Nine-day Himalayan Drive from Nov 21, to see 60 participants

The classic edition, scheduled from 1 November 2025 will see a fleet of classic cars breeze through Rishikesh, Manali and Chandigarh.
The genesis of the Himalayan Drive goes back to 2021, when a rally was organised in memory of Nazir Hoosein, who had founded the Himalayan Rally route in 1980. Attracting participants from across the world, the famed Himalayan Rally was organised for a course of 11 years until 1990.

It was the massive success of the 2021 N H memorial drive that nudged the organisers to conjure up the idea of “The Himalayan Drive”, which seeks to commemorate the legacy of the Himalayan Rally.

The first edition, organised in 2022, recreated the route from the 1982 Himalayan Rally, paying tribute to rally legend Jayant Shah.

In 2023, meanwhile, nearly 60 cars along with the 200 crew members drove through Leh Ladakh and Umling La, the world’s highest motorable road at 19,300 feet.

Returning for the third edition, now, “The Mystique Himalayan Drive” will witness participants breezing through North Sikkim to Bhutan’s Paro over a period of nine days. Starting from Bagdogra on November 21, nearly 60 cars are slated to drive through the Himalayas as a part of the curated experience.

According to the organisers, 46 entries from India and abroad have already given their nod to the upcoming event.
Taking the challenge up a notch, the Himalayan Drive’s 2025 edition will witness classic cars recreate the route of the ’82 Himalayan route, with participants driving from Delhi to Ramnagar, Chopta, Mussoorie, Manali, Chandigarh before returning back to Delhi. Sponsored by Mahindra Adventure, the drive will feature classic cars manufactured between 1955 and 2002 and is scheduled to be held from November 1 to 10 in 2025.

Rajan Syal of Team Firefox told The Indian Express, “The concept of classic car rallies are extremely popular in Europe and owing to the demand in India, we have announced the classic car drive for the 2025 edition. It will be a non-competitive drive with curated experiences. While only classic cars will be eligible to participate in 2025, this year’s edition is open to anyone with any vehicle.”
Besides evoking memories of the popular Himalayan Rally of the 1980s, the event also seeks to appeal to young enthusiasts with no prior experience.

Syal, a former rally driver who has participated in 7 Himalayan rallies, added, “For us ex-Himalayan rallyists, these drives are a nostalgic return to the thrill of the rally. The Classic Car Himalayan Drive will celebrate timeless beauties and cherished memories.”