Himalayas Rally: Extreme Peaks Conquered

The sixth edition of the JK Tyre Rally of Himalayas 2026, an arduous Cross Country Rally, recently concluded its challenging four-day run. Fifty cars and eighty riders embarked on a demanding journey starting from Manali, traversing the rugged landscapes of Lahaul-Spiti, and culminating in Zanskar. The competition tested the limits of both participants and their vehicles on unforgiving mountain terrain.

Dhritimaan Singh emerged as the champion in the Moto category, conquering the Himalayas on two wheels. In the fiercely contested Extreme category, the partnership of Rajiv Yadav and Rohit Gowda secured the victory, showcasing their resilience and skill. The Time, Speed, Distance category saw a close competition between the pairs of Soham Hazra & Nirav Mehta, and Santosh H.M. & Prakash Muthusamy, who masterfully navigated the course.

A significant moment in the rally was the withdrawal of 2015 Raid de Himalaya victor, Lakhpa Tsering, due to a technical issue on the second day. The event also featured a unique 72-km stage that was run in reverse, adding another layer of difficulty for the competitors.

Rajiv Yadav & Rohit Gowda's early lead proved pivotal in their Extreme category win, fending off strong challenges. Meanwhile, Dhritimaan Singh, a rider from Dehradun, expressed the demanding nature of the sport, emphasizing the need for self-navigation and meticulous care for both rider and machine.