Swayambhu is among the oldest religious sites in Nepal. Although the site is considered Buddhist, the place is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus.

Founded in the 12th century, Bhaktapur rose to be a city renowned for its culture, craft and trading as it was part of the ancient trading route between India and Tibet.

The Boudhanath Stupa stands as a beacon of Buddhist belief, towering over the surrounding town as a giant mandala of peace and beauty.

Nine days and 2,590km after starting off from Dharamshala, we reached Gangtok. The Tucson did the journey without missing a beat.

The Tucson’s big tank and good fuel economy meant we spent less time at petrol pumps.

The Tucson turned out to be a tough car that took all kinds of punishment in its stride.

The Rumtek monastery houses some of the rarest Buddhist religious art objects found in the world.

Promoting the ‘Be The Better Guy’ road safety campaign through the drive.

The endangered Indian Wild Ass can reach speeds up to 80kph.

In the desert, you need a vehicle that will take the punishment without leaving you stranded in the middle of nowhere.

The Mahindra Thar is a true blue-blooded royal.

On this terrain there are only two ways to travel, the other being a camel.

The Thar was born from a machine designed for war. Posing with its ancestor at the war museum in Jaisalmer.

1971 CJ4 manufactured by Mahindra & Mahindra.

Mahindra also produced the now rare Jeep FC.

Adhiraj and Tony Singh are restorers, collectors and Jeep lovers. With their personal collection in Jaipur.

Mahindra badging on the steering hub.

The plaque on a CJ4 dash declaring who produced it.

In Dabwali. No 4x4 but look at the tyres!

The strong 2.5-litre engine is a perfect combination of power and torque, making the Thar as capable on road, as off the asphalt.

Thar’s commanding driving position gives a good view.

Shifting dunes of sand and harsh weather in this region call for a vehicle that can take on the elements.

Go and find your own adventure.

The mass of white at the back is the famous Volga river!

Eastern Europe is full of picturesque old towns. This is at Tallinn, Estonia.

Berlin’s historic Brandenburg Gate was one of the important landmarks en route.

India Gate in Delhi to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, DL 8CAC 4895 has come a long, long way.

Towering achievement. The Eiffel Tower provides the backdrop for the Kwid as it completes the epic journey.

We were pleasantly surprised by how comfortably the Kwid managed to keep the pace on Russia’s snowed-out highways. The winter tyres made all the difference.

The oldest church in Russia, the Cathedral of St Sophia at Veliky Novgorod, was built in AD 1050.

The Church of the Saviour on Blood is one of St Petersburg’s many majestic sights.

Dr Mohan Kumar, India’s Ambassador to France, gives the Kwid a close inspection.