Motorsport

JK Tyre Rally of Himalayas 2026 Commences with Tribute to Legend Hari Singh

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Sep 26, 2026, 21:35 IST

The sixth edition of the JK Tyre Rally of Himalayas has officially begun in Manali. Featuring 140 competitors, the event pays homage to five-time National Rally Champion Hari Singh as it traverses challenging mountain terrain.

JK Tyre Rally of Himalayas 2026 Commences with Tribute to Legend Hari Singh

The sixth edition of the J&K Bank presents JK Tyre Rally of Himalayas officially roared into action on Saturday, as 140 competitors set off from Manali to begin a grueling cross-country journey. The event, which has become a staple of the regional motorsports calendar, promises to test the endurance and skill of drivers across the Moto, Extreme, and TSD categories.

Participants are scheduled to navigate a demanding route that winds through the high-altitude landscapes of Kaza, Jispa, and Padum, eventually crossing the Pensi La pass. The rally is set to conclude this coming Wednesday in the remote region of Padum, Zanskar, marking the end of a multi-day test of man and machine against the backdrop of the Himalayan range.

A Tribute to the Gypsy King

This year’s iteration of the rally serves as a poignant tribute to the late Hari Singh, the celebrated five-time National Rally Championship winner often referred to as the Gypsy King. His legacy in Indian motorsport remains a central theme of the 2026 event, honoring a career that helped define the sport for generations of enthusiasts.

The ceremonial flag-off took place at Dev Lok, 15th Mile, where Manali MLA Bhuvneshwar Gaur served as the chief guest. Addressing the crowd and competitors, Gaur reflected on the deep-rooted connection between the region and the sport. He recalled the early days of rallying in the area, noting how vehicles like Ambassadors, Fiats, and Mahindras once drew international attention to the scenic Himalayan routes.

Gaur emphasized that the unique selling point of the event remains the breathtaking beauty of the landscape, which continues to attract participants from across the globe. As the 140 competitors head into the mountains, the rally serves not only as a high-stakes competition but also as a celebration of the enduring motorsports heritage that has long been associated with the Himalayan terrain.