited for the challenges of traversing snowy
12:02landscapes in the dead of winter.
12:04They can travel up to 3,000 miles annually, making them the longest-migrating land mammals.
12:10This impressive stamina is complemented by their ability to cover up to 55 miles a day
12:15and reach speeds of up to 50 miles an hour.
12:18These characteristics would enable them to travel quickly, a critical asset for transporting
12:22cargo via wooden sleds.
12:25The reindeer thrive in the harsh Arctic environment where temperatures can plunge below negative
12:2922 degrees Fahrenheit.
12:31Their fur is a marvel of natural engineering.
12:33It features a dense underlayer of fur beneath a blanket of hollow guard hairs.
12:38This double-layer insulation traps air and provides a significant heat barrier.
12:42Moreover, reindeer have evolved to see in the dark, which is crucial during the long
12:46Arctic nights.
12:47Their eyes change color from gold to blue, enhancing their vision in low-light conditions.
12:53They can even see in ultraviolet light, a rare trait among mammals that allows them
12:57to detect objects in the snow that would be invisible to the human eye.
13:01Reindeer possess wide, crescent-shaped hooves that are perfect for walking on snow.
13:05These hooves function like natural shovels, enabling reindeer to dig through snow to find
13:10lichen, their primary food source in the winter.
13:13The hooves also provide stability and traction, preventing slips on icy surfaces.
13:18In addition to their hooves, reindeer have specialized countercurrent heat exchange systems
13:22in their nasal bones.
13:24This system recycles heat between arteries and veins, reducing the energy needed to warm
13:29blood as it circulates through the body.
13:31This adaptation is essential for conserving energy in the harsh Arctic conditions.
13:368.
13:38The Long John Bicycle In a world of ever-evolving transportation
13:43technology, the Long John Bicycle stands out as a classic, efficient, and economical solution
13:48for cargo transport.
13:50With a design that's as charming as it is practical, the Long John has been a beloved
13:55mode of transport for nearly a century.
13:57It's a distinctive cargo bike with a front-loading platform that traces its origins back to Denmark
14:03in the early 20th century.
14:05The first Long John was introduced by the Smith & Company Company in Odense, Denmark
14:09around 1923.
14:11Named after the Danish term Dense Brakfjords, which is translated to Danish Cargo Bike,
14:17this design was showcased to the public at the Wembley World Fair and Exhibition in 1924.
14:22The design features a small front wheel, a larger rear wheel, and a long platform or
14:27box positioned in the front of the handlebars.
14:30This configuration allows the bicycle to carry substantial loads up to about 220 pounds while
14:36maintaining balance.
14:37The linkage steering system connects the front wheel to the handlebars, ensuring that the
14:41steering remains responsive despite the added weight on the front.
14:44It was constructed from basic materials such as steel or aluminum and often featured a
14:48wooden or metal cargo platform.
14:51Despite the Danish origins, though, the Long John bicycle has found widespread use and
14:55adaptation across the world.
14:57In the Netherlands, where it's known as the Bakfiets, the Long John is a common sight
15:00in both urban and rural areas.
15:03Each adaptation of it reflects the local culture and needs of its users, from artisanal craftsmanship
15:08in European cities to practical modifications in Asian and American markets.
15:13The Long John knows no borders or boundaries.
15:177.
15:18The Moto Burjita The Moto Burjitas of Colombia are an amazing
15:23way to get from here to there.
15:25These makeshift rail vehicles combine motorcycles with wooden platforms.
15:30They provide a fascinating glimpse into how necessity drives innovation.
15:34The Moto Burjita, meaning little witch in Spanish, is a clever adaptation of a narrow-gauge
15:40rail transport.
15:41Its origins trace back roughly 40 years when an inventive mind from a larger city in Colombia
15:46devised a solution for transporting people and goods along disused railways.
15:51The design is as practical as it is rudimentary.
15:54At its core, it consists of a motorcycle mounted on a wooden platform.
15:58The motorcycle's rear tire rests on one of the rail tracks, providing the necessary
16:03thrust to move the vehicle forward.
16:05The wooden platform, which includes benches for passengers, is equipped with small train
16:08wheels that allow it to roll along the rails.
16:11With minimal rolling resistance between the motorcycle tire and the train wheels, these
16:15things can achieve speeds of 20 to 30 miles an hour even with a full load of passengers.
16:20Given their basic construction, though, they're easy to maintain.
16:23Repairs typically involve ensuring that the wheels are secure and functioning properly
16:27and perform some basic motorcycle upkeep.
16:29They operate on a roughly four-mile line connecting the town of Cordoba to the village of San
16:34Cipriano, located within a nature preserve.
16:37Since there's no passing tracks, operators use phones and walkie-talkies to coordinate
16:41the movements of these things, ensuring that one vehicle travels in each direction at a
16:45time.
16:46The open design allows passengers to fully immerse themselves in the jungle's surroundings,
16:50with the breeze, fruit scents, and bird songs enhancing the journey.
16:54However, safety considerations are pretty minimal, with no seatbacks or even restraints.
17:006.
17:02Wooden Wood Carts Innovation often emerges from necessity, and
17:07nowhere is this more apparent than in the unique wooden carts designed and built by
17:12two ingenious craftsmen.
17:14Ironically, these men used their craftsmanship to create wooden carts specifically for transporting
17:19wood.
17:20The story begins with two artisans who saw an opportunity to repurpose their skills for
17:24a practical purpose.
17:26Their creation starts with the sturdy wood carefully selected for its durability.
17:31They use this wood as the foundation, then combine it with wooden pallets and small but
17:35resilient metal wheels to form the structure.
17:38One of the standout features of these things are their rudimentary steering wheels, which
17:42operates it more like a reverse rudder.
17:45This simple mechanism allows for basic direction control, making it possible to navigate the
17:49carts with a degree of precision.
17:52They are an excellent example of how practical and creative designs can be.
17:57They're built for a specific purpose, transporting wood, and the carts are constructed to handle
18:01associated with that function, with a design that emphasizes durability and strength.
18:07But one of the most intriguing aspects of these carts is their operational limitation.
18:12They only work downhill.
18:14This quirk is both a challenge and a feature.
18:17Its design is optimized for gravity to assist in transporting wood, making the carts really
18:21efficient on slopes.
18:23However, this also means that the carts must be carefully managed on flat or uphill surfaces.
18:29The sight of these wooden carts navigating the streets, albeit slowly and only downhill,
18:34kind of highlight their role as a unique and cost-effective transport solution.
18:38The simplicity of these things make them an incredibly affordable transportation method,
18:42with the only catch being you've got to make it yourself.
18:45By using readily available materials and employing straightforward design, the craftsmen have
18:49created a solution that's both budget-friendly and pretty effective.
18:555.
18:56China's Bamboo Rafts In the waters of China's rivers and lakes,
19:01a traditional form of transportation continues to glide smoothly across the surface – bamboo
19:07rafts.
19:09Bamboo is really well-suited for raft construction due to its natural properties.
19:13It's lightweight yet incredibly strong, allowing the raft to float on water despite carrying
19:17significant loads.
19:19Bamboo's hollow structure gives it natural buoyancy, which helps keep the raft afloat
19:22even when heavily loaded.
19:24Additionally, bamboo is abundant and grows quickly, making it an eco-friendly and sustainable
19:29choice for raft construction.
19:31The history of it dates back thousands of years in China.
19:34Bamboo rafts were an essential part of life in ancient China, used for everything from
19:38fishing and transportation to commerce.
19:40They were prevalent along the Yangtze and Li Rivers, where bamboo grew in abundance.
19:45The earliest records of bamboo rafts appear in ancient Chinese texts and paintings, highlighting
19:49their significance in daily life.
19:52Using bamboo for raft construction comes down to its properties.
19:55Its flexibility allows it to withstand the stresses of water movement without cracking
19:59or breaking.
20:01Its lightweight makes it easy to maneuver and transport even when the raft is being
20:04carried to a launch site, and its resistance to water damage helps ensure the raft's longevity
20:09even when exposed to the elements.
20:11While traditional bamboo rafts are still in use, their design has evolved to meet contemporary
20:16needs.
20:17Some rafts are equipped with motors, transforming them from simple hand-paddled crafts into
20:21powered vessels.
20:22These modern adaptations blend the old with the new, demonstrating how traditional techniques
20:27can be enhanced with modern technology.
20:304.
20:32Wooden Sleds In the world of logging, where machinery and
20:36modern techniques often overshadow traditional methods, these French farmers stand as guardians
20:42of a technique that stood the test of time.
20:44When it comes to transporting logs down a hill, the farmers have devised a system that
20:49revolves around constructing a wooden track and using wooden sleds to navigate it.
20:54The process begins with the creation of the track, which is essentially a carefully constructed
20:58path made from timber.
21:00This track is built with a series of parallel wooden rails that guide the sleds as they
21:04carry the logs downhill.
21:05The track is definitely designed to accommodate the weight of these massive logs while minimizing
21:10friction and the impact on terrain.
21:12The sleds are crafted from sturdy wood and designed to hold a significant amount of timber.
21:17They are equipped with smooth, curved runners that glide along the wooden track, allowing
21:21for a relatively gentle descent.
21:23The sleds are then loaded with logs, and then the real work begins, guiding the sleds down
21:28the track.
21:29The track has to be designed to navigate sharp curves and steep inclines, and the farmers
21:33carefully plan the path to ensure that the sleds can maneuver without derailing or causing
21:37any damage.
21:38The wooden track requires regular maintenance to ensure that it remains in good condition,
21:42and this includes checking it for wear and tear, repairing any damaged sections, and
21:46ensuring that the track is level and smooth.
21:49The descent is a delicate balance of strength and precision.
21:53The farmers use ropes and levers to guide the sleds, controlling their speed and direction
21:57to ensure a smooth journey.
21:59After the logs are delivered, the farmers face the arduous task of walking back up the
22:03hill.
22:04The return journey is a test of endurance and strength, too.
22:08The climb requires significant physical stamina and resilience, and farmers got to contend
22:12with the incline and rugged terrain.
22:14Carrying tools and supplies while climbing back up adds to the physical demands.
22:18The farmers' strength and determination are crucial in completing the return journey,
22:22so I guess they gotta make sure to bring their water.
22:253.
22:27Thailand's Floating Markets Bangkok's klongs are not merely a scenic feature.
22:32They are critical components of the city's infrastructure.
22:36These canals snake through the low-lying areas of central Thailand.
22:40The scale of the klong network is staggering.
22:43By 2019, there were 1,682 klongs stretching over 1,600 miles.
22:48This expansive system has earned Bangkok the affectionate nickname of Venice of the East,
22:53capturing the essence of a city intertwined with its waterways.
22:57Navigating these things is both an art and a daily necessity.
23:01The canals crisscross the city in a complex web, creating a unique urban landscape where
23:06water transport plays a vital role in daily life.
23:09One of the most striking features here is their use as floating markets.
23:13These markets aren't just a tourist attraction, they are a functional aspect of local trade
23:17and commerce.
23:18Vendors set up their stalls on boats, selling everything from fresh produce and seafood
23:23to handicrafts and local delicacies.
23:25The narrowness of these klongs means that each boat is compact and a market stall, and
23:30the interaction between a vendor and customer is conducted over the water.
23:34This system allows for quick transfer of goods and helps to avoid the congestion often
23:38found on land routes.
23:40They represent a blend of traditional trade practices and modern commerce, showcasing
23:45the adaptability of local economic systems.
23:48They offer an alternative to Bangkok's often congested roadways, providing a faster and
23:53more scenic route through the city.
23:55Small boats and ferries navigate, transporting passengers and cargo alike, and this mode
23:59of transport is really valuable in a city where traffic jams are a daily occurrence.
24:04Despite their significance, the klongs face various challenges though.
24:08Urban development, pollution, and siltation pose threats to the health and functionality
24:12of the waterways, but efforts are being made to address these issues and preserve the klongs
24:16as vital components of Bangkok's infrastructure.
24:20Regular maintenance too is crucial to keep the klongs navigable.
24:22These include dredging to remove silt and debris, and they repair any damage to the
24:26canal infrastructure.
24:292.
24:30The Porters of Nepal In the cold reaches of the Himalayas in Nepal,
24:35a unique group of individuals known as Sherpas play a critical role in the local economy.
24:41Sherpas, an ethnic group indigenous to the mountainous regions of Nepal, have become
24:45synonymous with strength, endurance, and resilience.
24:50Their primary role as porters involves transporting goods, supplies, and equipment through some
24:55of the most challenging terrain on Earth.
24:58Sherpas are renowned for their ability to carry loads that can often exceed their own
25:01body weight, a feat that is both physically demanding and essential for life in this high-altitude
25:06region they inhabit.
25:07On average, a Sherpa porter can carry up to 93% of their body weight.
25:12This impressive capacity is achieved using a traditional basket called the doko, which
25:17rests against their back, with a strap running underneath the basket and across their forehead.
25:22This method allows the porter to distribute the weight efficiently, reducing any strain
25:25on the back and shoulders.
25:27The doko is complemented by a T-shaped walking stick known as a tokma.
25:31This stick provides additional support, especially on steep inclines and rugged terrain.
25:36The journey of a Sherpa porter involves navigating mountain paths and glaciers sometime exceeding
25:41altitudes of 16,000 feet.
25:44Despite the thin air and cold temperatures, Sherpas manage to traverse these conditions
25:47with efficiency.
25:48They walk at a slow pace, typically less than a mile an hour, and take frequent breaks,
25:54a strategy that maximizes their stamina and minimizes their fatigue.
25:58Over generations of living at these high altitudes, Sherpas have developed physiological traits
26:03that enhance their efficiency in low-oxygen environments.
26:06Studies, such as those conducted by Norman Helgund, reveal that Sherpas have a higher
26:10density of capillaries in their muscles and more efficient oxygen utilization compared
26:15to other populations.
26:17While modern machinery and technology could potentially replace manual labor, the unique
26:21blend of skill, adaptability, and local knowledge possessed by the Sherpas make them irreplaceable.
26:27Their ability to manage and transport heavy loads in such challenging conditions serves
26:32as a powerful reminder of the synergy between human capability and environmental adaptation.
26:371.
26:39Chukudu Zipping around the streets of the Democratic
26:42Republic of Congo is the chukudu.
26:45It's unlike anything seen in most parts of the world.
26:48It is a masterpiece of practicality, designed to carry heavy loads across challenging terrain
26:52without the need for fuel.
26:54The most common size measures about 6.5 feet in length, with an angled wooden frame made
26:59from the durable mumba and eucalyptus wood sourced from the nearby Kipati forest.
27:04The wheels, typically wooden as well, are wrapped in scrap tires purchased for $10 equivalent,
27:10providing a vehicle with a sturdy tread suitable for the rough roads of Goma, many of which
27:14are covered in hardened lava from nearby volcanic roads.
27:18Building a chukudu is a skill passed down through generations, with local craftsmen
27:22like Samson Mamabazi taking about three days to construct one of the larger models.
27:28Smaller versions can be assembled in as little as three hours using materials readily available.
27:32It features two small wheels, handlebars for steering, and a deck where the operator can
27:37rest one knee while propelling the vehicle with the other leg.
27:40Some chukudus are even equipped with a rudimentary suspension system using metal springs or
27:45tensioned rubber bands to cushion the ride.
27:47It can be customized to carry a wide range of cargo.
27:50For example, some of them have a hole drilled in the middle of the deck where a stick can
27:54be inserted to secure firewood, while others are fitted with large baskets for transporting
27:59various goods.
28:01Driving one of them is a unique experience.
28:04When empty, the operator kneels on the deck and pushes the vehicle along with one foot,
28:08much like a kid on a kick scooter.
28:10When loaded, however, the driver stands behind the cargo using one foot against the back
28:13tire as a brake to control the descent on Goma's hilly terrain.
28:18The chukudu's design, while straightforward, requires skill to maneuver, especially when
28:23navigating busy streets filled with pedestrians.
28:25Culturally, the chukudu holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Goma.
28:30It's not merely a mode of transportation, but a symbol of the community's ability to
28:33adapt and thrive despite economic hardships.
28:37It's become so integral to the local community that it's earned the nickname the Backbone
28:41of the Local Transportation System.
28:43It supports livelihoods by enabling even young boys to earn money by transporting goods,
28:48contributing to the region's economy.