The latest chapter from the Durham Mongols rally team that we are sponsoring has seen them tackle the famous Pamir Highway. The highway is a treacherous journey with high mountain passes, river crossings, and 100m+ drops. Traversing this difficult terrain has seen them drive through a mountain pass higher than the highest point in Europe.

The lads took a day trip to Afghanistan as tourists, despite the Taliban having recently taken the mountain adjacent to the market they went to. And through all of this their little car affectionately named ‘Snooki the Suzuki’ hasn’t complained at all. The car has stood up to every challenge and surpassed them in the most superb manner.

After a short sprint through Russia the next challenge ahead of them is Mongolia. Even with the finish line in sight there are tough times ahead. Over the last few months the Mongolian economy has taken a bit of a turn for the worse and the currency has collapsed. Up until mid-last week the lads weren’t sure if they would be going at all. Civil servants at the border are not being paid, and these problems have been vented towards the rally.

Word from other racers has been that over the last few weeks some of the rally participants have been charged up to $6000 as a deposit/import tax if there car breaks down. To add to the worry of a hefty tax most cars that don’t make it to the end of the rally, don’t make it in Mongolia.

During their final leg in Mongolia James, Ben and Mikey probably be out of touch with the rest of the world so the final update will come from the finish line. Get their safely guys!