CurbOver Launches Largest Himalayan Jimny Convoy for World Record Attempt at 19,400 Feet

30 Vehicles, 65+ Participants Embark on 3,000-Km Expedition to Eastern Ladakh

Panchkula, May 30: CurbOver, India’s leading Maruti Suzuki Jimny owners’ community, is set to launch its most ambitious expedition yet as 30 Jimnys carrying more than 65 participants depart from Panchkula on May 31, 2026. The 14-day, 3,000-kilometre Himalayan adventure aims to establish a new India Book of Records (IBR) title for the Largest Convoy of the Same Model 4-Wheeler to Reach the Highest Motorable Road in the World.

The convoy’s ultimate destination is Mig La Pass in Eastern Ladakh, situated at an altitude of 19,400 feet, currently recognized as the world’s highest motorable road. Motul India is supporting the expedition as the official performance partner.

A Test of Endurance for Man and Machine

Speaking about the initiative, Manik Ahuja, Founder of CurbOver, said:

“This is not a leisure drive. The Closer to Heaven expedition is one of the most demanding overland journeys possible in a road vehicle. It is a true test of both man and machine.”

The convoy will be divided into two groups of 15 vehicles each, departing 45 minutes apart. The route traverses some of the most challenging and scenic terrains in the Himalayas, including Zanskar, Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso, before culminating at Mig La Pass.

Crossing Six High-Altitude Mountain Passes

Participants will navigate six major mountain passes during the journey:

• Rohtang Pass / Atal Tunnel
• Shinkula La (16,580 ft)
• Pensi La (14,436 ft)
• Zoji La (11,576 ft)
• Khardung La (17,982 ft)
• Mig La Pass (19,400 ft)

The record attempt is scheduled for June 8, 2026.

Battling Extreme Conditions at 19,400 Feet

The expedition presents formidable challenges. At 19,400 feet, oxygen levels drop to nearly half of those at sea level, affecting both vehicle performance and human endurance. Participants will face risks including Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), severe weather conditions, snow-covered roads, strong winds, and long stretches without fuel stations, mobile connectivity, or medical facilities.

To ensure safety, organizers have incorporated emergency oxygen supplies and a carefully planned acclimatization schedule throughout the journey.

Maintaining a 30-vehicle convoy formation at such extreme altitude is also a critical requirement for official India Book of Records certification.

Participants from Across India Unite for Historic Drive

The expedition brings together more than 65 participants representing four generations and diverse professional backgrounds. The group includes scientists, doctors, lawyers, professors, architects, entrepreneurs, journalists, merchant navy captains and designers.

Participants are travelling from cities including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, New Delhi, Kolkata, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Indore, Goa and Chandigarh.

The youngest participant is five-year-old Mehwish Khan, while the oldest is 70-year-old Suresh Adya, a retired banker from Bengaluru.

Reflecting on the journey ahead, Adya said:

“Man, machine and the mountains create a true test of endurance. It offers an opportunity to witness the beauty and majesty of the Himalayas, culminating in the thrill of reaching the highest motorable point on Earth.”

Participants Travel Thousands of Kilometres Just to Reach the Start Line

Among the convoy members, Nitin Jain has already completed a remarkable journey, driving more than 9,000 kilometres from Bengaluru to Panchkula before the expedition officially begins.

“I’ve driven 9,000 kilometres just to reach the start line. Every kilometre has been a build-up to pointing my Jimny toward Mig La. The nerves are real, but the determination to stand at the top of the world is even stronger,” Jain said.

A New Way to Experience the Mountains

For several participants, high-altitude driving has become an alternative way to remain connected with the Himalayas as physically demanding treks become more challenging with age.

Seasoned trekker Tardeep Saini explained:

“The mountains have always drawn me. As strenuous treks become harder with age, driving to remote locations allows me to continue experiencing their beauty. It also enables my wife, who does not trek, to enjoy these breathtaking landscapes alongside me.”

Returning participant Ashu Saini, who has joined previous CurbOver expeditions, expressed her excitement about the upcoming challenge.

“My first expedition with CurbOver was incredible. I want this journey to surpass it in every way. The excitement is real, and I cannot wait to experience those magnificent landscapes again.”

Motul Backs the Record-Breaking Attempt

Supporting the expedition, Milind Acharya, Chief Marketing Officer, Motul India & South Asia, highlighted the endurance aspect of the challenge.

“Le Mans, Dakar and the World Endurance Championship are part of Motul’s heritage. At 19,400 feet, oxygen levels drop dramatically and every mechanical component is pushed beyond ordinary limits. This is exactly the kind of environment our lubricants are engineered for. We are proud to support CurbOver’s record-breaking convoy on the world’s highest motorable road.”

Pursuing a Third India Book of Records Achievement

The India Book of Records will authenticate the attempt through continuous GPS tracking, geotagged photography and video documentation of all 30 Jimnys reaching the summit.

If successful, the achievement will become CurbOver’s third India Book of Records certification. Previous accomplishments include:

• 2023: First Jimny convoy to reach Umling La (19,024 ft), then the world’s highest motorable road.
• 2024: First Jimny convoy to cross Chicham Bridge in Spiti Valley, Asia’s highest suspension bridge at 13,500 feet.

As the convoy prepares to leave Panchkula, participants and organizers are hopeful of creating history while showcasing the capabilities of the Maruti Suzuki Jimny and the spirit of adventure that unites enthusiasts from across the country.

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