The Rally of Himalayas 2026, one of India's most demanding Cross-Country Rally (CCR) events, was flagged off from Manali on 26 September 2026, marking a landmark moment for Indian motorsport — the sixth edition makes its first-ever competitive entry into the Zanskar region. A total of 140 competitors across three categories will battle high-altitude Himalayan terrain over five days, with the event culminating in Padum, Zanskar, on 30 September 2026.

Ceremonial Flag-Off and Key Route

The ceremonial start took place at 5:00 PM at Dev Lok, 15th Mile, near Span Resort, Manali. MLA Bhuvneshwar Gaur of Manali served as the Chief Guest, while V. P. S. Jasrotia, Deputy General Manager of Jammu & Kashmir Bank, was the Guest of Honour. The route will take competitors through Kaza, Jispa, Padum, and the high-altitude Pensi La pass before concluding at Padum.

Who Is Competing and in Which Categories

The field spans three categories. The Moto category has 80 riders, including one female rider. The Extreme category draws 35 participants, among them two female drivers and five Army teams. The TSD (Time, Speed, Distance) category fields 24 competitors, including four female participants, and tests precision timing and navigation. The presence of Army teams and women competitors across all three categories reflects the rally's growing diversity since its debut in 2021.

Historic Zanskar Debut and What It Demands

The defining addition to the 2026 edition is the Zanskar leg — a first in the event's history. Competitors will navigate a combination of remote high-altitude terrain, extended competitive sections, and unpredictable Himalayan weather conditions, making preparation, navigation, endurance, and mechanical reliability more critical than ever. This new route raises the difficulty ceiling significantly compared to previous editions.

Notably, the 2026 rally is also being held as a tribute to Hari Singh, known as the 'Gypsy King' and a five-time National Rally Champion, whose legacy continues to shape Indian rallying culture. Title partner JK Tyre, long associated with Indian motorsport, is backing the event, which aligns with the company's rallying heritage.

Ladakh Tourism Joins as Sponsor to Spotlight Zanskar

The Department of Tourism, UT Ladakh, has come on board as a sponsor, seeking to position Zanskar as a premier adventure tourism destination before a national and international audience of motorsport fans, travel influencers, and adventure seekers. Officials say the association is aimed at generating economic opportunities for local communities and driving sustainable tourism growth across the region. This comes amid broader government efforts to open Ladakh's remoter landscapes to experiential tourism.

With the route pushing further into the Himalayas than any previous edition, the Rally of Himalayas 2026 is shaping up to be the most technically demanding and geographically ambitious chapter in the event's six-year history.