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Shinkula Day Trip Package via Atal Tunnel - Only Taxi
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Shinkula Day Trip Package via Atal Tunnel - Only Taxi

Itinerary: Shinkula Day Trip (Manali to Shinkula Pass via Atal Tunnel)

Shinkula Pass
Day Trip
Difficulty: Low
Starting from
₹10,000
per person

Trip Overview

Venture on a daring day trip from Manali to Shinkula Pass at 16,615 ft, a remote Himalayan gem linking Lahaul to Zanskar. Travel by private taxi through Atal Tunnel, soak in stark peaks and untouched landscapes. Perfect for thrill-seekers and offbeat explorers craving a high-altitude adventure in a day.

Trip Highlights

  • Shinkula’s Wild Beauty: Stand at 5,060 m, marveling at barren Zanskar vistas and Gumburanjon peaks.
  • Atal Tunnel Gateway: Cross the 9-km tunnel, unlocking Lahaul’s rugged charm in style.
  • Lahaul Valley Drive: Glide past Sissu and Keylong, framed by dramatic Himalayan cliffs.

What's Included

  • Private Taxi: Round-trip transport from Manali to Shinkula Pass and back via Atal Tunnel (e.g., Innova or 4x4 Gypsy recommended).
  • Driver: Experienced driver familiar with the Manali-Darcha-Shinkula route and high-altitude terrain.
  • Toll Taxes & Parking: Covered in the package.

Not Included

  • Meals, refreshments, or personal expenses (e.g., snacks, water).
  • Permits (no specific permit required for Shinkula Pass via Atal Tunnel for Indian nationals in April 2025; foreigners may need an Inner Line Permit for areas beyond Darcha—check regulations closer to the date).
  • Additional stops or sightseeing beyond Shinkula Pass unless requested en route (time permitting).

Trip Information

Group SizeMaximum 7 people
Accommodation

Trip Itinerary

Distance: 280 km round trip (140 km each way, Manali to Shinkula Pass)Elevation: 5,060 m (Shinkula Pass)

Departure from Manali

  • Pickup Time: 4:30 AM
  • Pickup Location: Your hotel or a designated spot in Manali (e.g., Mall Road or Volvo Bus Stand).
  • Mode of Travel: Private taxi (e.g., Innova or 4x4 Gypsy recommended for rugged terrain; Alto/Dzire available but less ideal beyond Darcha).
  • Distance: Approx. 140 km to Shinkula Pass (~4.5-5.5 hours one way via Atal Tunnel).
  • Journey Highlights:
    • Drive via Solang Valley (~14 km from Manali).
    • Pass through Atal Tunnel (~9 km long, 25 km from Manali, ~45 mins to cross and reach North Portal near Sissu).
    • Continue through Lahaul Valley, passing Sissu (~40 km), Tandi (~70 km), Keylong (~85 km), Jispa (~105 km), and Darcha (~120 km).
    • Proceed from Darcha to Shinkula Pass (~20 km further, 45 mins-1 hour on a steep, narrow road).

Arrival at Shinkula Pass

  • Time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM (depending on road conditions and stops).
  • Altitude: ~5,060 meters (16,615 feet).
  • Activity: Explore Shinkula Pass at your leisure.
    • Highlights: A high-altitude pass connecting Lahaul Valley (Himachal Pradesh) to Zanskar Valley (Ladakh), offering stark, barren landscapes, snow patches (likely in April), and views of surrounding peaks like Gumburanjon. It’s a quieter, less touristy alternative to Baralacha Pass.
    • Optional (own expense): Photography or short walks near the pass (if safe and weather permits).
  • Duration: Approx. 2-3 hours at the pass, depending on your preference and road accessibility.

Return to Manali

  • Departure Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM from Shinkula Pass.
  • Drive Back: ~140 km (~4.5-5.5 hours, traffic and road conditions dependent).
  • Route: Return via the same route through Darcha, Jispa, Keylong, Sissu, and Atal Tunnel.
  • Arrival in Manali: 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM.
  • Drop-off: Your hotel or designated spot in Manali.
  • Tour Ends.

Taxi Options & Estimated Costs:

  • Maruti Alto (2-3 pax): INR 6,000 - 6,500 (not recommended beyond Darcha due to steep terrain).
  • Sedan (Dzire/Etios, 4 pax): INR 7,000 - 8,000 (feasible but less comfortable on rough patches).
  • Innova (6-7 pax): INR 9,000 - 10,000 (ideal for comfort).
  • 4x4 Gypsy (4 pax): INR 9,500 - 11,000 (recommended for safety and reliability on the Darcha-Shinkula stretch).
  • Note: Prices are indicative for April 2025 (off-peak season); confirm with Clipontrip.com at booking as rates may vary based on demand, fuel costs, or road conditions. A 4x4 is strongly advised due to the steep, unpaved road from Darcha to Shinkula.

Locations

Trip route map

Key Locations

Manali

Lively hub for your pickup, near Mall Road or Volvo Bus Stand.

3556.000000, 5466.000000

Shinkula Pass

Remote 16,615-ft pass connecting Lahaul to Zanskar’s wild terrain.

6533.000000, 8895.000000

Atal Tunnel & Sissu

Iconic tunnel and serene Lahaul village en route.

7888.000000, 1236.000000

Keylong & Darcha

Rugged Lahaul outposts with stark Himalayan allure.

4564.000000, 4565.000000

Terms & Conditions

Booking Confirmation

  • Booking Confirmation: Full payment or 50% advance required; balance payable on the day of travel. Contact Clipontrip.com for taxi availability and road status confirmation.
  • Travel Arrangements: Private taxi arranged by Clipontrip.com; no permit typically required for Indian nationals (subject to change).
  • Itinerary: Flexible timing at Shinkula Pass; subject to weather, road conditions, or BRO restrictions.
  • Health and Safety: High-altitude travel (~5,060 m); not liable for health issues.
  • Force Majeure: No liability for delays or cancellations due to snow, landslides, or roadblocks.

Refund Policy

Cancellation by Traveler:

  • More than 7 days before: 100% refund, minus INR 500 fee.
  • 3-7 days before: 50% refund.
  • Less than 3 days: No refund.

Cancellation Due to Unavailability:

  • Full refund if taxi cannot be arranged.

Weather/Road Closure:

  • Full refund if Shinkula Pass is inaccessible beyond Darcha; alternate drop-off (e.g., Sissu or Jispa) may be offered if feasible.

Processing Time:

  • Refunds within 7-10 working days.

Important Notes

  • Road Status: In April 2025, Shinkula Pass accessibility depends on snow clearance by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). The Atal Tunnel ensures year-round access to Darcha (~120 km from Manali), but the 20 km from Darcha to Shinkula is steep and often snow-bound until May. The Shinku La Tunnel (under construction, expected completion by December 2025) will eventually bypass the pass, but for April 2025, you’ll traverse the pass itself. Confirm road status with BRO or Clipontrip.com closer to the date.
  • Weather: 0-15°C in Manali, dropping to -5 to 5°C at Shinkula Pass; pack heavy woolens, gloves, and boots.
  • Road Conditions: Atal Tunnel and the route to Darcha are well-paved, but the Darcha-Shinkula stretch is narrow, steep, and partially unpaved, requiring a skilled driver and sturdy vehicle (4x4 preferred).
  • Travel Time: Early start (4:30 AM) ensures daylight for the return; the round trip (~280 km) takes 11-13 hours.
  • Altitude: Shinkula Pass is at ~5,060 m; ensure fitness for high-altitude travel to avoid AMS (acute mountain sickness).

Contact for Support

Address

Jagatsukh, near Himalayan Dairy, Manali-Nagar Road, (H.P.) 175143