Connecting Tons and Baspa River valleys over Shinka Pass

Shinka Pass (Ghati) trek

Shinka Pass is a high altitude glaciated pass in the Great Himalayan Range that connects Tons and Baspa River valley. This is a rarely visited and a demanding trekking pass located on the ridge m that divides the watershed of Himachal Pradesh (Baspa and its tributaries) from neighbouring Tons River and its tributaries in Uttarakhand. It is probably the hardest pass to cross which are along the same divide, e.g., Rupin Pass, Nalgan Ghati, Borasu Pass and Lamkhaga Pass.

The trail starts from Jakhol, a prosperous village in Supin valley, a tributary of Tons. Locationally it is on the north western corner of Uttarkashi district in Garhwal Division, Uttarakhand. Crossing Shinka Pass you will reach Rakcham which is in Baspa valley, Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh. This place is in between two famous tourist spots, Sangla and Chhitkul.

FACT SHEET:

Duration: Delhi to Delhi in 10 to 12 days. 6 to 7 days of trekking.

 Prerequisite: Prior high altitude trekking experiences on snow and ice is a must.

 Location: Uttarkashi district in Uttarkhand and Kinnaur disctirct in Himachal Pradesh

 Grade: Difficult/Hard

Physicality: ~ 8.5/10 (Between T 3 or 4 Swiss alpine hiking grade)

 Highest Point: Shinka Pass ~ 4910 m/16105 ft

Geo Coordinate: Shinka Pass ~ 31° 17′ 3.8″ N 78° 18′ 60″ E (31.284386°, 78.316659°)

 Access: Reach New Delhi or directly to Dehradun and then take a bus or car to Sankri – Jakhol. Exit via Sangla – Shimla.

 Seasons: Late May to late September, avoid July and August due to monsoon

Further Option: Can be combined with Borasu Pass to return from Himachal Pradesh to Uttarakhand

Nearest Rail station: Dehradun (DDN)

 Airport: Delhi or Dehradun (DED)

Day-wise Trek Itinerary

Here we consider crossing the pass from the Uttarakhand side to Himachal Pradesh. It is possible to start from the opposite direction also. One can start from Rakchham and climb till Shinka Pass, from there either descending to Supin valley/Jakhol or else towards Jhaka/Jiskun/Dodra (Pabbar valley side) which is also in Himachal Pradesh.

Day 1: Jakhol (~2200 m) to Phitari (~2450 m)

• • Start from Jakol Village, a prosperous mountain settlement.
  • Gentle uphill walk through forested paths to reach Dharapani, known for the Someshwar Shiva Temple.
  • Descend through forested ridges to the Supin River.
  • Cross the river and follow the Supin River upstream to reach Phitari Village. with terraced farming around.

Day 2: Phitari to Liwari (~2670 m)

• • You can see Kasla and Rala villages at some distance on the same side of the Supin. But we will not go that side.
  • Instead cross the river and climb steeply to reach Liwari Village, with its stunning valley views and Shiva Temple.

Day 3: Liwari to Bira via Bishkupari & Bhulkona Meadows

• • Narrow riverside trail through light forests.
  • Cross the wooden bridge on the Supin and stay on it true right direction. Ascend to Bishkupari Bugyal, with views of Khimloga Peak (5877m).
  • Continue through Bhulkona Bugyal and finally reach the Bira campsite.

Day 4: Bira to High Camp via Nishani Meadows

• • Gradual climb across the Nishani Bugyal meadow.
  • Transition to rocky alpine terrain with grassy patches.
  • After about four hours, reach a flat plateau ideal for camping.

Day 5: High Camp to Shinka Pass (~4910 m) via Baramula Pass – Descend to Shonegras

• • Ascend through boulder fields to Baramula Pass.
  • Traverse along the mountainside to a glacial waterfall.
  • Steep climb along the ridge to reach the Shinka Pass.
  • Descend through the crevassed Bangibamak Glacier to the meadows of Shonegrass.

Day 6: Shonegras to Rakchham via Mastarang

• • Descend along the Shonegras stream into the Baspa Valley pine forests.
  • Pass Mastarang Village and continue alongside the Baspa River.
  • Cross a suspension bridge to reach Rakchham Village.
  • From Rakchham, take a short drive to Sangla for onward travel to Shimla.

Additional Information:

• Guides and Porters: Best to be arranged from Sankri or try at Jakhol.
• Supplies: Basic supplies are available in village shops along the route upto Liwari.
• High Camp Option: Camping an extra night near the glacier is advisable for acclimatisation.
• Best Time to Trek: Mid May-mid June (snow condition) and late August to late September (chance of some rain)