X-TREME 4X4's + MOTOQUADS

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.

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

11th October  2011 - Cliffhanger

Three special stages totalling about 75 kms of twisty fast mountain road will form the main course for the first day. Jalori pass will be absent for the first time in 13 years. The Raid will cross from Simla to Manali over a new pass- Chach Galu !

All stages have perilous cliffhangers. Staying on the road is the only priority.

Reconnaissance of the routes a must for Day 1.

12th October  2011 - Marathon

A Rally Raid is a marathon endurance event and the stages today will provide enough opportunity to test the long distance legs of your machine. 

Manali to Leh will be done in a single day. 500 kms of mountain road will see 160 kms of rallying stages. Both, nearly all tarmac, the day's menu promises fast and technical adversity in plenty.

13th October  2011 - Sprint

The start on Day 3 will be easy and a short transport to Sakti will see the start of the sprint day. Over the Wari La and down into Nubra on a single 115 kms stage and then over the Khardung La and back to Leh for the night.

Two climbs, one up Wari la and the other up Khardung La, will tax your lungs and an unending descent into Nubra your brakes!

Though the prettiest pass in the region you will not see any of the beauty unless you break down!

Then there will be ice. Deceptive ice.

And the highest motorable road in the world to conquer.

14th October  2011 - Spaghetti

Day4 and the most winding routes down to Kargil from Leh. The spaghetti roads over the Jalebi Mor, Fotu La and Namika La will see tarmac driving at its best. Quick corners and no respite from the climbing and dropping natural roaller coaster into Wakha will see a first stage of to 83 kms.

Then a left into the Suru and Zanskar valleys for a short 40 kms dirt dash to Rangdum Camp.

A bitterly cold night awaits both drivers and service crew.

A thin alpine tent being the only refuge against the elements, minus 20 at least, will beg the question-"What the eff am I doing here " ?

15th October  2011 - Endurance

Day 5 and two extremely rough stages await. 186 kms out of the total 220 kms for the day will come at a time when the cars and crew are almost demolished. An extremely difficult night before will see the dishevelled crew and service patching together the machine for another trying day.

This promises to be the toughest day yet.

Survive it.

16th October 2011 - Nirvana

Day 6 will see a small early morning dash to Kargil and then a long transport into Srinagar. The lakes, abounding with lotus flowers and shikaras await as do wazwan feasts.

But to enjoy all these you would have to finish first.

17th October 2011-

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