ADVENTURE TRIAL 

9th Oct- -17th October 2011

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, 2011 will see a flexi time event, if needed. So mentally please keep a 48 hr window for delays on scheduling the 'return to home'  !

9th October  - 10th  October 2011

SHIMLA

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

There will be a Test scheduled in Shimla on the 9th October 2011 for all the SUV's - 2WD and 4WD. The course will test each driver and his machine to a level 6 out of 10. We'd like your proficiency or lack of it to be an open secret before we plunge into the 'Raid abyss'.

A Ceremonial Start is scheduled for the afternoon of the 10th October 2011, along with Drivers Briefing and the Press Meet.

11th October 2011 - Leg 1 Shimla - Manali

After years of crossing the now tourist over-run Jalori Pass, the rally finds a new access into the Kullu Valley. The little known Magru Gala Pass will have competitors finding the depth of their driving abilities, and the new route into Kullu a novel experience.

A mixture of tarmac, gravel and outright mud and stones the day should be interesting as an introduction to the Adventure Trial.

The rally will bed down at Manali.

12th October 2011 - Leg 2 Manali - Dalhousie

A relatively simple run made more interesting by the fact that one would be crossing the Kullu, Mandi, Kangra and Chamba districts all in a single day. The view of the Dhauladhars should be magnificent and the crowded roads, albeit picturesque, would still be rife with challenges.

13th October 2011 - Leg 3 Dalhousie - Srinagar

By this day the novices and expert drivers alike would be completely 'one with their cars' and in sync with their navigators. This one is the big 'endurance day'. A brand new route over the Chatergala and Sinthan Passes will take the rally through the districts of Chamba, Kathua, Doda, Kishtwar, Anantnag, Pulwama to Srinagar the capital city of Jammu and Kashmir.

A 5 am start, 450 kms and a 17 hr long drive will be on the menu.

14th October 2011 - Leg 4 Srinagar - Rangdum

The run from Srinagar to Rangdum will be two faced. Tarmac till Kargil and then tarmac and progressively worsening gravel till the tented Camp at Rangdum. It will be the beginning of your long relationship with the Zanskar valley. Reaching the Camp will provide an insight into life as few know it. The cold seems less this year. Rangdum may even be hospitable.

15th October 2011 - Leg 5 Rangdum- Padum- Rangdum

The long 200 kms day will test the survival instincts of drivers and cars. If you break down here it will be a long way back home ! Do what you have to - survive it. Another cold night awaits.

16th October 2011 - Leg 6 Rangdum - Srinagar

If you managed to hold body and ride together, then today the early start will be welcome. You will want to be back to a strong cell connection, the endlessly beeping Blackberry and whatever urban peccadilloes you wish to find solace in. Evening at the banks of the Dal, and a hearty Wazwan meal might even have you starting to think kindly about the Raid.

17th October 2011- Prize Distribution Ceremony 

Post Event scrutiny at 0900 hrs will have you waking late, relatively at least. The Ceremonial Flag In by 1100 hrs is compulsory, as are the kebabs served immediately afterward. Vegetarianism is an unknown persuasion in Kashmir.

Prize Giving at 1600 hrs means you are seated by 1530. The celebrations will conclude the event, followed by a dinner where the drinks are on us!