With 210 participants this year, of whom eight are women and two physically handicapped, the 11th Maruti Raid-de- Himalayas rally is set to start in Simla on October 06 this year. Wheelchair-born Deepika Malik from Punjab and Mumbai lady Nazneen Katrak, who will drive with one arm, will compete in the adventure trial category along with four other women in that section.
There are 70 teams in the X-treme 4-wheeler category and the participants will take the route through Manali, Kunzum La, Rangdum, Patseo, Leh, Kargil and will finally reach Srinagar covering a distance of over 2000 km. Nearly 800 km of the terrain will be treacherous and will be extremely competitive. The race will be an enduring test of speed and stamina for both man and machine.
There are other two categories as well viz. X-treme two wheeler and Adventure Trail. Even these two categories will have grueling experience, also in the amateur category. Rallyists will climb over some of the highest motorable passes in the world, including Tanglang La, the second highest motorable pass in the world. Other mountain passes include Jalori Pass, Rohtang Pass, Kunzum La and Baralacha La.
