Khalid Dashti: A Journey Across 48 Countries in a Jimny
Khalid Dashti, a Kuwaiti citizen, embarked on the idea of traveling in his small car, the “Jimny,” in mid-2022. His first journey took him to Norway, reaching the northernmost point at Nordkapp. This trip marked the beginning of an extraordinary adventure across 48 countries, during which he covered thousands of kilometers in his small car, fulfilling a dream he had cherished for years.
The Journey Begins: From Kuwait to the Far North
Khalid’s journey started from Kuwait, passing through Iran, then Turkey, and continuing to Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Bosnia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Russia, Finland, and finally Norway. After reaching the northernmost point, Khalid returned through Sweden, then took a ferry to Denmark, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Turkey, Iraq, and finally back to Kuwait.
The Spirit of Adventure: Why the Jimny?
The sense of adventure was Khalid’s primary motivation for choosing the Jimny as his travel vehicle. Despite its modest size, this small car proved capable of withstanding significant challenges. Khalid says, “The Jimny is not just a car; it is a partner in adventure. Driving it through diverse terrains and changing climates was a unique experience.”
Challenges: Weather and Borders
Khalid faced numerous challenges during his travels, especially the weather fluctuations and strong winds in countries like Mongolia. Navigating land borders was another challenge, as procedures varied from country to country, requiring patience and negotiation. Khalid notes, “Dealing with land borders makes you a more patient person. I felt anxious before reaching each border, especially with the strict procedures.”
Unforgettable Moments
One of the most unforgettable moments for Khalid was when he entered Russia through Estonia during the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. He was detained for 7 hours for questioning before being allowed entry. Khalid recalls, “It was a stressful experience, but it taught me a lot about patience and handling difficult situations.”
Another memorable moment occurred in Norway, where he faced severe winds and heavy snow while heading to the northern peak. He says, “The car veered off the track several times, but thankfully I arrived safely.”
Modifications to the Car
Khalid made simple modifications to the Jimny to suit his long journeys. These modifications included changing the tires, adding a roof rack for luggage, and removing the back seats to create storage space and a bed for sleeping inside the car. Khalid states, “These modifications provided me with exceptional comfort, especially when sleeping in the car in remote areas.”
48 Countries: Mongolia and Russia Stand Out
During his travels, Khalid visited nearly 48 countries, but Mongolia and Russia were the most exciting for him. He says, “Mongolia, with its stunning landscapes and unique culture, and Russia, with the vast Lake Baikal, were two destinations that left a deep impression on me.”
Oman: A Frequent and Cherished Destination
Beyond his international adventures, Khalid developed a deep connection with Oman, a country he visited nearly 24 times over a period of one and a half to two years. He describes Oman as “a country rich in historical, cultural, and geographical wealth, making it one of the most distinctive tourist destinations in the region.”
Future Plans: Family Travels
After Mustafa Karam Company purchased the Jimny and displayed it as a showcase vehicle, Khalid is considering future trips in a larger vehicle. He says, “I want my family to join me on some short trips, so I will choose a bigger car in the future.”
Interaction with People: Warm Welcomes and Amazement
Throughout his travels, Khalid noticed that people’s reactions varied from country to country. He says, “Most were welcoming and amazed by the route I took. Many asked to take pictures with the car as a souvenir.”
Lake Baikal: The Greatest Destination
Lake Baikal in Russia was one of the highlights Khalid achieved during his travels. He says, “Baikal is one of the strangest and largest lakes in the world in terms of area and depth. Reaching it was an indescribable feeling.”
Appreciation from the Company: Pride and Honor
Khalid feels proud and honored after Mustafa Karam Company purchased the Jimny and placed it in the exhibit. He says, “This recognition means a lot to me. The Jimny is not just a car; it’s part of a journey that no one has undertaken before.”
Countries I Have Visited
In my travels, my destinations have been diverse and have included many countries in different regions of the world. Here is a list of the countries I have visited, organized by region, starting with Oman as the first country:
Middle East
🇴🇲 Oman | 🇮🇶 Iraq | 🇮🇷 Iran | 🇹🇷 Turkey | 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia | 🇦🇪 UAE | 🇶🇦 Qatar
Caucasus and Central Asia
🇦🇲 Armenia | 🇬🇪 Georgia | 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan | 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan | 🇹🇯 Tajikistan | 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan
Europe (Eastern and Baltic)
🇷🇺 Russia | 🇱🇹 Lithuania | 🇱🇻 Latvia | 🇪🇪 Estonia | 🇵🇱 Poland | 🇧🇬 Bulgaria | 🇷🇴 Romania
Europe (Northern and Scandinavian)
🇫🇮 Finland | 🇸🇪 Sweden | 🇳🇴 Norway | 🇮🇸 Iceland | 🇩🇰 Denmark
Europe (Central and Western)
🇩🇪 Germany | 🇦🇹 Austria | 🇨🇭 Switzerland | 🇳🇱 Netherlands | 🇧🇪 Belgium | 🇸🇰 Slovakia | 🇭🇺 Hungary
These countries represent my diverse journeys, where I enjoyed their unique cultures, breathtaking natural landscapes, and rich history. Each country has left a special mark on my memory.
