School bus odyssey: Turkish adventurer’s 25,000 km Nepal trek

A Turkish adventurer and software developer, Kadir Mert, has realized his childhood dream by embarking on a daring 25,000-kilometer (15,500-mile) journey from Türkiye to Nepal in a converted school bus.

This extraordinary expedition, which revived the ancient Silk Road spirit, has captured the attention of many as Mert shares the highs and lows of his adventure.

Mert, a paragliding instructor with a passion for travel, spent four years meticulously transforming an old school bus into a 10-ton caravan. The bus, now capable of reaching speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour, became his home on wheels as he embarked on a three-month journey in March 2023. Accompanied by a friend, Mert traversed challenging terrains and diverse cultures, passing through Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and India before reaching their final destination, Kathmandu, Nepal’s vibrant capital.

Reflecting on the journey after his return to Samsun, northern Türkiye, Mert shared the unforgettable moments that marked their path. The warmth and hospitality they encountered were beyond expectations.

“In Pakistan, the government provided escorts to protect us from the Taliban as we crossed the desert. The kindness of the locals was overwhelming – they refused to let us pay for fuel and even invited us into their homes once they learned we were Turkish and Muslim,” Mert recounted.

India offered its own set of surprises. Despite facing mechanical issues in New Delhi, where the bus’s charging dynamo malfunctioned, Mert and his companion received help from local craftsmen who worked tirelessly to get them back on the road. “It took 15 people to push the bus at one point,” Mert said, highlighting the challenges they faced.

Mert’s journey also took him through Iran, where initial concerns about traveling with a bus of American origin proved unfounded. “We had no problems at all, and the experience only added to the adventure,” he noted.

As Mert returned to Türkiye, his journey ended, but the memories created will last a lifetime. With the Silk Road route revisited and countless stories to tell, this expedition marks the beginning of many more adventures for the Turkish traveler.