JK Tyre Rally of Himalayas enters Zanskar as 139 competitors take on high-altitude challenge
Shashi Bhushan Purohit
Darcha (Lahaul-Spiti), September 29, 2026: The third leg of the JK Tyre Rally of the Himalayas 2026 was flagged off from Darcha on Friday, bringing motorsport competitors into some of the most challenging high-altitude terrain of the Himalayas.
The rally, which began in Manali, is entering the Zanskar region for the first time this year. Participants will travel through Jispa and onward to Zanskar, with sections around Padum and Pensi La expected to pose significant challenges because of the rugged terrain, altitude and unpredictable weather.
The Darcha leg was flagged off by Lahaul-Spiti Deputy Commissioner Kiran Bhadana.
The competition has attracted 80 moto riders, 35 Extreme-category participants and 24 competitors in the Time-Speed-Distance (TSD) category. Women riders and drivers are also taking part, while five Army teams are competing in the rally.
Unlike conventional speed races, the Rally of the Himalayas requires participants to navigate difficult mountain tracks while managing high altitude, low temperatures and rapidly changing weather conditions. Endurance, navigation skills, vehicle performance and technical ability will all be tested during the long competitive stages.
The rally is being organised jointly by Himalayan Extreme Motorsports and Adventure X Fusion Tribe and is in its sixth edition. First launched in 2021, it has developed into a cross-country motorsport event across the Himalayan region.
This year’s edition is dedicated to Indian motorsport veteran and five-time National Rally Champion Hari Singh, popularly known as the “Gypsy King.” Organisers said his contribution to Indian rallying has inspired a new generation of motorsport enthusiasts.
The Lahaul-Spiti district administration has coordinated with the police, District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) for the event. Arrangements have been made for security, traffic management and emergency assistance along the rally route.
The Tourism Department of the Union Territory of Ladakh is also supporting the event as a sponsor this year. Organisers said the route through Zanskar is expected to highlight the region’s potential as an adventure tourism destination.
The Darcha-to-Zanskar leg combines competitive motorsport with some of the Himalayas’ most demanding terrain, making navigation and endurance as important as speed for participants.