Shinkula Pass via Gonbo Rangjon Peak to Purney campsite, Kurgiakh Chu by Narender Singh Sandhu

Shinkula Pass – Gonbo Rangjon Mountain– Purne Campsite

Shingo-La (also known as Shinku La) is a mountain pass in India, on the border between Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh. There is a shallow lake or pool 20m below the pass. The pass is on a long-distance footpath linking Zanskar and Lahaul, used often by locals and trekkers alike. For trekkers it is one of the technically easiest 5000m passes in Indian Himalaya, involving no glacier trekking nor steep climbs. There is snow on the pass all year round, although in the summer only a small stretch of snow has to be passed. There is an official sign proclaiming height of the pass as 16,615.500 feet. The height indicated by various trekking website varies from 4900 to 5100 meters.

Gonbo Rangjon Mountain

The Gonbo Rangjon Mountainis situated between the Shinkula pass and the village of Purney. The best thing about this peak is its beautiful shape which changes the value of a person; if you are sad then you will be happy after seeing this peak. To go here, you have to pass through Himachal border or Zanskar valley, Lahaul and Spiti in Himachal will have to pass through Shinkula pass which will now be open for all types of vehicles. And from Zanskar and Ladakh you will have to come through Padum Village, from Padum Village to Purney Village and from Purney Village you will reach Gonbo Rangjon Mountain. From Gonbo Rangjon Mountain to Shinkula Pass, you will enter Himachal to Darcha.

Purne Campsite or Village

Gombo reaches the full campsite from Rangjon Mountain. Here; you enjoy stay, food or drinking water will all be available. Most of the trekkers or hikers stay this village Purne for the night. Purne Village is a small village where only one campsite and one resident will get homestay. Purne Village is situated near the Kurgiak Chu or Tsarap Rivers.

Places & Route Plan – Pangi – Tangi – Darcha – Shinkula Pass – Gonbo Rangjon Peak – Purne campsite – Testan Campsite – Lchar Campsite – Raru Village – Padum town and administrative centre in Zanskar -
All text by Narender Singh Sandhu