Prime Mates

29th July 2008

Altitude has a capability of generating side effects no illegal or prescribed drug could ever induce. Hallucinations come in varied degrees of credibility as patients are indulged their garish nightmares. However, recently in India and Nepal, it appears that some of the more outlandish visions are actually built on rock, rather than sand.

This is justified by the numerous sightings of the little known Indian version of the legendary yeti, an ape-like creature called "mande barung" - or forest man - in the area around the Garo hills of the northeastern state of Meghalaya. Dipu Marak, a passionate Yeti believer, retrieved hairs from a site in dense jungle after the "mande barung" was allegedly seen by a forester for three days in a row in 2003 - a black and grey ape-like animal which stands about 3m (nearly 10ft) tall and weighing in about 300kg (660lb). Both he and Mr Redmond, a legendary primate specialist, agree there is "every chance" they could belong to an unknown species of primate following extensive research on these hair folicals at Oxford Brooks University.

However, the Himalayas need no extra incentives to enjoy. Staggeringly stunning scenery and a very hospitable welcome across this vast mountain range combines to attract serious walkers from all over the globe. But now it appears the attractions are also running in the family, as this "mande barung" is probably only about 2 % from our DNA. Rwanda, Borneo and Uganda were generally regarded as the domains for ape lovers; the Himalayas may now be offering that little extra that only the wildest hallucination could emulate.

Exodus features all these countries mentioned and also, given the Forest Man has probably been here longer than us, we imagine he is OK with the altitude. Well, if it's good enough for him...