KATHMANDU: Nepali adventurer, paragliding pilot, and motorsports enthusiast Bijay Rajbanshi has completed an extraordinary 10,000-kilometre road expedition across India in just 30 days, driving his 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor through some of the country's most diverse landscapes and challenging terrains. The 30-year-old explorer, who is also pursuing a Private Pilot Licence (PPL), undertook the month-long journey as part of his passion for aviation, automobiles, and adventure travel. Rajbanshi entered India through the Panitanki border near Kakarbhitta in eastern Nepal and subsequently travelled across several regions of the country, experiencing its rich cultural diversity, historic landmarks, changing landscapes, and varied driving conditions. One of the most memorable milestones of the expedition was reaching Dhanushkodi, a remote coastal destination near Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu at the southeastern tip of the Indian peninsula. Renowned for its dramatic coastal scenery and historical significance, Dhanushkodi marked a major achievement in his ambitious journey. The adventure also took him through the deserts of Rajasthan, including the famed sand dunes of Jaisalmer, where he navigated challenging desert terrain in his Ford Ranger Raptor. From expansive highways and remote coastal routes to rugged desert landscapes, the expedition offered a unique blend of endurance, exploration, and adventure. After covering approximately 10,000 kilometres in 30 days, Rajbanshi concluded the journey by exiting India through the Bhimnagar border and returning to Nepal, completing a remarkable cross-border road expedition.

Finding peace behind the wheel For Rajbanshi, travel is more than a pastime or an opportunity to visit new destinations. It is also a means of escaping everyday pressures, gaining clarity, and finding personal freedom. 'The more I drive, the more I travel, the less I stress and the closer I get to peace,' Rajbanshi said, reflecting on the philosophy that fuels his passion for long-distance travel. His words capture a deep connection to the open road, where every destination brings new experiences, challenges, and lasting memories. Beyond his enthusiasm for automobiles, Rajbanshi is a licensed paragliding pilot and is currently working toward obtaining his Private Pilot Licence, further highlighting his passion for adventure both on the ground and in the skies. His interests in aviation and motorsports are united by a shared pursuit of freedom, technical skill, exploration, and new challenges. Inspiring a new generation of explorers The 30-day expedition reflects the growing popularity of long-distance overland travel among Nepali automobile enthusiasts and adventure seekers. By undertaking an extensive international road journey in his own vehicle, Rajbanshi hopes to inspire fellow travellers to explore new destinations, embrace challenges, and discover the personal rewards of adventure. While the 10,000-kilometre distance is an impressive achievement, Rajbanshi believes the true significance of the journey lies beyond the numbers. For him, the expedition was not merely about reaching India's southern coast or crossing the deserts of Rajasthan. It was about the experiences gained, the places discovered, and the sense of peace found along the way. From Nepal's eastern border to India's southern coastline and the deserts of Rajasthan, Bijay Rajbanshi's 30-day expedition stands as a testament to his passion for exploration and his belief that sometimes the best way to find peace is simply to keep moving forward.