Shimla: The 15th edition of the Maruti Suzuki Raid de Himalaya started today here in the morning. Raid de Himalaya, which is happened to be the world’s highest and counted among the top ten toughest motorsport rallies globally, will pass through 12 high-mountain passes, the highest being Khardung la (18,500 ft) and lowest Jalori pass (10,500 ft) in the picturesque Himalayas.

In this year event record 153 motor sports enthusiast, including 13 women, are participating. In this year event Richa Sharma of the Himachal Police is also taking part and becoming first woman cop of the country to participate in it.

Today on the first day of the event, the Raid de Himalaya will pass through Narkanda and the Jalori pass to reach Manali. The participants will cover about 1,800 km to reach Leh where the rally will terminate on October 11. The prize distribution will take place on October 12 at Leh.

Many famed motor sports enthusiast including Raid de Himalaya veteran Suresh Rana taking part in this event. Suresh Rana has won the Xtreme (4X4) title in Raid de Himalaya a record eight times. Dakshin Dare champion Amanpreet Ahluwalia of Noida is another famous name competing in this event.