Shingo La, also referred to as Shinku La, serves as a significant mountain pass at an elevation of 5,091 meters (16,703 feet), marking the boundary between Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh. This pass forms a crucial link between the Lahaul region of Himachal Pradesh and the Zanskar region of Ladakh.
Famed as part of a long-distance footpath connecting Zanskar and Lahaul, Shingo La is a popular route among locals and trekkers. Notably, it’s considered one of the more approachable 5000-meter passes in the Indian Himalayas, involving relatively manageable terrain without glacier trekking or steep ascents. Near the pass sits a shallow lake or pool, adding to the pass’s unique charm.
Typically blanketed by snow from October to April, Shingo La remains susceptible to avalanches during these winter months. Officially marked with a sign declaring its height at 16,615.500 feet, this pass has become a focal point for development, especially concerning connectivity.
Following the Kargil conflict of 1999, plans for a road linking Darcha with Padum through the Shingo La pass emerged, with initial work beginning in 2002. The Border Roads Organization (BRO) undertook this project, eventually black-topping the road. Currently, efforts are underway to expand this road into a double-lane thoroughfare and to construct a tunnel beneath the pass for year-round connectivity.
To enhance connectivity further, the Indian government has approved the preparation of a detailed project report (DPR) by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. This report aims to outline the construction of a 13.5 km (8.4 mi) long tunnel, emphasizing the commitment to improving accessibility and connectivity through this formidable mountain pass.