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13th Edition · 2026
A pilgrimage and a rite of passage for every Indian mountain biker
The Story
The 13th edition of MTB Shimla runs from 23 to 25 October 2026, starting and finishing in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. MTB Shimla is part of the MTB Himalaya franchise, Asia's oldest MTB stage race. MTB Himalaya began in 2005 and drew riders from around the world. MTB Shimla started as a spin-off in 2012 to make mountain biking more accessible to Indian riders. Since then it has become India's favourite mountain bike race. It brought MTB to the country at large, and every year it draws riders from across India and across age groups. New for 2026: MTB Shimla goes back to its roots as a cross-country marathon (XCM), and for the first time gravel bikes are welcome too.
Route & Format
MTB
~130km, 1 prologue + 2 timed stages, 3,800m climbing / 3,500m descending, 90% off-road
A loop through The Ridge, Shimla, with steep climbs, fast descents, tight switchbacks and everything in between. Winners are decided purely on total lap time.
The Course
Mandatory
Riders are expected to book their accommodation on their own.
The prologue on 23 October is not timed, but every rider must ride it.
Race Weekend
23 October
01 — Rider registration and bib collection
Venue to be announced
02 — Ceremonial flag-off: Prologue ride
The Ridge, Shimla
03 — Race briefing
Venue to be announced
04 — Race dinner
Venue to be announced
24 October
01 — Stage 1 flag-off
Venue to be announced
02 — Stage 1 flag-in (finish)
Venue to be announced
25 October
01 — Stage 2 flag-off
Venue to be announced
02 — Prize ceremony
Venue to be announced
The race briefing is where final course and safety details are shared, so plan to attend. Bring the physical proof for any discount you claimed to registration.
Race Categories
Categories across every level. Pick the field that matches your pace and experience.
10 Categories · eligibility as on 23 October 2026. Special Concession for Himachali Riders applies as per race regulations.
₹3,900
₹3,900
₹3,900
₹3,900
₹5,990
₹5,990
₹5,990
₹5,990
₹5,990
₹5,990
ID proof is required for every entry. Upload an Aadhar, Voter ID, or driving licence. PDF, JPG or PNG, up to 5 MB.
Your Entry
What each category costs, the discounts you can claim, and everything your entry covers on race weekend.
Category
U-16 · U-19
₹3,990
Category
Open · Masters · Grandmasters
₹5,990
100% · FREE
National podium winners (last 3 yrs)
100% · FREE
Overall MTB Shimla top 3 (last 3 yrs)
Finished 1st, 2nd or 3rd overall in the race.
100% · FREE
MTB Shimla category winner, 1st (last 3 yrs)
Finished 1st in your own category.
30%
MTB Shimla category 2nd / 3rd (last 3 yrs)
Finished 2nd or 3rd in your own category.
20%
Himachal bona fide residents
20%
Armed Forces
20%
3-time MTB Shimla veterans
10%
Previous MTB Shimla riders
Proof required
Physical proof for every discount code is checked at registration, so carry originals, such as your official race result or podium certificate.
Fri 23 Oct
Sat 24 Oct
Sun 25 Oct
Fuel up: breakfast is not provided on any day, so eat at your hotel before the 9:00 AM stage starts.
Stay & Travel
The race is based at The Ridge, Shimla, with some events at Woodville Palace, Shimla.
Woodville Palace
Luxury
Hotel Marina
Luxury
Hotel Rahat Regency
Mid-Range
Hotel Ashiana Clarks Inn
Mid-Range
Hotel Rajat
Budget
Riders are expected to book their accommodation on their own. All partner hotels have parking. Shimla also has safe municipal parking for multi-day stays.
01 — Volvo Bus · Delhi → Shimla
Several departures daily; 8–10 overnight Volvos let you carry your bike.
02 — Flight · To Chandigarh
Connected to all major Indian cities; 3 hours from Shimla. Shimla airport has limited flights.
03 — Cab · Chandigarh → Shimla
Race logistics partners can handle transfers.
04 — Toy Train · Kalka → Shimla
Narrow-gauge heritage line; slow but an unforgettable ride.
Media Gallery
Course and venue imagery from the 13th edition.
Start and finish along the Ridge, Shimla.
Off-road sections through the Shimla hills.
Riders roll out across age groups.
The 2026 format returns to cross-country marathon.
Part of the MTB Himalaya stage-race franchise.
Before You Race
Every rider needs these four things in order before race weekend. Riders under 18 have extra requirements, marked below.
All riders must carry valid medical insurance.
Under 18 Must be covered under their parents' insurance policy.
All riders must sign an indemnity form for the race.
Under 18 Parents must sign the indemnity on the rider's behalf.
All riders must produce a medical certificate signed by a general practitioner of medicine, certifying that you have no underlying conditions that could be aggravated by taking part in an event of this nature.
All riders must submit a copy of at least one valid proof of age and address to confirm their registration.
Registration is confirmed only once you submit a copy of at least one proof document. Keep all four requirements ready before you travel to Shimla.
Be Ready
Submit your entry and HASTPA will confirm your category and payment details by email.
Register NowMark Your Calendar
Entries for 13th MTB Shimla 2026 run 23 to 25 October 2026 at The Ridge, Shimla. Submit the form below and HASTPA will confirm your category and payment details.