HP CM to flag off 15th Raid-de-Himalaya on Oct 6

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Shimla: The Raid-de-Himalaya, which turns 15 this year, would be flagged off by Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra singh on October 6 from here.The world's highest motorsport rally would take on two most formidable challenges of the Himalayas this year and traverse through the Khardung La and the Wari La, prone to snowfalls and blizzards.The Khardung La is located at an altitude of 5,359 meters (17,582 feet) while altitude of Wari La in Ladakh is 5,250 meters (17,300 feet) above sea level.The first leg of the event would end on October 6 itself and after taking off from Shimla, the riders will traverse through Matiyana, Nag Jubbar, Kotighat, Kangal, Jhanjeli, Chamola, Luhri, Jameri, Panjvi, Karki, Koti, Batore, Shush, Khanag and will rest at Manali, V C Pharka, Principal Secretary (youth Services and Sports) said.The second leg will start from Manali on October 7 and pass through Palchan, Marhi, Rohtang Pass, Gramphoo, Chattru, Chotta Darra, Batal, Chandertal, Kunzum La, Takcha, Losar and take a halt at Kaza.The third leg would start from Kaza on October 8 and pass through Hikkim, Langza, Komik, Demul, Lidang, Atargo, Lingti, Dhankar, Sichiling and return to Kaza for a night halt.The rally would cover Keylong, Sarchu and halt at Pang on October 9 in the 5th leg and will pass through Tanglang La to reach Leh in Jammu and Kashmir on October 10.Pharka said that the 6th leg of the event would take off from Leh on October 11 and traverse past Wari La and Khalsar and conclude at Leh. The prize distribution would be held at Leh on October 12.An all time high number of 150 teams from india and abroad would participate in the event and the Raid would run in two parallel categories -- the X-treme and the Adventure Trial.He said that state government would provide helicopter services to meet any emergency during the event.Pharka directed police and health departments to nominate nodal officers for the event for better co-ordination in their respective districts. He said that to save people from inconvenience and school going children from facing hardships, the rally would be flagged off in early morning hours.