Roof of the World Rally
Launching 12th July 2008
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F.A.Q
Below are some obvious questions, please read them through before contacting us. If you still have questions feel free to click here to email us and we will try to get back to you as soon as possible.
Is it Dangerous?
Yes. You are on your own. No support is provided at all and the organisers claim no responsibility for you on the road. This is an adventure, what do you expect? Read a warning and the terms and conditions by clicking here.
How do I Join the Rally?
The Rally is closed for entries this year. In 2008 we are running a 'trial run' with a few teams heading out into the unknown. Keep and eye on our progress and this site to see what happens next year!
What is the Entry Fee?
We are charging a very small entry fee of £100 per team. This is unfortunately a necessity as we cannot afford to run everything out of our own pockets! The entry fee is to cover such things as public liability insurance for the launch party, provide t-shirts and complimentary tea bags and not to mention a whole host of prizes to the best tea-selling outfit. We will let all entrants know exactly what it goes on down to the last penny – we are not making a profit! It is also a lot less than many other rallies. If you are offered a place on the rally you will be required to send a cheque covering the entry fee to our head office in a given time frame, or else the place will be forfeit
What constitutes a team?
A team is one vehicle and as many people as you can cram into it. All team members must be at least 18 years old, however not every team member is required to have a driving licence (however you obviously won’t be able to do any driving without one!).
What is the Charity Donation?
The minimum donation for each team is £500 to be donated to SWORDE-Teppa. The method of donating will be confirmed very shortly. We encourage teams to raise above and beyond the minimum donation, this is very easily achievable with a little effort! You can of course raise money for your own purposes, as long as you make it clear to donors where their money is going.
What is the deal with the launches?
This year, by popular demand we are Launching from London. This may change in future! See the route page for more details.
What vehicle can I take?
Whilst we are not imposing strict rules, we encourage highly unsuitable vehicles around the £150 mark to ensure you have a good old proper adventure (and don’t have to shell out too much to the Tajik authorities). You may do what you wish with your vehicle, however we would encourage it to be donated to SWORDE at the end of the trip – they are in need of any support they can get!
How do I donate my car to SWORDE-Teppa?
We are aiming to make this as easy and cheap for teams as possible. The two key points are as follows:
*You must pay 42% of the value of your vehicle to the Tajik authorities
*Your vehicle MUST be left hand drive
If you wish to drive your vehicle back from Tajikistan then that is fine, buy a right hand drive car. We will be arranging for the import of vehicles into Tajikistan to be donated to SWORDE-Teppa. If you fail to deliver your car to SWORDE you will be liable for any import regulations and duties relevant to the country in which it has been left. It is your responsibility to notify the relevant authories of the country you are in if your car has completely died. Not doing this in certain countries is likely to cause diplomatic problems.
What is the 42% Import Tax?
In order to import cars into Tajikistan it is necessary to pay the authorities 42% of the value of its worth. Whilst we are working very hard with our contacts to lower this – this is the worst case scenario. Therefore, aim low – 42% of £150 will not break the bank. The most important thing here to flag up, is that if you buy a car, please keep a receipt. We recognise some people may not have reciepts - if that is the case then get in contact with us and let us know
Why a left hand drive car, and how do I get one?
This is a stipulation by the Tajik government, and is non-negotiable. Never fear – there are a multitude of methods of obtaining a left hand drive vehicle for a reasonable wad of cash. Your options include hitting ebay or gumtree to track down one in this country, taking on the vast untapped resource that is French ebay (although completing the necessary paperwork in French is tricky). Another good option is hopping over to Holland to pick up a bargain (and much easier paperwork). There are plenty of LHD importers in this country – so get one to help you find a bargain, or stump up the cash to get a RHD to LHD conversion.
What documents do I need?
Visas. Most teams will need at least 4 – Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan. European vehicle insurance ('Green Card'). International drivers licence (a few pounds from your local post office – no strings attached). Vehicle Passport (V5 Registration Document for UK registered cars). GBAO permit for the Pamir Highway (we will provide assistance with this).
How do I obtain visas?
Thanks to our splendid friends at The Adventurists we will be able to offer a visa service (UK residents only). The visa service is cheaper and more reliable than the others out there, and will cut down much of the hassle. You are welcome to obtain your own visas and we will be able to provide assistance with the application process.
Tea?!
Entrants must help spread the tea far and wide – some complimentary tea bags will be bestowed upon you at the launch, although you might choose to bring some of your own bru’s. The world quivers before you in anticipation/trepidation! Prizes are awarded for the most cups of tea sold, the highest profit obtained and the most ambitious tea selling attempt (we're thinking here of just some of the possibilities - like on top of a mountain, in the middle of the desert,etc…) be creative and you will be rewarded with a range of awesome to useless prizes. Every team must get involved and the winner will be decided not as the first to reach the finish but as the most successful tea selling outfit.