Manali, September 26: The J&K Bank presents JK Tyre Rally of Himalayas 2026 was flagged off from Manali on Saturday, with the sixth edition set to enter the Zanskar region for the first time.
A total of 140 competitors are taking part across the Moto, Extreme and TSD (Time, Speed, Distance) categories in five days of cross-country rallying.
The route runs through Kaza, Jispa, Padum and Pensi La, and the rally finishes in Padum, Zanskar, on September 30.
Army teams and women in the field
The Moto category has 80 riders, including one woman. The Extreme category has 35 entries, including two women drivers and five Army teams.
The TSD category, which tests precision, timing and navigation, has 24 competitors, four of them women. The field is a mix of professionals, private entrants and Army teams.
Into Zanskar
From the high ground around Kaza, the rally moves towards Jispa and then into Zanskar, taking in Padum and Pensi La before returning to Padum for the finish.
Competitors will face high altitude, remote terrain, long competitive sections and changing mountain weather. Preparation, navigation, endurance and reliability are expected to decide the results.
This year’s rally is also a tribute to Hari Singh, the ‘Gypsy King’ and five-time National Rally Champion.
Flag-off at Dev Lok
The ceremonial flag-off took place at 5pm at Dev Lok, 15th Mile, near Span Resort, Manali. Manali MLA Bhuvneshwar Gaur was the chief guest. V. P. S. Jasrotia, Deputy General Manager, Jammu & Kashmir Bank, was the guest of honour, along with JK Tyre officials.
The rally was first held in 2021. It is organised by Himalayan Xtreme Motorsports and Adventure X Fusion Tribe.
J&K Bank is the presenting sponsor and JK Tyre the title sponsor. The Department of Tourism, UT Ladakh, is the official sponsor and is using the event to promote Zanskar as an adventure tourism destination. Impulse and Liqui Moly are partners.
