Gangtok: Sikkim is poised to make history this week as it hosts its first-ever car rally, a flagship event in the state’s year-long golden jubilee of statehood celebrations. The high-octane event, aptly named ‘Mountain Rush’, is anticipated to shine a significant spotlight on both the adrenaline-pumping world of motorsport and the captivating allure of Sikkim’s tourism sector. The ceremonial flag-off is scheduled for April 23rd at the iconic Ridge Park in Gangtok, marking the beginning of this landmark occasion.
The meticulously planned rally is being conducted under the expert guidance of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI), ensuring adherence to national standards and regulations. The competition will follow the challenging Time, Speed, Distance (TSD) format, testing the skill and precision of the participating drivers and navigators. Notably, organizers have confirmed that ‘Mountain Rush’ has attracted an unprecedented number of national motorsport champions, making it a rally of significant national caliber.
Highlighting the broader implications of the event, Yougan Tamang, the press secretary to Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, emphasized the rally’s potential to significantly boost tourism within the state. He conveyed the FMSCI’s assessment that Sikkim’s unique geographical features present an exceptional and largely untapped arena for motorsports, suggesting a promising future for such events in the region.
The multi-day rally is designed as a comprehensive tour of Sikkim’s diverse landscape, traversing all six of its districts. The carefully curated route will take participants through key destinations such as the picturesque Lachung, the serene Ravangla, the emerging Soreng, the culturally rich Namchi, and the strategically important Pakyong, before culminating in a return to the state capital, Gangtok. Organizers have stressed that the route’s dual purpose is to provide a challenging and engaging experience for the drivers while simultaneously offering a panoramic showcase of Sikkim’s breathtaking scenery and promoting tourism in its more rural and less explored areas.
Sikkim’s journey to becoming India’s 22nd state on May 16, 1975, after centuries as a monarchy, is a significant milestone being commemorated throughout 2025 with a series of special events, with the ‘Mountain Rush’ rally taking a prominent place in these celebrations. State officials are optimistic that this inaugural motorsport event will firmly establish Sikkim as a noteworthy destination on the national motorsports map. The state’s combination of challenging mountainous terrain, remote and scenic locations, and winding roads offers a distinctive and exciting environment for competitive driving, a potential that the FMSCI’s involvement is set to fully realize.