Padum, Zanskar, October 01: The 6th Edition of the Rally of the Himalayas concluded on 30 September 2026 in Padum, Zanskar, after four demanding days of cross-country rallying through some of the most challenging highaltitude terrain in the Himalayas.
Representing Meghalaya, rally driver Phoebe Dale Nongrum, with co-driver Shahid Salman, secured 4th place in the T3 Xtreme category and 8th overall, while Phoebe was awarded the Best Female Driver honour for her performance and car-control skills throughout the rally.
The event was inaugurated in Manali on 26 September, following documentation, vehicle scrutiny, safety-gear checks and the official drivers’ briefing. The rally was subsequently flagged off in the presence of the event sponsors before competitors moved towards Gramphu for the start of the first competitive leg.
The opening stage from Gramphu to Kaza took competitors through Kunzum La and the Lahaul-Spiti Valley, with rough terrain and snowfall adding to the challenge. Despite an unsuitable car setup for the changing terrain, Phoebe and Salman maintained control through the demanding sections and completed the stage.
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Day 2, from Kaza towards Gramphu, was delayed by nearly two hours following overnight snowfall across Kaza, Losar and Kunzum La, with organisers prioritising the safety of competitors due to the risk of black ice. The stage proved particularly difficult for Phoebe and Salman as a damper and suspension spring at the rear dislodged affected the car’s performance, costing the team valuable time.
The third leg began from Darcha and was shortened from the planned 77 kilometres to approximately 16 kilometres due to snowfall. After the stage, the team travelled to Padum for repairs and servicing ahead of the final leg.
The final stage on 30 September, starting from Padum and ended in Panzi La, took competitors across the high-altitude terrain and the Drang-Drung Glacier. Despite the challenges faced throughout the rally, Phoebe and Salman completed the final leg to secure their 4th-place category finish and 8th overall.
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Team Meghalaya Triumphs: The rally also marked a significant achievement for Team Meghalaya, with fellow competitor Aneesh Sangma securing 1st place in the T3 Xtreme category and 5th overall. Together, their performances earned Team Meghalaya the Best Team Award, marking a proud moment for Meghalaya on the national motorsport stage.
