The atmosphere was electric as classic car enthusiasts across India and overseas gathered for the much-anticipated Classic Himalayan Drive 2025 — a motoring journey that celebrates the spirit of adventure and the timeless beauty of automotive craftsmanship.
November 1st morning again began with the soft hum of engines and the smell of polish in the air, as participants attended to their pre-drive checks. From 9:00 AM, cars lined up for refueling and tyre checks, FASTags were fitted, and copies of insurance, especially of overseas entrants, were collected. By 11:00 AM, the registration desk was abuzz with smiles and reunions, as participants received their official rally kits — complete with rally plates, car stickers for windscreens, and event stickers. The Technical Team, meanwhile, moved briskly from car to car, helping drivers apply stickers with precision as per the official layout, making each machine look rally-ready and resplendent.
By 5:30 in the evening, the buzz had shifted indoors for the official event briefing, where organizers outlined the days ahead, explaining group allocations, details of the Regularity Run, safety notes, and logistics for the next morning’s departure. The atmosphere was thick with camaraderie as first-timers listened with rapt attention while seasoned drivers doled out advice from previous editions. It was a mood of eager anticipation — of engines waiting to be let loose on the Himalayan roads.
The evening flowed easily into a warm Welcome Dinner at 7:00 PM, to which participants came together after a day of preparation and travel. The atmosphere was relaxed yet lively, with tables filling with the hum of conversation and rounds of laughter. It was an opportunity for old friends to reunite from previous editions of the drive and share stories from past adventures, while new participants were welcomed into the fold, finding common ground in their love for classic motoring. Organizers took the opportunity to introduce the team behind the event and outline the key highlights of the journey ahead. Toasts were made — wishing all safe travels, smooth drives, and a memorable start to The Classic Himalayan Drive 2025 that would begin at dawn.
The Flag-Off Ceremony
On November 2nd, the sun rose to a clear morning on a tableau of gleaming chrome, vintage curves, and rally plates proudly bearing the insignia of The Classic Himalayan Drive 2025. Thick with anticipation, participants assembled at the flag-off ceremony at 10:00 AM as the Chief Guest, Padma Shri & Arjuna Awardee Deepa Malik, India’s first woman Paralympic medallist, flagged off the first group of rally cars. The second group of rally cars were flagged off by Harvijay Singh Bahia, veteran rally driver, Himalayan Rally Champion (Top Indian Crew 1982, 1983, 1984), and wildlife photographer. Rishi Kumar, a past Himalayan Drive winner, flagged off Group 3.
Among the line-up, Car 01, one of the oldest entries on the drive, was a 1958 Mercedes 180 from Calcutta, driven by Prithvi Nath Tagore and Sourajit Pal Choudhury — a true piece of motoring history. Another 1958 entry, a beautifully restored classic Land Rover from Chennai, was given by Dr. Papa, a treat for all Land Rover fans. Car 03, the famous Dakar Classic car, had been driven by Sanjay Takale at the Dakar Rally earlier this year, adding a touch of racing glory to the line-up. Car 04, a thoroughbred rally car from Kenya — a 1980 Datsun — was driven by Surinder Thatti and Hardial Kalsi, while Car 05, a 1977 Peugeot 504 D from Chennai, was driven by Ranjit Pratap, one of India’s most passionate classic car collectors. Car 06, a 1970 Ford Mustang, was driven by Pankaj Malik, drawing admiring looks from every corner. These were followed by a strong contingent of cars from the United Kingdom, rounding out an extraordinary and diverse field of participants.
Members of HMCI were present, proud and cheering along with their comrades as the convoy started rolling out — one car every minute, each departure greeted by applause and a burst of nostalgia.
The purring and roaring of engines marked the exit of this line of classic beauties from Noida, bound for Ramnagar (Corbett Park) — a 280-kilometre drive expected to take approximately five and a half hours. A perfect blend of scenic landscapes, smooth tarmac, and the kind of motoring that rekindles the romance of the road.
As the convoy disappeared over the horizon, there was a quiet satisfaction among those who remained — a feeling that another chapter in the grand tradition of The Classic Himalayan Drive had begun. What started as a day of preparation and fellowship had seamlessly turned into a celebration of motion — of people, machines, and mountains awaiting them: a journey through time and terrain with timeless passion.
A Day of Wilderness and Wonder
On November 3rd, for the early birds, a Jeep Tiger Safari is on the cards — a chance to experience the wild heart of Corbett in its full morning glory. Later in the day, participants will head off towards Rishikesh on the Ganges, to witness the Ganga Aarti on the river’s banks. As lamps float gently down the water and chants fill the air, the day will close on a truly mystical, magical note — a fitting continuation of the adventure that bridges nature, spirituality, and the enduring charm of the open road.
Acknowledging Our Partners
This extraordinary motoring experience is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors — Club ITC, ICSA International Clearing and Shipping Agency, Yokohama, Uttarakhand Tourism, LGT Wealth India, Radha TMT Steels, Welcomhotel The Savoy Mussoorie, Welcomhotel ITC Dwarka New Delhi, Inatur, and Vamcy Merla.
Their partnership and commitment to heritage motoring, sustainability, and the spirit of travel have played a key role in making The Classic Himalayan Drive a hallmark event on India’s motoring calendar.
