Padum to Jispa

Ride the new trans-Himalayan axis connecting Zanskar to Lahaul via the towering 16,580 ft Shinku La Pass. This adventurous solo route features a trek to the secluded Phugtal Cave Monastery and camping beneath the holy Gonbo Rangjon peak. It is a raw off-road experience transitioning from the arid Zanskar gorges to the green Bhaga valley. Expect ongoing road widening and blacktopping by the BRO. The Shinku La Tunnel project is under construction, with tunnel boring 50% complete and progress on track for completion by August 2028. However, it is not operational for tourist use in 2026, and its completion timeline remains uncertain for travelers. The Darcha-to-Shinku La approach road is over 90% complete and the Padum-to-Shinku La approach road 50% complete. Note: The Darcha to Shinkula Road reopened on May 10, 2026, but a 4x4 vehicle is strongly recommended due to slippery surfaces and potential fresh snowfall. As of October 1, 2026, all roads in Lahaul & Spiti, including the Darcha-Shinku La-Padum axis, remain temporarily closed for all vehicular movement due to continuous snowfall and adverse weather conditions. Light snowfall has begun at Sarchu and Chandertal, and rain/snow is expected over Shinku La. As of September 28, 2026, 66 roads remain blocked across Himachal Pradesh, including 19 in Lahaul and Spiti, with a yellow alert issued for possible landslides. Travelers are advised not to travel towards Lahaul–Spiti until further notice and to defer nonessential mountain travel in Himachal Pradesh. For Indian tourists, an Inner Line Permit is no longer required for Zanskar or other parts of Ladakh; instead, an online Ladakh Environment Fee (₹400 one-time + ₹20/day wildlife fee, plus an optional ₹50 Red Cross Fund contribution) is required if visiting restricted areas within Ladakh. Shinku La Pass and the Darcha-Padum road are subject to seasonal closures and may be inaccessible for bikes during early spring (March-April) due to heavy snow and hazardous conditions.