Bengaluru: Bengaluru-based wellness consultant Keshav Prasad has completed a 25,000-km road expedition across 27 countries in 85 days, driving from Bengaluru to London and back in his SUV.
The journey, which began on June 5 and concluded on August 25, took Prasad across multiple countries and diverse road conditions. Beyond the distance covered, he described the expedition as an experience that taught him patience, adaptability and the importance of accepting uncertainty.
Journey from Bengaluru to London and back
Prasad undertook the expedition in his personal SUV, travelling across 27 countries before returning to Bengaluru.
The journey involved dealing with changing weather conditions, unfamiliar roads, traffic, varying road conditions and situations that could not always be anticipated. While he began the expedition with several companions, they eventually parted ways, leaving Prasad to continue the journey towards London.
He said the experience changed his approach to situations beyond his control. According to Prasad, spending weeks on unfamiliar roads taught him to accept that travel plans could change because of circumstances such as traffic, weather and road conditions.
He described patience and the ability to adjust to unexpected situations as some of the biggest lessons from the expedition.
Encounters with strangers along the way
Some of Prasad’s most memorable experiences came from interactions with people he met during the expedition.
In China, his vehicle reportedly broke down at night. A truck driver helped guide him to a garage, allowing him to continue the journey.
In Turkey, a mechanic who carried out minor repairs on his vehicle reportedly refused payment, describing the assistance as a gift from the country.
Another memorable experience came in Uzbekistan. Prasad and his companions were travelling in temperatures ranging between 45 and 48 degrees Celsius when a restaurant owner invited them inside, offered them food and refused to accept payment.
Prasad said such experiences made him reflect on the kindness he encountered during the long journey.
Expedition cost around Rs 25 lakh
The cross-continent journey came with significant financial and logistical requirements.
Prasad said he spent around Rs 25 lakh on the entire expedition, including accommodation, fuel and other expenses. He described the accommodation as comfortable rather than luxurious, with stays split between three- and four-star hotels and hostels.
He also carried food from India during the journey.
Fuel accounted for a substantial portion of the expenses. According to Prasad, fuel prices crossed Rs 1,200 per litre in most of the countries he visited, with India and Kazakhstan being exceptions.
SUV prepared before the journey
Preparing the vehicle was another important part of the expedition.
Prasad had his SUV serviced a week before departure and carried essential spare parts. He also underwent basic training to handle minor maintenance issues while travelling through unfamiliar regions.
One puncture during the expedition tested those preparations. Prasad said he repaired it himself using the air pump he had carried and continued the journey.
He emphasised that people planning long-distance road expeditions should learn basic vehicle maintenance, including how to fix a puncture, and carry essential equipment and spares.
Physical fitness and financial planning important
The expedition also exposed Prasad to significantly different climatic and geographical conditions.
During the three-month journey, he encountered both very low temperatures and high-altitude areas with reduced oxygen levels.
Based on his experience, Prasad identified three important requirements for anyone considering a similar expedition: physical fitness, financial preparedness and family support.
He said travellers should have sufficient financial resources along with a buffer for unexpected expenses. Support from family and people around the traveller was another factor he considered important.
Prasad also drove primarily during daylight hours, took breaks every two hours and planned overnight stops based on the availability of secure parking.
‘It’s not a leisure trip’
Prasad said people considering such an expedition should understand that travelling thousands of kilometres across countries is different from taking a conventional holiday.
According to him, a person needs to have a genuine passion for driving because the routine can become demanding after several days on the road.
He described the journey as an expedition rather than a leisure trip, requiring sustained interest, preparation and commitment to complete the planned route.
His experience also highlighted the need to remain alert rather than relying on confidence alone while driving through unfamiliar territories.
Lessons from 85 days on the road
The 25,000-km journey gave Prasad an opportunity to experience different countries, road systems, climates and cultures.
The journey also demonstrated the importance of preparing for circumstances that cannot always be predicted. From vehicle breakdowns and changing weather to unexpected assistance from strangers, the expedition involved several situations requiring flexibility.
Prasad returned to Bengaluru on August 25 after completing the 85-day journey. He said his family and friends noticed that he appeared calmer and more mature after returning, a change he also recognised in himself.
For those planning similar road journeys, he recommends preparing for emergencies, learning basic vehicle maintenance, carrying essential spares, driving during daylight, taking regular breaks and arranging secure overnight parking. He also advises beginning the paperwork for an international road expedition at least a year in advance.
A journey beyond kilometres
Prasad’s expedition was not only about covering 25,000 kilometres or reaching London and returning to Bengaluru. His account of the journey focuses equally on the experiences and lessons gained along the way.
Travelling through 27 countries gave him exposure to unfamiliar environments and people, while the challenges of a long-distance expedition required him to adapt continuously.
After 85 days on the road, the Bengaluru-based wellness consultant returned with memories of unexpected help, demanding driving conditions and lessons in patience and preparation.