Raid De Himalaya to get tougher with history

The rally will move through Manali, Kaza, Patseo, Leh, Kargil and Zanskar and noticeably Tanglang La—the second highest motorable pass in the world before finishing in Leh on October 8. Jalori, Rohtang, Kunzum La and Baralacha La are among the other major passes the route is going to include.

Besides the breathtaking view it offers, the raid will also test human endurance as it passes though some of the most inhospitable terrain in the Western Himalayas.

And to add to that the recent heavy rainfalls in the states of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir— the states hosting the competition— is not going to make things any easier for the motorists.

Eighty participants will take part in X-treme, 130 in Amateur and 40 in the two-wheeler category.In this year’s edition, besides the strong male contingent, eight women will also be seen in action.

Also for the first time in Raide De Himalayas’ 10-year old history, an woman driver from Austria will be seen competing in the two-wheeler category.

Vijay Parmar, president of the Himalayan Motorsports Association, stressing the importance of the competition at a press conference in the capital said, “ This is the country’s longest and the most strenuous motorsport event. It is also one of India’s oldest and the only to have recognition from the International body (listed in Federation Internationale Motorcyclisme that lists the off-road rallies calendar).”

LEGS
1.Shimla—Manali
2. Manali—Rohtang—Gramphoo
3. Kaza—Kaza Gate
4. Kaza—Rong Tong—Losar
5. Patseo—Nakeela
6. Leh—Khaltse
7. Kargil—Panikher
8. Kargil—Leh