Classic Himalayan Drive 2025 Concludes Successfully in Delhi
The fifth edition of the Classic Himalayan Drive, a nostalgic event reviving the spirit of the iconic Himalayan Car Rally from the 1980s, successfully concluded in the national capital on Monday after an extensive ten-day journey through some of North India's most breathtaking landscapes. The non-competitive rally, which saw participation from a fleet of vintage and classic cars, culminated with a celebratory ceremony in Delhi following a final leg from Chandigarh.
A Journey Through the Himalayas: The Route and Participants
The international convoy, which started its engines in Greater Noida on November 2, comprised automobiles and enthusiasts from several countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Kenya, and India. Over the course of nearly ten days, the drive navigated through a picturesque route that included stops at Ramnagar, Rishikesh, Mussoorie, Theog, Shimla, and Manali.
The journey took the participants across some of the region's most famous and challenging passes. The convoy successfully traversed the mighty Rohtang Pass, drove through the engineering marvel that is the Atal Tunnel, and crossed over the scenic Jalori Pass. The event was meticulously planned, with organizers expressing immense satisfaction at its flawless execution.
‘It All Went Like Clockwork’: Organizers and Participants Reflect
Rajan Syal, one of the key architects behind the event, described the rally's progress as impeccable. “It all went like clockwork. Even though it wasn’t a competitive race, we had a schedule to follow and did that impeccably,” Syal told The Indian Express.
Shailendra Vyakarnam of Team Firefox shared insights comparing the current event to its historic predecessor. He recalled the excitement of the original Himalayan Car Rally in the 1980s, which was often flagged off by presidents and prime ministers. While the current roads are much improved and the scenery remains stunningly beautiful, Vyakarnam highlighted the remarkable support received from local administrations throughout the journey.
He also pointed out the challenges of navigating busy roads without breaching speed limits and the need for caution in areas susceptible to landslides. The most significant logistical hurdle, according to him, was managing the customs formalities for importing and exporting the foreign-registered classic cars. The fleet featured vehicles with significant history, with the oldest being a 1958 Mercedes, and many others ranging from 40 to 60 years old.
This fifth edition continues the event's tradition of exploring diverse routes, having previously covered paths like Sikkim-Bhutan and Jammu and Kashmir-Ladakh. The 2025 Classic Himalayan Drive successfully recreated the magic of a bygone era, blending a passion for vintage automobiles with the unparalleled beauty of the Himalayas.
