Dehradun: The snow-clad valleys, towering mountain passes, and winding roads of Uttarakhand are set to come alive with excitement once again. After a long hiatus of 35 years, the legendary ‘Himalayan Car Rally’ is making a spectacular return to the state. Following the special directives and persistent efforts of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, this ambitious motorsport event has received the green light. Rechristened as ‘Uttarakhand Himalayan Rally 2.0’, the first edition is scheduled for November 2026 and is all set to write a new chapter in the history of Indian motorsport.
Chief Minister pushkar Dhami, during a high-level review meeting, directed tourism department officials to bring this adventurous event to the ground at the earliest. His vision is clear — to transform Uttarakhand into a year-round tourist destination while giving fresh momentum to winter tourism. The rally is also expected to open new avenues of employment for local youth across the hill districts of the state.
The Golden Era: 1980 to 1990
The Himalayan Car Rally carries a glorious legacy. Between 1980 and 1990, eleven successful editions of this rally were held, placing India firmly on the global motorsport map. During that era, adventure enthusiasts from across the world would flock to Uttarakhand to witness the thunder of engines echoing through the Himalayan ranges. Now, after more than three decades, that dream is finally becoming a reality once again.
An Ambitious Four-Year Roadmap
The organizers have prepared a detailed and well-structured roadmap covering four editions from 2026 to 2029. The first edition in November 2026 will feature an international event open to foreign cars, a round of the Asia Cross Country Championship, the Himalayan Rally Classic, and a round of the Indian National Rally Championship (INRC). The second edition in November 2027 will additionally include a round of the Asia Pacific Rally Championship. By November 2028, the third edition aims to become a contender round of the FIA Cross Country Rally Championship, and the fourth edition in November 2029 is targeted to be a full round of the FIA World Cross Country Rally Championship. This phased progression is a carefully planned strategy to establish the rally as a prestigious event on both Asian and global motorsport calendars.
125+ Participants Across Four Categories
The rally aims to attract more than 125 entries, divided into four major categories. The international field will see 25 participants from countries including Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, France, Australia, and Japan. The Asia Cross Country Rally category will feature 25 participants from Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore, and Vietnam. The Classic Rally Cars category will have 20 participants including entries from Kenya and the United Kingdom. The Indian National Rally Championship category will comprise 50 Indian drivers. This rich diversity will not only intensify the competition but will also give Indian drivers a rare opportunity to measure themselves directly against world-class competitors on home soil.
Team Firefox to Lead the Charge
The responsibility of organizing this historic event has been entrusted to Team Firefox, a group comprising seasoned veterans of the original Himalayan Rally. Rajan Syal will serve as the President of the event, while Sanjay Takale, an accomplished international rally driver with experience in the prestigious Dakar Rally, will take charge as Co-President. The critical task of route selection has been assigned to renowned rally expert Vicky Chandok, who is a Council Member of FMSCI — the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India — and Vice President of the Madras Motor Sports Club, the oldest founding member club of FMSCI established in 1953. The event will also receive full support from the Kumаon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) and Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN).
Rajan Syal expressed his excitement saying, “The return of the Himalayan Rally after 35 years feels like a dream come true. We want to showcase the raw natural beauty and challenges of Uttarakhand to the entire world.” Sanjay Takale added, “This is not just a race — it is a unique journey through the mountains. Our commitment is to ensure the highest standards of safety, environmental responsibility, and sportsmanship.”
according to Secretary Tourism Dhiraj Garbyal ” The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) will serve as the title sponsor of the rally. The treacherous mountain roads, icy passes, dense forests, and river crossings that define the Himalayan terrain will make this rally an irresistible draw for adventure lovers worldwide. The event is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the region, directly boosting the hotel, transport, local guide, and handicraft industries. With global television coverage and international participation, Uttarakhand stands to gain unprecedented visibility as an adventure sports and motorsport destination”.
The first edition in November 2026 is not merely a sporting event — it is a landmark moment that promises to position Uttarakhand as a global motorsport hub and carry the spirit of the Himalayas to every corner of the world. For motorsport enthusiasts and travel lovers alike, the wait is almost over.