Come and Join 26th Open Tourist Rally
Don’t miss the most important backpacking and camping event of this autumn, the 26 th HSE Open Tourist Rally! The dates are September 17 – 18, 2016. The event has been organized by the HSE Tourist Club, part of the HSE Extreme Sports Club since 1999.
The HSE Open Tourist Rally has been held for 16 years, both in autumn and in spring.
For whom
Everyone attracted by the romance of tents and campfires, the starry sky and heartwarming get-togethers in the countryside.
As well as everyone who enjoys unbridled joy, active leisure, and extreme sports.
In addition to that, if you are interested in tourism, but are afraid to go on a long hiking trip, you’ll be able to master some basic skills at our Rally, and maybe you’ll be ready to go on your first hiking trip next summer!
And if you are an experienced backpacker, you’ll find likeminded people at the rally to explore some new routes and conquer new challenges.
Where
The rally will take place near the paintball club ‘TopGun’, which is between the towns of Khotkovo and Sergiyev Posad.
You need to take a suburban train from Yaroslavsky railway station to Khotkovo. From there you will need to walk about 6 km.
Full directions (in Russian) can be found here.
Contact: Varya Sukhanova, HSE student, 89262249611
Programme of the 26th Open Tourist Rally
*Friday*
Although the rally kicks off on Saturday, many participants start arriving on Friday. If you have your own equipment, you are welcome! But even if not, we’ll be happy to share ours.
Those who arrive on Friday, will have even more time for free floating (walking in the woods, to be more specific), the romance of tents and singing with a guitar.
*Saturday*
Guests start arriving early in the morning.
1 pm: obstacle course with carabiners and ropes (since this is a Friends’ Rally, this event can’t be guaranteed, but will almost certainly run)
3 pm: orienteering game
4 pm: team-building games
5 pm: team-building games
During this time, you’ll also be able to play a variety of sports and games, such as football, badminton, volleyball, frisbee, and even ride on some quad bikes!
8 pm: roleplaying game
10 pm: traditional incredible jubilee BONFIRE! It brings everyone together, and a forest orchestra consisting of guitars and an accordion (and whatever else people bring) will play your favourite songs till dawn
*Sunday*
11 am: awards ceremony; body count; searching for those lost on the obstacle course
The later programme is up to you. Some people will continue the festival and outdoor games (and everything else you wanted to do on Saturday, but didn’t have time for)
Goodbyes, warm hugs and departure
Equipment
Don’t decide not to go to the rally because you don’t have any equipment and can’t even begin to imagine what to take with you.
In fact, you can come alone (you’ll definitely find a friendly company here!) without any special equipment. The main thing is to bring a sleeping bag and a sleeping mat, as well as food and drinks for yourself.
If you don’t have a tent, please notify the organizers in advance. We have a limited number of tents so please let us know beforehand if you would like to use one. And also it would be good to remember some warm clothes, waterproof shoes, a torch and a raincoat… just in case! Finally, don’t forget your mug, spoon, bowl, and knife.
FAQ
We are not from HSE, can we come?
You definitely SHOULD come. We ourselves love to go to various tourist rallies organized by other clubs and universities and are happy to extend a warm welcome to people not from HSE.
None of my friends wants to go. I’m afraid I’ll be bored alone. I presume most people come in groups?
This is the most popular misconception. The rally is one big family. If you decide to come alone, you’ll only stay that way for the first five minutes. You’re sure to meet someone!
We are coming as a group. Can we organize our own campfire?
Of course, you’re more than welcome to.
See the list of the forthcoming projects by the HSE Extreme Sports Club.