The 18th edition of Maruti Suzuki Raid de Himalaya, the world's highest arena rally was flagged off from Manali in Himachal Pradesh last evening although the participant vehicles proceed today morning for their toughest destination. The rally will cross the challenging route of Kaza, traversing through Sarchu towards Leh over the course of seven days. The route traverses around 2000 kms in the Himalayas. <br/><br/>On the occasion, Mr. Vinay Pant, Assistant Vice President (Marketing), Maruti Suzuki said that in a bid to encourage and challenge professional and safe adventure motorsports in the country, the Maruti Suzuki has been organizing some of the world's toughest motorsport rallies in the country. Raid de Himalaya is one of the toughest off-road motor rallies conceptualized to enhance the thrill of professional motorsport enthusiasts in India, he further added.<br/><br/>AIR correspondent reports that over 240 motorsport enthusiasts in 155 teams are participating in this rally which will culminate at Manali for the prize distribution ceremony on October 15th. The rally takes place at an extremely high altitude of up to 17,500 feet with temperatures as low as minus 15'Celcius. These extreme conditions prove to be the ultimate test of vehicles as well as the mental and physical capabilities of the participants. <br/><br/>The participants will compete in three categories- Cars Extreme, Bikes Extreme and Adventure Trial. The rally this year will once again witness local star known as the 'Manali Man' Suresh Rana the nine times winner of the rally, five times winner of Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm and this year's Dakshin Dare in action in the motorsports circuit. Giving a tough competition to Rana will be Sandeep Sharma (Runner ups in Maruti Suzuki Dakshin Dare 2016).