ADVENTURE TRIAL 

30th Sept  - 10th October 2008

The tentative window for this years Raid de Himalaya is as above. It is possible that the dates shift out of this but it will not be by much. For those who need to plan well in advance you can do so by keeping a few days on either side of the end dates.

Flexi Time Rallying

Incase we get snowed in or hit by earthquake...both distinct possibilities.. the rally will bed down for the 2 days it normally takes to clear the mess and restart. Unlike 2004 and 2007 where the rally was cut short 2008 will see a flexi time event, if needed. So mentally please keep a 48 hr window for delays on scheduling the 'return to home'  !

Sept 30th - 1st October 2008

Administrative and Technical Scrutiny spread over 2 days to ensure Safety norms are adhered to as per the FiA, FIM and Federation regulations.

A Ceremonial Start is scheduled for the afternoon of the 1st October 2008, along with Drivers Briefing and the Press Meet.

A welcome dinner is also proposed for the night so that "regular first day drop outs" can also feel part of the Raid celebrations ! Considering that the next day is the start of the event the dinner will have a very  expensive "pay per glug" bar !

2nd October 2008

Leg 1 Shimla - Sangla

Brand new routes are there to celebrate the 10th Maruti Suzuki Raid de Himalaya 2008. The Adventure Trial will run via the forest stages and new passes to Sangla Valley in Kinnaur. A memorable day by any standards it will have the Xtreme raiders quite envious.

3rd October 2008

Leg 2 Sangla - Tabo

The second leg will be from Sangla to Tabo via the Sutlej river valley. Fantastic scenery, terrifying drops and the start of unreal moonscape ! A big relief will be the absence of the Gramphoo - Losar nightmare!

4th October 2008

Leg 3 Tabo - Dhankar - Komik - Tabo

The run around Little Tibet, its unseen plateaus and hidden monasteries, will all conspire to confuse you and your navigator. Good food and simple living ( read monastic hardships) are involved.

5th October 2008

Leg 4 Tabo - Kaza - Patseo

The Losar - Gramphoo nightmare will now reveal itself in all its glory. A night in the basic facility Army Camp will add to the misery. Good humour will be an asset after today.

6th October 2008

Leg 5  Patseo - Baralacha La - Leh

Alternate   Patseo - Udaipur - Kilar

Interesting, either way you go. Day promises to be fast and with amazing natural wonders all round.

If the rally goes the Pangi Valley Kilar route you may even be spending the night in a tent or in your car in freezing cold !

7th October 2008

Leg 6   Leh - Kargil

Alternate    Kilar - Patni Top

A relaxed day if we are following the primary Leh option. A fantastically difficult day if it is the Kilar Patni Top route via the dreaded Chenab gorge !

8th October 2008

Leg 7   Kargil - Srinagar

Alternate    Patni Top - Srinagar

A final dash into the valley that has eluded us since 2005, followed by the unpleasant post event scrutiny which will reveal who all were not playing fair !

9th October 2008

Prize Distribution Ceremony at Srinagar will conclude the event followed by a dinner where the drinks are on us!

The route is subject to change depending on the road conditions post monsoon, but essentially will attempt to keep to this itinerary.