X-TREME 

5th Oct- -13th October 2009

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 2009 will see a flexi time event, if needed. So mentally please keep a 48 hr window for delays on scheduling the 'return to home'  !

5th October  - 6th  October 2009

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 6th October 2009, along with Drivers Briefing and the Press Meet.

7th October 2009 - Leg 1

Shimla - Manali

4 stages are planned in the alpine forests leading upto Manali. Last year , torrential rain had destroyed most of Stage 1, all of Stage 2 , part of Stage 3 and all of Stage 4. This year all the stages have been remapped in the hope that the weather Gods are kinder ! If they are surviving the first leg will be an achievement for sure.

8th October 2009 - Leg 2

Manali -Batal- Patseo

The second Leg from Manali to Batal and back to Patseo Army Camp will be tougher than the traditional leg into Kaza. It will run a competitive stage to Batal, a long, quick  transport back to Darcha and then a competitve stage upto Patseo. Should be a fast tough day.

9th October 2009 - Leg 3

Patseo - Leh

The 3rd Leg of the rally has to stay to the "traditional torture" route. 2 competitive stages will take the rally from Patseo to Nakeela and then from Debring to Rumtse, before endiang at Leh. Strangely the tarmac has all but vanished on the Morey Plain and also after Tanglang La, making the journey something of a lottery !

10th October 2009 - Leg 4

Leh- Kargil - Rangdum

The usual stage from Khaltse to Wakha will open Leg 4. The surprise, not expected to be pleasant, now is the rough transport to Panikher and the stage to Rangdum. A night halt at a basic camp that will make the army barracks at Patseo seem downright plush, will add to the joy of raiding! As there will be no repair facility worth mentioning, native cunning and saving your car will be paramount.

11th October 2009 - Leg 5 

Rangdum - Padum -Rangdum

An exceedingly short transport leading into two long competitives will delight competitors. 90 kms going and another 90km coming back will form the meat of the days racing. To top it all another night at the freezing camp awaits you !!

 " How tough am I ?"...expect that question to be answered today !!

12th October 2009 - Leg 6

Rangdum - Panikher - Kargil - Srinagar

Reprieve at  last ! We leave the Camp behind and head for Srinagar. Two short competitves and a long transport and its over...all except the final check to see who circumnavigated the rules and who did not!

13th October 2009- Prize Distribution Ceremony  will conclude the event followed by a dinner where the drinks are on us!