Channel [V] VJs raiding the Himalayas

THE "RAID de Himalaya 2000" Rally covering more than 2,500 km. over mountainous terrain and some of the steepest roads in the world, is under way. Starting from Shimla, the rally will finish at the same place on October 6.

Now, for the surprise. The Channel [V] teams are among the rallyists. VJs Cary and Purab are in one team and the Director of Production, Elias Kazmi, and Producer Siddarth Bahuguna form the second team. Maruti Udyog Ltd has sponsored both the teams. One must wait and see if Cary and Purab perform as well behind the steering wheel as they do in front of the camera. Their usually irrepressible humour should come in handy as they negotiate the hairpin bends and rough roads.

The rally (organised jointly by Himachal Tourism and the Himalayan Motor Sport Association) covers the route from Shimla- Manali via Rohtag Pass and Gramphu to Kaza. This stretch, particularly the climb of 3,500 metres between Manali and Kunzum La to be done in a few hours, offers a breathtaking view of Mount Spiti, but the participants would have hardly enjoyed the view. They would have been more focused on keeping their vehicles on the road.

The fourth day of the rally must have been particularly taxing since it requires the participants to cover a distance of 400 km. from Manali to Korzok through Rohtang Jot, Baralacha La, Naki La, La Chulung La, Kangla Jal La and Polokonke La to reach the banks of the beautiful Tso Moriri Lake. The lake would be a feast for the tried and gritty eyes of the rallyists, for it is said the waves in this lake rise up to a height of 11 feet. Now, if the names of all those mountains and passes sound weird, do remember that names like Hosehalli and Neelasandra will sound equally strange to those in the mountains.

The fifth day of the rally is a repeat over the hostile terrain and on the sixth day, the competitive edge streaks in. The rally will be back in Shimla via Jalori Jot, Dalash and Luhiri, leading to the fast tarmac competitive stage of 80 km from Kingal to Basantpur. October 7, the last day, will be devoted to post-event scrutiny and the crowning of the successful participants. Driving and navigational skills rather than sheer speed, count in a rally like this. Let us see how the VJs fare in this endurance contest.

By K.Satyamurty

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