Daniele Longo, 45, has embarked on a 10,000-mile motorcycle journey from England to Nepal with his dog Haku, a 12-year-old canine companion equipped with custom goggles and a specially designed sidecar. The pair began their adventure on Wednesday morning from Kent, traveling on a retro SWM Urban 525 motorcycle donated by SWM Motorcycles.

Longo, who adopted Haku while living in New Zealand, has designed the sidecar to ensure the dog’s comfort and safety throughout the trip. “I’ve welded a frame and put in a windshield to provide protection for him on the road,” he explained. Both Longo and Haku will be wearing goggles during the trip, and Longo carries a pillow for his dog’s comfort during rest periods.

The journey, which is intended to recreate an earlier plan to travel the world together, reflects Longo’s desire to make the most of their limited time. Haku’s mobility has declined in recent years, preventing him from walking long distances. Writing on a fundraising page, Longo emphasized that their time together is limited and that this trip is a way to give Haku “the adventure of a lifetime.” He also spoke about the bond between them, noting that Haku has been a steady presence during difficult times and now it is Longo’s turn to care for him.

The route will take them first to Longo’s hometown of Rome, followed by travel through Slovenia, Croatia, and Greece. Due to ongoing conflict in Iran, they plan to continue through Azerbaijan, cross the Caspian Sea, and pass through Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, before reaching Nepal. Longo has raised close to £600 to cover Haku’s veterinary needs and travel insurance for the journey.

Longo has previously attempted two other trips with Haku, both of which were cut short—first by family issues during a yacht voyage, and then by the COVID-19 pandemic during an RV expedition. Friends and family have shown their support for the current endeavor. Mary Bridge, Longo’s ex-wife and co-owner of Haku, publicly wished them well on their journey, describing it as an “incredible adventure.”

The motorcycle and sidecar trip combines Longo’s passion for travel with his commitment to care for Haku, offering a unique and heartfelt exploration across diverse terrains and countries.