Snow Pass Day Trip

Shinku La Pass

5,100 metres. Snow year-round. No experience required.

Duration 1 Day
Difficulty Easy
Season May – Oct
Altitude 5,100m

Overview

The Gateway to Zanskar

Shinku La at approximately 5,100m is the gateway between Lahaul and Zanskar. The closest major snow pass to YOLO Outdoors — a day trip with no technical difficulty, just the drive. You arrive at snow, glacier-level cold, and views that reframe everything. A guest favourite for good reason.

Timeline

Itinerary

8:00am Depart Jispa +

Drive south to Darcha (7km), then turn onto the Zanskar road.

9:30am Darcha → Chikka → Rarik +

Last villages of Lahaul before the pass. Road becomes rougher. Spectacular open terrain.

11:00am Shinku La Summit (5,100m) +

Prayer flags. Snow. Views of both Lahaul and Zanskar. Stay 30–45 minutes.

1:00pm Descent +

Back toward Jispa. Stop at Darcha for lunch.

3:00pm Return to YOLO Outdoors +

Back at camp. Hot drinks and rest.

Key Highlights

What Makes It Special

❄ Snow at the summit — year-round
👁 First views of Zanskar terrain from the other side
⛰ Sacred Gonbo Rangjon peak visible in distance
🙏 Prayer flags and high-altitude silence
📸 One of the most Instagrammable passes near Jispa

Be Prepared

Packing Checklist

Essentials

Heavy jacket (mandatory at 5,100m even in July)
Gloves and woollen hat
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Photo ID for Darcha checkpoint
Water and packed lunch
Best Time to Go

May to October. The pass is accessible whenever the road is clear of snow. Best visibility in September.

Ready?

Plan Your Shinku La Trip

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Explore more of Jispa — discover all stays and experiences at The YOLO Collective.