JK Tyre Rally of Himalayas enters Zanskar for the first time in 2026

The J&K Bank presents JK Tyre Rally of Himalayas 2026 flagged off from Manali on September 26, marking the sixth edition of the cross-country rally and its first-ever entry into the Zanskar region. The five-day event brings together 140 competitors across Moto, Extreme and Time, Speed, Distance (TSD) categories. 

Organised by Himalayan Xtreme Motorsports and Adventure X Fusion Tribe, the rally will cover a challenging Himalayan route through Kaza, Jispa, Padum and Pensi La, culminating in Padum, Zanskar, on September 30.

The 2026 edition features 80 riders in the Moto category, including one woman, while the Extreme category has 35 participants, including two women drivers and five Army teams. The TSD category has 24 competitors, including four women, competing on precision, timing and navigation.

The rally's expansion into Zanskar introduces competitors to new high-altitude terrain, remote routes and extended competitive sections. The changing Himalayan conditions will emphasize navigation, endurance, preparation and vehicle reliability.

The event is also being held in tribute to Hari Singh, known as the 'Gypsy King' and a five-time National Rally Champion.

Sponsorship and tourism

The rally's sponsors include J&K Bank as presenting sponsor, JK Tyre as title sponsor, Ladakh Tourism as official sponsor, and Impulse and Liqui Moly as partners.

For JK Tyre, the event continues its association with Indian motorsport, which spans nearly three decades. The company has supported racing platforms and talent development across disciplines, with its championships featuring racers such as Narain Karthikeyan, Karun Chandhok, Armaan Ebrahim and Kush Maini.

J&K Bank's sponsorship is linked to its stated objective of supporting regional livelihoods, enterprise and tourism. The bank said the event provides an opportunity to showcase the Himalayan region's tourism potential and create opportunities for local economic growth.

The Department of Tourism, Union Territory of Ladakh, is also partnering with the rally to promote Zanskar as an adventure tourism destination. The department aims to showcase the region's landscapes, cultural heritage and driving routes to motorsport enthusiasts, adventure travellers and travel influencers.

The rally's route and participation are intended to bring visibility to the region while supporting visitor interest and economic opportunities for local communities.

First held in 2021, the Rally of Himalayas has developed into a platform for professional competitors, private entrants, women participants and Army teams to compete across demanding terrain.

The 2026 edition's entry into Zanskar adds a new destination to the event's route, bringing motorsport and adventure tourism together across the Himalayan region.