Shinku La (Shingo La) Pass
🏔️ What is Shinkula (Shinku La or Shingo La)?
Shinku La, also known as Shinkula or Shingo La, is a high-altitude mountain pass in the Indian Himalayas that connects Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul region and Ladakh's Zanskar Valley. It is part of the Nimmu-Padum-Darcha road, a strategic new route that connects these regions.
Location: On the border of Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh (UT), India.
Elevation is around 5,091 meters (≈16,580 feet), making it one of the highest motorable passes in the region.
Connectivity: Links the distant Zanskar Valley to the Lahaul and Spiti regions, improving connectivity between these high locations.
Nature: Much of the year is snowy, and the area is noted for its steep topography, breathtaking Himalayan views, and difficult mountain routes.
📍 Where is Shinkula?
Shinkula Pass is located on the Darcha-Padum-Nimmu road, which connects
Lahaul (Himachal Pradesh) - Zanskar Valley (Ladakh)
Altitude: around 5,090 m (16,580 ft)
Shinkula Pass is located on the Darcha-Padum-Nimmu road, which connects
Lahaul (Himachal Pradesh) - Zanskar Valley (Ladakh)
Altitude: around 5,090 m (16,580 ft)
🗓️ Best time to visit
From Mid-June to Early October
Roads are open, and snow has been cleared.
July-September is the safest
❌ November through May
The pass is closed owing to severe snowfall.
From Mid-June to Early October
Roads are open, and snow has been cleared.
July-September is the safest
❌ November through May
The pass is closed owing to severe snowfall.
🚗 Routes to Shinkula:
Route 1: From Manali (most common)
Manali to Keylong, Darcha, Shinkula Pass, and Padum (Zanskar)
The distance from Manali to Darcha is around 150 kilometres.
Darcha to Shinkula Pass is around 80 km.
Ideal for cyclists and adventure travellers.
Manali to Keylong, Darcha, Shinkula Pass, and Padum (Zanskar)
The distance from Manali to Darcha is around 150 kilometres.
Darcha to Shinkula Pass is around 80 km.
Ideal for cyclists and adventure travellers.
Route 2: From Leh, Ladakh
Route: Leh to Nimmu, Padum to Shinkula Pass, and Darcha from there.
Used if you are already in Ladakh.
More distant and fewer facilities.
Route: Leh to Nimmu, Padum to Shinkula Pass, and Darcha from there.
Used if you are already in Ladakh.
More distant and fewer facilities.
🏍⸏ Mode of Transportation ✔️ Bike
Popular among Royal Enfield and ADV riders.
Requires strong riding experience.
✔️ SUV / 4x4
Preferred owing to the rugged terrain.
Normal hatchbacks aren't suggested.
✔️ Shared Taxis
Available at Keylong or Padum (limited frequency)
Popular among Royal Enfield and ADV riders.
Requires strong riding experience.
✔️ SUV / 4x4
Preferred owing to the rugged terrain.
Normal hatchbacks aren't suggested.
✔️ Shared Taxis
Available at Keylong or Padum (limited frequency)
🪪 Are permits required?
Indian travellers do not now require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Shinkula.
Foreign nationals should double-check locally (rules may change).
🏕️ Stay Options
Keylong - Hotels and Guest Houses
Darcha - Camps and Basic Stays
Padum (Zanskar) - Hotels and Homestays
👉 No accommodations at the pass itself.
Indian travellers do not now require an Inner Line Permit (ILP) to visit Shinkula.
Foreign nationals should double-check locally (rules may change).
🏕️ Stay Options
Keylong - Hotels and Guest Houses
Darcha - Camps and Basic Stays
Padum (Zanskar) - Hotels and Homestays
👉 No accommodations at the pass itself.
⚠️ Important travel tips
Acclimatisation is necessary.
Stay in Keylong/Padum before crossing.
Carry:
Warm garments (even in the summer).
medications for altitude sickness (AMS)
Fuel (no petrol pumps after Keylong)
Network:
Mostly no mobile signal.
Weather varies quickly; start early in the day.
Acclimatisation is necessary.
Stay in Keylong/Padum before crossing.
Carry:
Warm garments (even in the summer).
medications for altitude sickness (AMS)
Fuel (no petrol pumps after Keylong)
Network:
Mostly no mobile signal.
Weather varies quickly; start early in the day.
🎒 Who should visit?
✔️ Adventure seekers ✔️ Off-road riders ✔️ Nature and landscape photographers
❌ Not suitable for:
Elderly individuals.
Those with respiratory or cardiac problems.
✔️ Adventure seekers ✔️ Off-road riders ✔️ Nature and landscape photographers
❌ Not suitable for:
Elderly individuals.
Those with respiratory or cardiac problems.
🚗 Road and Strategic Importance
Shinkula is located on the Nimmu-Padum-Darcha highway, which is intended to be Ladakh's third road link.
This road connects Manali and Leh via Padum and Nimmu. (himachalscape.com)
It is critical for the transportation of commodities, basic services, tourism, and mobility for locals living in these remote regions.
In the winter, heavy snow can cover the pass and road, limiting year-round access.
Shinkula is located on the Nimmu-Padum-Darcha highway, which is intended to be Ladakh's third road link.
This road connects Manali and Leh via Padum and Nimmu. (himachalscape.com)
It is critical for the transportation of commodities, basic services, tourism, and mobility for locals living in these remote regions.
In the winter, heavy snow can cover the pass and road, limiting year-round access.
🛣️ Shinkula / Shinku-La Tunnel Project
The Shinku-La Tunnel, also known as the Shinkula Tunnel, is a strategic infrastructure project that aims to provide all-weather access.
🔧 Project highlights
Purpose: To provide all-weather road connectivity between Lahaul (Himachal Pradesh) and Zanskar (Ladakh), bypassing the high-altitude pass that is blocked in the winter.
Project Yojak is being developed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
Tunnel length: around 4.1 km.
Altitude: Between 15,900 and 16,580 feet below the pass.
Cost: Approximately ₹1,681 crore.
Strategic value: Enables year-round movement of military, supplies, and civilian personnel, improving security and economic prospects.
The Shinku-La Tunnel, also known as the Shinkula Tunnel, is a strategic infrastructure project that aims to provide all-weather access.
🔧 Project highlights
Purpose: To provide all-weather road connectivity between Lahaul (Himachal Pradesh) and Zanskar (Ladakh), bypassing the high-altitude pass that is blocked in the winter.
Project Yojak is being developed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
Tunnel length: around 4.1 km.
Altitude: Between 15,900 and 16,580 feet below the pass.
Cost: Approximately ₹1,681 crore.
Strategic value: Enables year-round movement of military, supplies, and civilian personnel, improving security and economic prospects.
The significance
When completed, it will be one of the world's highest roadway tunnels.
The tunnel makes the Manali-Padum-Nimu road all-weather, which is especially essential given that traditional high passes such as Baralacha and Zoji-La are frequently blocked in winter.
Construction is moving forward under BRO supervision, with approvals and groundwork underway.
When completed, it will be one of the world's highest roadway tunnels.
The tunnel makes the Manali-Padum-Nimu road all-weather, which is especially essential given that traditional high passes such as Baralacha and Zoji-La are frequently blocked in winter.
Construction is moving forward under BRO supervision, with approvals and groundwork underway.
🌄 Tourism and Adventure
Shinkula Pass has become a popular destination for tourists and adventure visitors.
Tourists gather to admire snow-covered landscapes, particularly during the winter months.
Adventure road excursions and motorbike tours frequently include a pass on their itinerary.
The region has breathtaking Himalayan views, secluded wilderness, and walking trails.
Shinkula Pass has become a popular destination for tourists and adventure visitors.
Tourists gather to admire snow-covered landscapes, particularly during the winter months.
Adventure road excursions and motorbike tours frequently include a pass on their itinerary.
The region has breathtaking Himalayan views, secluded wilderness, and walking trails.
Best things to see and do in Shinkula (Shinku La Pass)
1. Shinkula Pass Viewpoint (Top Highlight)
At ~5,090 m, the pass provides 360° panoramic Himalayan vistas.
Snow walls even in the summer
Prayer flags float amid spectacular mountain scenery.
At ~5,090 m, the pass provides 360° panoramic Himalayan vistas.
Snow walls even in the summer
Prayer flags float amid spectacular mountain scenery.
📸 Best for photography and sunrise views.
2. Snowfields and Glaciers
Big snow areas on both sides of the pass.
Meltwater streams sliced through arid regions.
Ideal for snow photography and short walks.
Big snow areas on both sides of the pass.
Meltwater streams sliced through arid regions.
Ideal for snow photography and short walks.
3. Zanskar-Lahaul Landscape Contrast
One side depicts green Lahaul valleys.
The other side opens into the brown, rough Zanskar countryside.
This dramatic contrast is unique to this path.
One side depicts green Lahaul valleys.
The other side opens into the brown, rough Zanskar countryside.
This dramatic contrast is unique to this path.
4. The Darcha-Padum High Altitude Road
One of India's most scenic and adventurous routes.
Water crossings, hairpin turns and gravel pathways
An ideal path for cyclists and off-road drivers.
One of India's most scenic and adventurous routes.
Water crossings, hairpin turns and gravel pathways
An ideal path for cyclists and off-road drivers.
5. Darcha Camps (Nearby)
Riverside Camping with Himalayan Views
The night sky is full with stars 🌌
Excellent acclimatisation stop before Shinkula.
6. Trekking Routes (For Adventurers)
Gateway to the Zanskar trekking paths.
The trekking environment is remote and untouched.
Ideal for experienced trekkers only.
Gateway to the Zanskar trekking paths.
The trekking environment is remote and untouched.
Ideal for experienced trekkers only.
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7. Absolute silence and isolation
No shops, hotels, or crowds (yet!)
Experience true Himalayan seclusion.
Ideal digital detox place.
No shops, hotels, or crowds (yet!)
Experience true Himalayan seclusion.
Ideal digital detox place.
8. Astrophotography and Sunset
Minimal light pollution.
Stunning sunset colours over snowy peaks.
Best observed from Darcha or en-route campgrounds.
Minimal light pollution.
Stunning sunset colours over snowy peaks.
Best observed from Darcha or en-route campgrounds.
📍 Nearby Must-See Places (For Continuing Journey) From Shinkula to Zanskar
Padum, the heart of Zanskar Valley
Karsha Monastery, the largest monastery in Zanskar.
Saintongde Monastery
From Shinkula to Lahaul:
Keylong
Jispa
Baralacha La (if continuing from Manali to Leh).
Padum, the heart of Zanskar Valley
Karsha Monastery, the largest monastery in Zanskar.
Saintongde Monastery
From Shinkula to Lahaul:
Keylong
Jispa
Baralacha La (if continuing from Manali to Leh).
🧭 Best Experience Tips
Reach the pass early (6-9 AM) for:
Clear skies.
Less wind.
Safer crossing.
✨ In Brief: Top Things to See
✔️ Snow-covered high passes
✔️ Stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas
✔️ Natural, undisturbed landscapes
✔️ A scenic off-road journey
✔️ Peace and seclusion.
Reach the pass early (6-9 AM) for:
Clear skies.
Less wind.
Safer crossing.
✨ In Brief: Top Things to See
✔️ Snow-covered high passes
✔️ Stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas
✔️ Natural, undisturbed landscapes
✔️ A scenic off-road journey
✔️ Peace and seclusion.
🥟 Best Local Foods to Eat Around Shinkula
1.Thukpa (Must-Try)
Hot Tibetan noodle soup with vegetables/chicken
Very comfortable in cold, high-altitude temperatures.
Easily available in Darcha, Padum, and Keylong. Best food for altitude and cold.
Hot Tibetan noodle soup with vegetables/chicken
Very comfortable in cold, high-altitude temperatures.
Easily available in Darcha, Padum, and Keylong. Best food for altitude and cold.
2. Momos
Steamed momos (veg, chicken, and sometimes yak meat).
Fresh, satisfying, and light on the stomach.
Found in modest dhabas and homestays.
3. Butter Tea (Po Cha)
Traditional Himalayan tea is brewed with yak butter and salt.
Helps you stay warm and hydrated.
Common in Zanskar communities and Padum.
Steamed momos (veg, chicken, and sometimes yak meat).
Fresh, satisfying, and light on the stomach.
Found in modest dhabas and homestays.
3. Butter Tea (Po Cha)
Traditional Himalayan tea is brewed with yak butter and salt.
Helps you stay warm and hydrated.
Common in Zanskar communities and Padum.
4. Skyu (local Himachali-Ladakhi dish)
Thick stew featuring wheat dough balls and vegetables.
Highly nourishing and energy-giving.
Mostly offered at homestays.
5) Tingmo
Softly steamed Tibetan bread.
Serve with lentil or veggie curry.
Light and ideal for high-altitude digestion.
Thick stew featuring wheat dough balls and vegetables.
Highly nourishing and energy-giving.
Mostly offered at homestays.
5) Tingmo
Softly steamed Tibetan bread.
Serve with lentil or veggie curry.
Light and ideal for high-altitude digestion.
6¸Maggi at High Altitude (Classic!)
Almost every roadside stop provides Maggi! ☺️
Tastes even better in the icy highlands
Almost every roadside stop provides Maggi! ☺️
Tastes even better in the icy highlands
Best spots: Darcha and Jispa
7. Dal-Chawal/Roti-Sabzi (Simple and Safe)
Available at basic dhabas.
The best alternative for delicate stomachs.
7. Dal-Chawal/Roti-Sabzi (Simple and Safe)
Available at basic dhabas.
The best alternative for delicate stomachs.
✔️ Highly recommended before crossing the pass.
☕ Drinks to try
Black tea/ginger tea
Hot lemon water.
Herbal mountain teas (at homestays)
❌ Avoid drinking in high altitudes
🥪 What to bring for Shinkula Pass Day
As there is nothing at the pass, carry:
Energy bars
Dried fruits
Biscuits
Chocolates
Water / ORS
Thermos containing hot tea or coffee
Black tea/ginger tea
Hot lemon water.
Herbal mountain teas (at homestays)
❌ Avoid drinking in high altitudes
🥪 What to bring for Shinkula Pass Day
As there is nothing at the pass, carry:
Energy bars
Dried fruits
Biscuits
Chocolates
Water / ORS
Thermos containing hot tea or coffee
⚠️ Food Tips for High Altitude
Eat light, warm foods.
Avoid oily, spicy, and heavy foods.
Eat tiny quantities.
Stay hydrated.
Eat light, warm foods.
Avoid oily, spicy, and heavy foods.
Eat tiny quantities.
Stay hydrated.
Shinkula (Shinku La)A Quick Summary
The high-altitude Himalayan mountain pass connects Lahaul (Himachal Pradesh) with Zanskar Valley (Ladakh).
Altitude: ~5,090 m (16,580 ft)
Route: Manali → Keylong → Darcha → Shinkula → Padum (Zanskar) Part of the Nimmu-Padum-Darcha route.
Best time to visit: June-September (closed in winter due to snow).
Why is it important?
One of the highest motorable passes in India.
The high-altitude Himalayan mountain pass connects Lahaul (Himachal Pradesh) with Zanskar Valley (Ladakh).
Altitude: ~5,090 m (16,580 ft)
Route: Manali → Keylong → Darcha → Shinkula → Padum (Zanskar) Part of the Nimmu-Padum-Darcha route.
Best time to visit: June-September (closed in winter due to snow).
Why is it important?
One of the highest motorable passes in India.
Strategic and touristic significance
The upcoming Shinkula Tunnel will enable all-weather connectivity.
The upcoming Shinkula Tunnel will enable all-weather connectivity.
Attractions include snowfields, panoramic Himalayan views, dramatic scenery, prayer flags, and adventurous roads.
There are no dining or lodging options available at the pass. Darcha, Keylong, Jispa, and Padum all offer dining and lodging options.
Ideal visitors include adventurers, bikers, photographers, and wildlife aficionados.
Keep in mind that high altitude requires acclimatisation, there is a restricted network, and you should take gasoline and supplies.
👉 In one line: Shinkula is a lonely Himalayan pass that offers raw adventure, beautiful views, and strategic importance for Himachal and Ladakh.
There are no dining or lodging options available at the pass. Darcha, Keylong, Jispa, and Padum all offer dining and lodging options.
Ideal visitors include adventurers, bikers, photographers, and wildlife aficionados.
Keep in mind that high altitude requires acclimatisation, there is a restricted network, and you should take gasoline and supplies.
👉 In one line: Shinkula is a lonely Himalayan pass that offers raw adventure, beautiful views, and strategic importance for Himachal and Ladakh.
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