- Adventure racing is a multi-discipline endurance sport where competitors compete in teams, navigating from control point to control point in a number of disciplines.
- Disciplines include: mountain biking, trekking, river rafting, rope work and orienteering. Teams are expected to navigate using a map and landmarks. Teams must be able to operate in harsh remote environments in all weather conditions.
- Teams travel through day and night, they can decide if, when and where to rest.
- The first team to complete all the Expedition legs and visiting all the control points will be declared the winner.
- Teams are required to complete the entire Expedition distance together (always within hearing and visual distance of each other), helping and assisting each other.
- Teamwork and team dynamics are essential. A detailed understanding of your team mates and your own capabilities is essential.
Organisers of Expedition Africa Stephan and Heidi Muller (Kinetic Events) has partnered with Rimo Expeditions, the leading adventure travel company in India to present an unforgettable Expedition in the state of Jammu and Kashmir in September 2017. The event is sponsored by J & K Tourism, Government of Jammu and Kashmir and co-sponsored by J & K Bank.
Kinetic Events are based in Johannesburg, South Africa and have been organising adventure races for the past ten years, with Expedition Africa, their premier event for the last 7 years. For more information visit www.kinetic-events.co.za
Rimo Expeditions, India foremost Adventure Travel Company, winner of 2 National Awards and with 25 years of outdoor experience will be the land operator in Leh (their backyard) for the event. Rimo Expeditions has a global reputation for their ability to organise adventure trips in remote parts of the Himalaya and Karakoram Pioneering routes. Rimo Expeditions is also the only Indian company to organise several successful expeditions to Mt. Everest and in 2013 they brought back 4 tonnes of garbage from the mountain.
Rimo Expeditions will be Expedition India Logistical Partner and Expedition India are proud to partner with them.
To see more of Rimo Expeditions go to www.rimoexpeditions.com
ONLINE ENTRY
- Click here >>
ENTRY PROCEDURE
- A completed online entry form with at least one team member details to secure a provisional entry.
- There are 20 team spots available for Expedition India 2017.
- Closing date for entries are Monday, 31 July 2017. An on line entry and full payment required before this date.
- Teams may pay via eft or with a PayPal transfer. If you want to make use of PayPal, let us know and we will mail you a payment request. A 5% handling fee will be added to a PayPal payment.
- E-Mail proof of payment to bio@netactive.co.za
- Team member substitutions can still be made until 15 August 2017. No charge for the substitutions.
ENTRY FEE
2500 US Dollars per team of four + one media person (see media tab for more information)
ENTRY FEE INCLUDES
- A full service Expedition Adventure
- All accommodation in India starting 12th September until 23 September.
- Internal flights are included: from Delhi to Srinagar (12th September) and return from Leh to Delhi (23 September).
- Air India is the offical airline partner.
- Transfer by road from Srinagar to Leh included
- Team Logistical support.
- An Expedition India garment and a race bib
- Awards ceremony dinner.
- Rafts, life jackets, rafting helmets and paddles for the team included
- Live tracking of teams progress. (Spot live tracking)
- Medical backup.
- Trophy and more surprises
BANKING DETAILS
- H Muller
- Barclays International
- Current Account
- IBAN: GB82BARC20267573719979
- Swift code: BARCGB22
- ACC: 73719979
- Sort code: 202675
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS
Teams may cancel their entry at any stage by e-mailing the event organizers. No refunds are applicable at any stage.
- Teams are not permitted to transfer their fees paid to future editions of Expedition India if they are not able to make this edition of the event.
- Teams are permitted to transfer or sell their entry to another team if available. This will be a transaction between the teams. Teams must notify Expedition India as soon as possible in the case of a team entry being transferred or sold.
- If two teams do not have sufficient members and decide to join together, this will be strictly considered as one team cancelling their entry. Refund policy will be as stated above, no exceptions.
- If the race is cancelled due to acts of god, natural disasters, terrorism or other reasons etc., the organizers will make every effort to refund as much of the entry fee as possible to all teams. However, all teams should be aware that any refunds will be made after event costs have been taken into consideration. Given the high number of fixed costs associated with organizing the race teams should also be aware that any refund is likely to be minimal. The race will not be re-scheduled.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
- International teams to apply for the E-visa online
- Please note that this takes 3 - 4 working days.
- Its the teams own responsibility to apply for Visa
- Details you need for E visa application:
- Local Contact person: Shaukat Sikant Cell: +919810857600
- Address in Delhi: 42 Santushti Shipping Complex, New Delhi , 110003 India
- Tourist traveller to Delhi
EVENT DATES: 12 to 23 September 2017
Tuesday 12 September
- Teams to arrive in Delhi before 06h30 in the morning. (Altitude 216 m)
- Delhi airport: http://www.delhiairport.com
- Cycle boxes will be handed over to Air India counter at the airport to go directly to Leh. Air India Counter number will be provided.
- Teams to fly out to Srinagar. 3 early morning flights available . (Altitude 1585 m)
- Accommodation in Srinagar House boat.
- Opening ceremony at 19h00. SKICC Dal Lake, Srinagar
Wednesday 13 September
- Prologue 10h00 – 11h00. Mountain downhill trek and paddling with Traditional Boats on Dal Lake (Shikara boat)
- Lunch and depart to the town of Sonamarg (3 hours’ drive)
- Accommodation in Sonamarg (Altitude 2800 m)
Thursday 14 September
- Prologue 7h00. Mountain trek to Glaciers (28km to altitude 3200 m)
- Accommodation in Sonamarg (Altitude 2800 m)
Friday 15 September
- Depart to Leh: 4h00 (10 hours’ drive).
- Breakfast in Kargill.
- Lunh at Alchi temple.
- Accommodation in Leh (Altitude 3500 m)
- Resting, acclimatizing, shopping and event preparation.
- Event briefing and equipment inspection
Saturday 16 September
- Travel up to Kardungla pass (5359 m) for acclimatasion.
- Two hours spend at summit, return down to Leh.
- Accommodation in Leh (Altitude 3500 m)
- Shopping and event preparation.
- Event briefing and equipment inspection: 19h00
Sunday 17 September
- Depart for start area: 8h00
- Camping at race start area
- Rafts available for test runs.
Monday 18 September to Friday 22 September
- Event start Monday morning 7h30
- Wednesday, 20th September first teams to arrive at Finish
- Friday, 22nd September Closing ceremony and Prize giving
Saturday 23 September
- Teams to fly from Leh to Delhi (2 early morning flights)
Event Organisers: Heidi & Stephan Muller
Video Director: Simon Faragher
Event Presenter: Sharla Faragher
Photography and social media director: Terence Vrugtman
Live Tracking/Live event website (Spot GEN3 units)
(USA) Videographer: Michael Murphy
(South Africa) Photographer: Kirsten Oliver
History of Ladakh
Going by the record books, the history of the Ladakh started getting documented right after the 7th and 8th century. In the 7th and 8th century, Tibetanization of Ladakh began. Even today, people believe that Ladakh is a part of the Tibet. By the end of the 9th century, the Tibetan culture started heavily influencing the major developments in Ladakh. Tibetans kept on playing the role of the major key players till the 9th century. The rulers of Tibet. Yarlung Dynasty kept a strong hold on the Tibet boundaries. Then an Islamic kingdom allied itself with China, which made Tibet stop its military expansion. Then Ladakh came under the control of Ralpacan, a strong king, and devout Buddhist. He initiated many measures to support Buddhism. After his assassination, Ralpacan's brother Lang Darma came into power and gained a large following in Tibet. Some years later, after the demise of Lang Darms, the population of Buddhist started reducing. Ultimately, Ladakh became an independent kingdom under the rule of a local ruler.
In the 10th century, the Lha Chen Palgyi-Gon, a descendant of Lang Darma came into power. During his tenure, major cultural and religious practices were initiated. Later in 1553, Namgyal Dynasty, conquered Ladakh. They kept their rule over Ladakh until the 17th century. In the Namgyal Dynasty, Singe Namgyal was the most important leader who ruled Ladakh in the 17th century. He was known by the name of "Lion King,".and was noted was his contribution in making palaces, monasteries and shrines
After the death of Singe Namgyal, his area was divided and given a name - Ladakh. Then it eventually passed to his successor, Deldan Namgyal (ca. 1675-1705). During his rule, Deldan Namgya erected the golden Buddha at Shey.
He was also involved in many allianced with the kings of Kashmir and Tibet. Later, Mughals came to power in Ladakh, and when they left, Tibet invaded the area. In the 18th century, then king of Ladakh began started appointing elders to take control of all the village related matter. Many printing presses came up who used to produce religious texts. Also in the 18th century, Sikh rulers even came into the picture and established over Jammu and Kashmir. Then Dogra Invasion of 1834 began during which Zorawar Singh, invaded Ladakh. After the Sikh ruler, Britons took control of Ladakh and made it a part of Jammu and Kashmir under the control of the Maharaja of Kashmir.
June
Min. Temperature : 10 °C
Max. Temperature : 20 °C
The valley climate is humid and favouable for tourism activity. Though the area is devoid of long time heavy rainfall, light showers can be expected. In this month ,there is no snowfall and roads are clear. Snow can be found only on elevated altitudes.
July
Min. Temperature : 9 °C
Max. Temperature : 19 °C
Heavy rainfall occur during this month. The normal view is in full flower and it is one of the best months for tourism activity. It is also the warmest month of the year but individual care is required for children. For snow tourists require to go to high altitude.
Aug
Min. Temperature : 10 °C
Max. Temperature : 20 °C
The valley climate is good and begins from this month. The lakes have melted and the natural life is important. The famous gardens come back to life after a long winter break. The weather is very cold throughout the morning but nights can be very viciously cold. Snow can be seen on mountains and at the Top point.
Sep
Min. Temperature : 11 °C
Max. Temperature : 21 °C
It is the ultimate month for the official tourist season as at some point at the end of the month, winters will start. The climate starts to get colder in the night but days are still cool and pleasurable. Up at altitude the temperatures can drop below Zero at night, be prepared.
Oct
Min. Temperature : 2 °C
Max. Temperature : 15 °C
It is the month when winter season starts and mercury levels start to immerse. The present days are very cold and the temperature falls to zero level at nights. It is not be the finest time for tourism and the Manali-Leh highway are closed during this month.
ACCOMMODATION
- Teams arriving early and need to sleep in Delhi can contact Shaukat Sikant as we have made a block booking at a Hotel for all the teams which include free transfers from the airport. Please email: shaukisikand@gmail.com to reserve you a room in Delhi.
- Teams will sleep in a House boat on Dal Lake in Srinagar on the 12th September. http://srinagar.nic.in/
- Different lodgings for the rest of the event.
- Each team of four + 1 media person will be catered for.
- A secure room will be provided to leave extra equipment for the duration of the Expedition.
- Teams or team members who withdraw during the event will remain at the closest transition to point of withdrawal. These competitors will be collected a.s.a.p. and be returned to the Hotel.
- A supermarket is situated walking distance from the Hotel. All the teams race food can be purchased here.
- The small town of Leh has plenty of restaurants, food stores, pharmacy, coffee shops and outdoor gear shops: see more on Leh here http://leh.gov.in/
- Grand Dragon Hotel in Leh will host the Media and be the official HQ Hotel including Awards Ceremony http://www.thegranddragonladakh.com/
DISTANCE AND ROUTE
PROLOGUE IN SRINIGAR (13 SEPTEMBER)
- 1.5 km trek
- 2.5 km paddle on a four man traditional boat
- Four traditional wooden paddles provided.
PROLOGUE IN SONAMAG (14 SEPTEMBER)
- 20 km trek to glaciers.
- Max altitude 3400 m.
EXPEDITION IN LADAKH (19 - 23 SEPTEMBER)
(Starting position to be determined by prologue results)
- LEG 1: Rafting. 88 km in 16 foot rafts, rafting paddles and lifejackets provided. Altitude between 3000 - 3200 m
- LEG 2: Mountain biking. 41 km. Sealed and unsealed roads. Altitude between 3000 - 3200 m.
- LEG 3: Trek. 53 km. Tracks, sealed and unsealed roads. Altitude between 3000 - 3200 m.
- LEG 4: Mountain Bike. 120 km. Sealed and unsealed roads. Altitude between 3000 - 3200 m.
- LEG 5: Trek. 60 km. Mountain trek to altitude of 5438 m.
DISCIPLINES
- Mountain biking - teams should be prepared for a range of riding including single track, steep hills, gravel roads and sealed roads.
- Trekking - will involve travelling by foot through rugged and diverse terrain.
- Rafting - rafts will be provided by race organisers. (Rafts, life-jackets, paddles and helmets will be provided)
- Orienteering - orienteering is an extremely important part of the race. The course is not marked and teams are required to navigate using maps.
- Rope work
TRANSITIONS
- There will be various transitions.
- All transitions will have drinking water.
- Most transitions will have power and hot water
- New maps and race instructions will be issued at transitions.
- Tents/room/ halls with mattresses will be available at some transitions for sleeping. (Details to be supplied at briefing).
- Some transitions will have a restaurant on site. (Details to be supplied at briefing)
- A detailed summary of transitions will be outlined in the Expedition book handed out at Briefing.
MAPS
- Maps supplied will be 1:50 000 topographical maps.
- Teams will copy route on to maps from a master map as Expedition progresses. Information on this will be given at briefing.
- Google maps may also be supplied for navigation on certain legs.
- Waterproofing of maps is essential.
- Stationary to prepare route on map is needed. Different colours pens, sellotape, scissors etc. Two sets to be placed in both re-supply boxes.
- Maps will not be replaced if team misplaces maps.
CYCLE BOXES
- Team to provide own cycle boxes
- Cycles boxes will be transported by the organizers.
- No food or water to be stored in cycle boxes at any time.
- Organizers will move these boxes to various points on the course.
- Boxes will be available at designated transition areas somewhere on route. Cycles need to be packed in and out of these boxes at designated transitions. More info on these areas will be in the Expedition book.
RE-SUPPLY BAGS
- Each team member must supply one bag only with all provisions, clothing, equipment, etc needed for the event.
- This bag needs to be secured with some type of locking sysytem (cable ties, lock etc.)
- The re-supply bag will be moved from transition to transition by the organisers.
COMPETENCY REQUIRED
- At least two members of the team must be capable of navigating by compass and map during the day and night. The team must be able to orientate a map, identify grid references on a map, take a bearing between two points on a map, and understand the impact of magnetic declination.
- The teams must be able to describe what you would do should you get lost.
- At least one member of the team must hold a minimum qualification of Level One First Aid.
- All team members must be suitably competent in all the disciplines included in the event as specified by the race organizer and be able to complete the event without any assistance from any person other than their own team members.
- The following Rafting skills must be mastered. Manage a capsized craft in deep water, right and empty craft in deep water, get back in, continue paddling
- Swim 100 m of any stroke.
- Be able to attach their own harness and descending device to a fixed rope and complete the descent under control and safely.
- By entering this event, teams acknowledge that they are competent in all skills as stated above to complete such an event.
EXPEDITION INDIA - MANDATORY EQUIPMENT LIST
TEAM MEMBER MANDATORY EQUIPMENT: (can be carried by other team members)
- · Backpack
- · Water carrying containers (bottles, bladders etc.)
- · Dry bags to keep all equipment dry.
- · Whistle
- · Headlight
- · Waterproof jacket
- · Fleece top
- · Thermal top and Thermal bottom Layer
- · Thermal head cover
- · Gloves
- · Sleeping bag (temperature -5 Celcius)
- · Emergency blanket
- · Knife
- · Mountain Bike
- · Helmet
- · Cycle front light and rear red light
TEAM MANDATORY EQUIPMENT: (can be divided between team members)
- · Tent. Fully enclosed tent, al four team members to fit inside.
- Cycle repair kit
- · Map waterproofing and route plotting equipment.
- · Compass
- · Digital camera
- · Cell phone
- · Fire starting devices
- · First aid kit
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT:
- · GPS watch
- Sunscreen.
- Trekking poles.
PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
- I understand and acknowledge that participating in this event is a dangerous activity. I am aware and understand the activities I will be involved in. I am aware of the hazards involved and acknowledge that there is always risk of injury (including permanent injury, mental injury, paralysis and death). In my judgment I have sufficient competence, knowledge, common sense, experience, survival skills and equipment to participate in all the event activities in a manner safe to myself and others.
- I understand and agree that, in the first instance, I am responsible for the provision of first aid to myself and those around me, I know and accept that rescue by the organisers, or emergency services, may not be possible immediately (e.g.: Night, rain, equipment failure, other rescue etc.)
- If I get to a point in the course that I believe the level of inherent risk is unacceptable for me, and I am not confident in completing it safely, it is my responsibility to take action. I must choose an alternate route, avoid the hazard, or even withdraw from that leg or the race. I accept this self-responsibility.
- Use common sense to “assess” areas for personal safety.
- I and my whole team have read this paragraph, understand it and indemnify the event organiser against all claims.
EVENT RULES & REGULATIONS
EVENT RULES & REGULATIONS
1. Team
- The event must be started and completed by the entire team.
- All members of the team must be within visual and hearing distance of all other members of their team at all times, i.e. spread over no more than 100m.
- No substitutions during the race will be allowed.
- The team is to complete the entire event without any assistance.
- Teams receiving any form of assistance, including medical assistance, whilst not in a transition area, will be penalised.
- Teams are required to pass through all transitions and checkpoints in the order designated by the Organiser.
- Teams will visit designated transitions areas to change racing disciplines, refill their supplies, change clothing and gear, and sleep if necessary.
- Teams only have to carry compulsory gear but are welcome to take more equipment if needed.
- All team members are required to pass through all transitions and checkpoints together. At these check points, which will be indicated by a board displaying a letter of the alphabet, any team member is to clearly mark the letter on the team passport.
- Checkpoints must be done in numerical order.
- Race marshals may request the passport for inspection. Failure to mark any transition or checkpoint on the passport will result in the team to be moved down the rankings, unless the team returns to the missed transition or checkpoint in full complement,
- Inspection may take place at any point in the race. Teams will have to report to an official for equipment inspection on request.
2. Support Crew
- No Team support members will be required. Supporters are welcome to support their team’s progress at designated viewpoints. These areas will be indicated at race briefing.
- The best way to follow your team’s progress is to become a volunteer race official. Contact race organisers for more information.
- No physical support is allowed.
- Supporters may provide moral support in any transition areas.
- Supporters are to have read these Standard Rules and Regulations as well as the Event Specific Rules.
3. General Rules
- Any team and/or individual who tests positive for illegal substances will be barred from all events for a minimum period of two (2) years. (See www.infosource.co.za/druglist for illegal substance details.)
- Any individual, male or female, will be barred from all events for life if found to have used physical violence during the course of the event.
- Abusive language will not be tolerated. Persons wishing to express outrage will do so in a controlled manner through their team captain only.
- Teams crossing the finish will be given a “line finish position”. This is pending the outcome of illegal substance test results, complaints and/or any further information coming to the organisers’ knowledge.
- The first team to complete the event, having complied with all rules and regulations and time penalties taken into consideration, will be considered the winning team.
- Any abuse of or disregard for instructions given by race marshals to any team member, will result in immediate disqualification and a disciplinary hearing at the end of the race. The disciplinary hearing may result in additional penalties.
- If a team member withdraws the team may continue, but will be unofficial. If more than two team members withdraw, the rest of the team must withdraw.
4. Medical Assistance
- Medical crews will be available for non-emergency medical treatment and consultation within transition areas when available.
- Medical treatment within transition areas is limited to basic first aid and advice. Should a racer require advanced life support, active fluid replacement therapy (IV), the administration of any oral or intravenous drug, then that racer, subject to the Race Director’s final decision, will be prevented from continuing with the event.
- The medical crew has the authority, on confirmation of the Race Director, to withdraw a racer from an event should the racer’s further participation in the event possibly result in permanent injury, disability or death to the racer or his/her teammates.
- Racers are obliged to carry the team’s personal medications in the team first aid kit or on the person concerned. The medical crew will not be on hand to supply personal medication should the team concerned have failed to supply their own.
- The medical crew will provide immediate emergency treatment and stabilisation. Should a racer require transport by road or air ambulance, the cost of any transport out of the race environment will be carried by the patient
- Racers are strongly advised to take appropriate insurance against the costs of emergency evacuations and repatriation.
5. Complaints & Appeals
- All complaints and/or queries are to be directed through the team captain. Only the captain is allowed to direct questions, objections and complaints to the organisers and/or their Management Team.
- In the event of there being discrepancies in finishing positions resulting from such reports and/or complaints, the Prize Giving will only take place after a verdict has been reached by the Race Director.
- Positions announced at Prize Giving are subject to the results of illegal substance tests and any further findings brought to the attention of the organisers.
- Any team wishing to appeal or complain any aspect of the event can do so. Complaints are to be received by the Race Director within 24 hour of the team crossing the finish line. Complaints may only be made with first-hand knowledge. No second-hand reports will be accepted or considered. Appeals regarding decisions are to be received by the Race Director within 1 hour of the decision.
- The Event Organiser, as advised by senior marshals, will consider appeals.
6. Time Penalties
- Time penalties will be awarded by the race director for offences. The penalties will be calculated to nullify any advantage a team has derived from the specific transgression.
- Any team transgressing the 100 meter, visual and hearing distance rule will receive a time penalty.
- Any team found not to be equipped with the compulsory equipment, as specified, during a kit inspection, will not be allowed to start the event.
- Any team found not to be equipped with the compulsory equipment during the race will be penalised.
- Any team found to have transgressed the rules and regulations of the event and/or acting contrary to the spirit of the event will be penalised.
- All penalties to be served at last transition. Teams will be placed in the penalty box after completing their transition to serve their time penalty before commencing on the last leg.
7. Spirit of the Event
- Not cheating with regard to the rules and regulations of this event and the sport.
- Where one team finds another in need of medical attention – they must stop to assist.
- Abiding by the rules and regulations of this event and sport.
- Being eco-friendly, polite and prepared to assist a fellow man in need.
- Not misleading organisers and/or marshals with inaccurate/incomplete information.
- Not removing checkpoints, their illuminating devices or signage of any sort.
Teams are to adhere to the following stipulations at all times:
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All waste is to be carried to the closest transition or checkpoint for disposal.
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Human waste is to be buried between 20 and 25cm below the soil surface.
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Picking of flowers, cutting of walking sticks and/or any damage to the natural vegetation (even though they might appear to be dead) is prohibited. The making of fires, whatever the circumstances and no matter how small, are prohibited along the entire route.
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No tree, rock etc. may be defaced in any manner.
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Be polite and courteous to local inhabitants. Pass quietly through settlements, especially at night.
The transgression of any of the above will render the entire team liable to disqualification.
If you want to join an existing team, create a new team or are looking for members to fill up your team, contact us at bio@netactive.co.za and we will list your contact details below.
- Prize money to be confirmed
- Winning Mixed team get a Free entry into Expedition Africa 2018 Namaqua West Coast
- All participants will receive trophies.