JOIN USThe 14th Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya, during which participants will traverse a distance of 1800 kms over a span of six days, was flagged off amid much fervor here on Saturday.
The rally is a test of a competitor’s dexterity in handling rough roads, uncertain and extreme weather conditions and the strength and endurance of his vehicle.
The competition will culminate in Leh on October 12.
This year’s Raid-de-Himalaya will feature around 150 teams with around 260 participants in the four wheeler and two wheeler categories who will brave inhospitable terrains and weather conditions of the Western Himalayas to compete for the top prize.
The tough route this year goes through some of the highest motorable passes and human settlements in the world.
These include Darcha (3360 mts), Keylong (3440 mts), Leh (3524 mts), Kaza (3650 mts), Dhanka (3894 mts), Losar (4079 mts), Rumtse (4300 mts), Kunzum La (4551 mts), Komik (4587 mts), Pang (4600 mts) & Wari La (5313 mts).
Motorists will compete across three categories: X-treme 4-wheelers (50 teams), X-treme 2-wheelers (34 participants) (both Xtreme 2W and 4W categories cater to professional motorsport enthusiasts), and 60 teams in the Adventure Trial category for amateurs.
There are 14 foreigners participating this year from Austria, Netherlands and UAE.
The Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya invites participation in three categories: Moto Xtreme, Adventure Trial and Bike Xtreme categories.
The participants are grouped in different categories depending upon their prior experience, endurance levels and expertise in handling the escalating difficulty levels.
The Moto Xtreme category which is the toughest of the lot is open only to those 4-wheeler drivers who have prior rallying experience.