The Himalayan Challenge - What you need to know 

Who Can Enter?

This is a tough event and for this reason entries are only open to experienced crews who have completed endurance rallies before. Navigation will also be a challenge and a survival instinct will be required on the roads the driver will need to tackle. Garmin GPS and a well prepared car are a must. You will need a valid driving licence and an International Driving Permit, but you don’t need a competition licence, helmets or special overalls.

Eligible Vehicles

The event is open for Vintageant cars up to 1947 and for Classic cars up to 1975. Cars of a later date but unchanged mechanical specification will be considered at the Organisers’ discretion.

Equipment

The first requirement is a well prepared car, which must be fitted with:

a GPS – Garmin 64, Montana or equivalent, Garmin 78 can be accepted;

a calibrated tripmeter (Monit, Terratrip or similar);

seat belts – it is strongly recommended that all cars in the Vintageant category have a lap-belt style of seat belt fitted and used at all times. Cars in the Classic category must have full harness seat belts fitted and these must be used at all times;

rollover bars – it is strongly recommended that all cars have a rollover bar fitted, the minimum requirement being a single hoop and two back stays;

fire and liquid proof bulkheads separating the passenger compartment from the engine and fuel tank are strongly recommended;

a fire extinguisher – at least 1.75 litres, securely fitted and within easy reach for both driver and navigator;

mud flaps – fitted to the rear wheel arches;

a groundsheet to capture any fluid leaks;

warning triangle, a tow rope, two spare tyres, high visibility jackets and spare light bulbs;

a comprehensive first aid kit – mandatory.

Climate and Altitude

The days will be warm and the nights will be cold, the maximum temperature could be 29 Celsius and the minimum 15 Celsius on average. It could be much colder in the mountains so be prepared and have warm clothing with you, but also a hat, sunglasses and sun cream. Travel light but cover all your options.

There will be days on the rally where we reach high altitudes. The main cause of altitude sickness is going too high too quickly: our ascent will be steady but we reach 5,000 metres so both cars and crews may feel some short term effect. If you have any concerns, before travelling please consult your doctor who may prescribe some altitude tablets.

Accommodation and Dining

Accommodation for each rally crew will be arranged in a twin/double room for 22 nights, from 20 September to 11 October 2018 inclusive, with breakfast and parking. Due to very limited availability, we won’t be providing the single room option on this rally.

A group Welcome dinner will be organised for the evening of Thursday 20 September 2018. Complimentary group dining is included each evening except on rest days, when the crews can explore the local area and make their own dining arrangements. The Gala dinner and Prize-Giving ceremony will take place at the luxurious The Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra, offering you uninterrupted views of the iconic Taj Mahal.

Car Breakdowns

We expect you to carry spares for your car and a tool kit. You should be able to take care of minor repairs yourself, but our mobile support vehicles will follow the rally and our highly skilled mechanics will provide all the extra support you need. The vast experience of our sweeps will keep you on the road, just make sure you bring the right spares for your car.

Car Shipping

You should plan to have your car ready to be shipped around the middle of July 2018. You can choose any shipping agent but we recommend CARS Europe, who we have used for 18 years, they are efficient and slick and can ship your car from anywhere in the world. CARS Europe will handle all customs and import operations. Contact Melvyn Palmer by telephone +44 (0) 1284 850 760 or by email [email protected] for a quotation.

Carnet de Passage

A carnet de passage is a book of receipts confirming that you enter a country with your vehicle and you exit it later, so there is no need to pay import duty. The carnet charge is based on your vehicle declared value, so the lower your estimate, the less you pay.

We insist that all crews have a carnet de passage for this event; it will mean the whole rally can cross borders in a more timely and efficient manner. Border crossing can take hours and there is a lot of paperwork to be filled in, but carnets make the process quicker.

Vehicle Insurance

Vehicle insurance is not included so you will need to make your own arrangements. We are an introducer appointed representative of Tysers & Co Ltd, who can provide vehicle insurance specifically designed for our rallies and including compulsory third-party motor cover. You can email Tysers & Co at [email protected] or contact Martin Tinsley or John Chambers by telephone +44 (0)20 3037 8111.

Visas

Although we will provide advice on visa requirements, you will be responsible for obtaining your visas if and as required for your nationality at the time of travelling in each country visited by the Rally. We recommend that you consult a visa specialist; for UK residents we recommend www.travcour.com

Travel & Medical Cover

A fully qualified medical team will follow the Rally from the start to the finish. The medical team will also support preparation with a list of medications you should bring with you and a comprehensive first aid kit can be purchased from the Rally Doctors.

The Endurance Rally Association arranges travel insurance for all participants and staff under the age of 75 years who are not travelling against doctor’s advice. Entrants over 75 years or with pre-existing medical conditions may be subject to additional terms. For this rally we require that all crews underwrite the same policy which will be provided through Tyser & Co Ltd (Tysers) – an Insurance Intermediary authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, registration number 308648. The insurance policy will be specifically tailored for this event and will include medical emergency repatriation.

What Else Do I Need To Know?

Further information about equipment, suitable clothing, currency, fuel availability, satellite phones, accommodation and everything else to help you plan will be communicated to all entrants by our regular Newsletters. Any forms to fill in are all supplied by us and sent to you directly.

Tell Me More

To find out more please call Annette, Eleonora or any of the Rally Office team or email us for your copy of the event brochure and entry form. We'll be happy to answer your questions and offer any guidance you may need.

Phone:   +44 (0)1235 831221

Email:   [email protected]