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 50% complete, with the Darcha-to-Shinku La approach road over 90% complete and the Padum-to-Shinku La approach road 50% complete, still expected to be completed by August 2028. 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 August 9, 2026, an 'orange alert' for heavy to very heavy rainfall is in effect for Himachal Pradesh until at least August 11, with a wet spell predicted until August 14-15. Over 100-180 roads are currently blocked across Himachal Pradesh due to heavy monsoon rains and landslides, including a continued landslide advisory for NH-03 near Mooling Bridge and Jahlama Bridge on the SKTT road in Lahaul-Spiti due to continuous rockfall and landslide activity. Flash flood warnings have been issued for several Himachal districts. Light snowfall has also begun at Sarchu and Chandertal, and rain/snow is expected over Shinku La. Travelers are advised 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) 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.