We are on an expedition behind the wheel of the trusty Duster. We joined the Gang of Dusters in Agra to follow 19 other Dusters that had gathered from across India to embark on Renault’s first international driving expedition to Bhutan. Day one of such long expeditions is the most chaotic one, especially when it comes to organising the bags into the boot. It’s surprising how the Duster’s boot swallowed four big bags and yet had more room left for smaller bags. Once the bags and passengers had settled into their respective places, the gang of 27 Dusters, along with the official convoy cars, were flagged off. The drive through the Indian section was a mixed bag, ranging from a super-smooth six-lane expressway to absolutely non-existent village roads. Thanks to its sturdy suspension, even with a fully loaded boot and four passengers on board, there was never a point where it bottomed out. It wasn’t only the bad sections where the Duster proved its mettle but even on the wide, smooth highways, its stable nature made for some relaxed highway driving.
The Duster is no stranger to us as it has been a part of many other international drives through the length and breadth of the world. Having driven over all sorts of terrain and weather, we have come to appreciate its finer qualities like reliability, sturdiness, fuel efficiency and comfort, to name a few. When it comes to a long expedition like this, it is definitely the vehicle’s reliability that is the most important and that is exactly where the Duster really impresses, scheduled service is all it has needed to keep going. Through our drive to Bhutan and back we did not experience any hiccup, not even a puncture! As expected, the Duster emerged as just the right car for the task and a comfortable one at that.
If you own a Duster, its time to join the gang and explore some of the most iconic and adventurous destinations.
May 13 Day 1
Agra to Lucknow 337km (4h 5min) Straight run on a butter-smooth, newly opened expressway all the way to Lucknow.
May 14 Day 2
Lucknow to Varanasi 320km (5h 54min) A mix of state highways and four lanes through NH19.
May 15 Day 3
Varanasi to Patna 252km (7h 39min)
One of the most adventurous sectors, driving through the village roads of Bihar.
May 16 DAY 4
Patna to Siliguri 457km (9h 32min)
Very chaotic getting out of Patna city; crossed one of the longest bridges on the drive over the Ganges.
May 17 Day 5
Siliguri to Phuntsholing 174.5km (3h 51min)
Twisty roads through the mountains, lots of railway crossings and tea estates. Crossed border into Bhutan.
May 18 Day 6
Phuntsholing to Thimphu 182.5km (4h 31min) Narrow and twisty roads through mountains en route to Thimphu.
May 19 Day 7
Thimphu to Punakha, to Thimphu 192.5km (5h 10min) Drive through Dochula pass; river rafting at Punakha and a visit to the Punakha Dzong.
May 20 Day 8
Thimphu city tour and a visit to the Buddha point.
May 21 Day 9
Thimphu to Paro 67.7km (1h 12min)
Short drive to Paro and a two-and-half-hour trek to the Tiger’s Nest.
May 22 Day 10
Paro to Siliguri 316km (7h 58min)
