Riders from 20 cities take on forest trails for MTB Shimla
About 130 kilometres of Himalayan terrain, 3,800 metres of climbing
and a prize purse of Rs 8 lakh await riders at the 13th edition of MTB Shimla, powered by HARTEX.
Organised by HASTPA from 23–25 October, the race brings together cyclists from 20 cities, including nine
national podium holders, for a demanding test of endurance, technical skill and race strategy.
Returning to its Cross Country Marathon (XCM) roots, this year’s edition comprises a prologue and two
timed stages. Around 90 per cent of the course is off-road, combining narrow singletrack, forest paths and
jeep roads with rock gardens and stream crossings. Long climbs will test stamina; technical descents will
demand control and concentration. Gravel bikes are permitted for the first time.
Stage 1, The Flight of the Pheasant, on 24 October covers 55 km with 1,780 metres of climbing. Starting
at Kufri Wildlife Sanctuary, the route passes through Patgyaar, Talo ka Naal, Mundaghat, Tharol, Galu
and Fagu before finishing at Dak Bangla. Its combination of forest terrain and sustained elevation gain
promises a hard opening day of competitive racing.
Stage 2, The Cedar Wreath, on 25 October covers 48 km with 1,280 metres of climbing. From Kufri
Wildlife Sanctuary, riders head through Charabra, Mashobra, Purani Koti, Kanda, Dak Bangla, Fagu
and Bekalthi before finishing at Mashobra. Across both stages, the route showcases the countryside beyond
Shimla’s familiar tourist landmarks, placing its forests, villages and mountain trails at the heart of the
experience.
The Rs 8 lakh prize purse will be awarded across six categories. The field spans generations: Shimla’s 11-
year-old Kaarik Sharma is the youngest participant, while 68-year-old Maheshwar Dutt is the oldest. Shimla
fields 18 riders and Bengaluru six, with competitors also arriving from Jaipur, Delhi, Leh and Guwahati.
Local talent and visiting contenders will race on the same demanding terrain, giving emerging riders
valuable exposure to accomplished competitors.
Road safety is a central message alongside the competition. HASTPA and Royal Enfield Social Mission
have joined hands as Partners for Safe Riding, drawing on the Helmets for India initiative. Ms Mehar
Panwar, ASP Shimla, Himachal Pradesh Police, specially joined the press conference to deliver her
strong message on road safety and helmet use. She lauded the organisers for making responsible riding an
integral part of the event alongside its sporting and fitness message.
Addressing the press conference, Ms Mehar Panwar, ASP Shimla, said:
“Wear a helmet correctly on every ride, follow traffic rules and respect every road user. I commend HASTPA
and the organisers for promoting road safety alongside sport and fitness. Such efforts can help build
responsible habits, particularly among young riders. Every ride should end with a safe return home.”
Himalayan Adventure Sports & Tourism Promotion Association (HASTPA)
Top Floor, Old Chief Fire Office Building, Stokes Place, Shimla 171002
Phone No.: +91 94180 45678 , +91 92187 77777
Email: office@hastpa.com , infohastpa@gmail.com
Website: https://hastpa.com
Praveen from HARTEX was also present, representing the brand powering this year’s edition. The
interaction brought together the sporting challenge and the wider responsibility shared by organisers, riders,
industry and public institutions in building a stronger cycling culture.
For HASTPA, the ambition reaches beyond organising events. Its larger purpose is to change lives through
cycling: opening opportunities for young people, nurturing sporting talent and helping communities benefit
from cycling tourism. Since launching MTB Himalaya in 2005 and MTB Shimla in 2012, HASTPA has
worked towards a lasting place for India on the world map of cycling tourism. This edition carries that
purpose onto the trails, connecting competitive sport with safer riding and the discovery of the Himalayan
outdoors.
The event is held in association with Himachal Tourism. Partners and supporters include Royal Enfield,
Radkaat, Big FM, SJVN, AU Small Finance Bank, HPDT and Pranah.