Sinla Pass Trek

Life is unpredictable and we understand that sometimes you have to cancel or change your trip dates and we endeavour to make it as easy as possible for you. However, please understand that we plan everything including guide fees, permits, accommodation and rations in advance. Therefore, any cancellation means inconvenience and certain losses to the people involved in various stages of the programme. Keeping that in mind, our cancellation charges are as below -

• Cancellations before 30 days from the start of the event: Get a monetary refund with 15% of cancellation charges.

• Cancellations between 30 days and 15 days to the start of the event: 50 %refund.

• Cancellations less than 15 days to the start of the event: No refund.

• Cancellations will be accepted only by email.

Note: The Himalayan Daredevils reserves the right to cancel a program before departure in the event of logistical problems arising due to natural calamities, strikes, wars or any other circumstances that make the event inadvisable. In this case, we will refund 50% of the event fees.

Itinerary Changes &Trip delays:

We plan itineraries based on the information available at the time of planning and in rare circumstances, they are subject to change. If the itinerary is changed or delayed due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, transportation delays, government intervention, landslides etc., we will always aim to give you the best experience possible. However, The Himalayan Daredevils not be held responsible for the cost of delay or changes.

For Bookings made from Third Party Websites:

• The client is responsible for communicating with a third party (booking website) for cancellation.

• Cancellation / Refund is done by a third party based on their policies. 

The Sinla Pass Trek is a path less taken, yet it's amazing in the Kumaon Himalayas of Uttarakhand. It sits in the Johar Valley by the Indo-Tibetan line. This trek takes you past green fields, ice streams, thick woods, and old Himalayan towns. It is high up, about 5,490 meters, and is one of the top passes in Kumaon. From there, you can see the snow tops of Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, and Api Himal in Nepal. The walk starts at Munsiyari, called the “Little Kashmir of Uttarakhand,” and goes deep into the far Johar Valley. On the way, you pass many sights, from tall pine woods to icy bare spots. The path also goes by old paths used for trade between India and Tibet, making it a mix of culture and adventure. What sets Sinla Pass apart is how tough and wild it is, just right for those who have trekked a lot and love quiet and raw beauty. Its high spot and shifting weather mean you need to be fit, get used to the height, and have hiked high before. You also see the rich ways of the Johari folks, known for their work and life touched by Tibet. Small spots like Martoli and Milam put you right in the story of trade with Tibet. All in all, the Sinla Pass Trek is hidden and great for those who shun busy paths and want to dive into the deep beauty of Kumaon while touching adventure, history, and culture.

History of Sinla Pass Trek

The tale of Sinla Pass stretches back to the old trade and meetings between India and Tibet. For ages, this high pass was key for traders, holy folk, and locals going between the Johar Valley in India and Tibet. It was one of many paths in Kumaon that built the trade line with Tibet, busy until the mid-1900s. Before freedom, traders from Johar Valley would go to Tibet. They took food, sweets, spices, and cloth, and brought back salt, wool, and other goods. Sinla Pass, hard yet important, kept the link open between Munsiyari and Gyanima in Tibet. It also held deep meaning in spirit and culture. Many Buddhist ways got to Kumaon through this path, changing the ways, big days, and looks of Johari towns. The high spots show old prayer flags and holy spots from these exchanges. But after the Indo-China war in 1962, the border trade stopped, and this pass, like others in the area, was closed to locals. This hit the Johari folk hard, as trade was key to their life. Towns like Martoli, Burfu, and Milam, once alive with trade, lost many people as they moved to find new ways to live. Now, Sinla Pass has turned from a trade route to a trek spot. While not as well known as others, it pulls in those who love tough treks and history, wanting to follow the old trader’s steps. Today, it stands as a mark of past links between India and Tibet. For trekkers, it’s a long view into history where every spot tells of times gone by, when traders faced tough paths to keep their ways and lives going. It’s more than just grand views; it’s a step back into the tales of the Himalayan past and roots.

Nearby Places around Sinla Pass Trek

• Munsiyari: Munsiyari, known as the start point for the Sinla Pass Trek, is often called the "Little Kashmir of Uttarakhand." It is loved for its great views of the Panchachuli Peaks, green fields, and deep Kumaoni culture. Munsiyari is also a key place for many trek paths, such as the Milam Glacier, Ralam Glacier, and Namik Glacier treks. The town is ideal for getting used to the high altitude and has homestays, shops, and looks into the old ways of the Johari people.

• Milam Glacier: Milam Glacier, a big ice mass in the Kumaon Himalayas, is near the Sinla Pass path. Stretching about 16 km, it is the largest glacier in Kumaon and forms the Gori Ganga River. Once a busy trade spot with Tibet, the nearby villages are now quiet, but old ruins and temples still show the past trade days. Trekkers often go to Sinla Pass and also see Milam Glacier.

• Martoli Village: Martoli, a lovely, near-empty mountain village on the way to Sinla Pass and Milam Glacier. Known for its old stone homes, wood art, and Buddhist flags flying near snow tops, the village keeps the story of Indo-Tibetan trade alive. In spring and summer, the fields here fill with wildflowers, making it a great stop for trekkers.

• Nanda Devi East Base Camp: Not far from the Sinla Pass path, Nanda Devi East Base Camp gives a close look at the great Nanda Devi East Peak (7,434 m). Seen as a holy mountain, Nanda Devi is deeply part of the Uttarakhand lore. Trekkers find this spot the most pretty in the Kumaon Himalayas, a mix of wild thrills and deep respect.

• Ralam Glacier: Near Sinla Pass, Ralam Glacier sits in a far valley under big peaks. It is less known than Milam but shows grand sights, ice streams, and untouched wild lands. The trek from Munsiyari to Ralam Glacier is tough, making it a good extra for skilled trekkers at Sinla Pass.

Best Time to Visit Sinla Pass Trek

• Summer (May to June): The summer is a top time for the Sinla Pass Trek. Then, the snow melts, showing fresh green fields, bright flowers, and clear paths. Days are nice, but nights can be cold up high. Summer lets you see clear top views of Nanda Devi and other big peaks, making the trek worth it.

• Monsoon (July to September): The rainy months are risky for the Sinla Pass Trek due to heavy rain, falling rocks, and mud on paths. The area may face rain bursts and floods, making treks hard. Still, valleys and woods are full of life and colour now. It's best to skip these months unless you're very skilled and have good help.

• Autumn (September to October): Autumn is the best time for the Sinla Pass Trek. After rain, all looks clean and bright, and the skies are very clear, showing snowy mountain edges. It's cool and calm, great for high walks. This time also lets trekkers see the Johar Valley villages when they still have people before they move down for winter.

• Winter (November to April): Winter brings deep cold, a lot of snow, and closed paths, making the Sinla Pass Trek hard to do. It gets very cold, and paths are hidden in snow, tough even for good climbers. But one can still see the frozen beauty of the Kumaon Himalayas on lower walks near Munsiyari in winter.

How to Reach Sinla Pass Trek

• By Airport: The closest airport is Pantnagar Airport, about 300 km from Munsiyari. From the airport, you can take a cab or bus to Munsiyari via Almora and Pithoragarh. While flights are few, Pantnagar is the fastest airway for trekkers from big spots like Delhi.

• By Railway Station: The closest big train stop is Kathgodam, around 280 km from Munsiyari. Kathgodam has good train links with Delhi, Lucknow, and Dehradun. From Kathgodam, you can ride by road through Almora and Pithoragarh, seeing lovely hill views before reaching Munsiyari.

• By Road: Munsiyari, where the Sinla Pass Trek starts, has good road links to main places in Uttarakhand. Buses and shared taxis run from Haldwani, Kathgodam, Almora, and Pithoragarh. For more ease, one can rent a private cab. The road trip to Munsiyari is long but worth it, with curvy mountain roads, pine trees, and snow views.

Why Book with escape2explore

When exploring the Sinla Pass Trek and beyond, escape2explore stands out as a trusted name in adventure and experiential travel. Here’s why hundreds of travellers choose us for their getaways:

• Trusted, Well-Reviewed Local Operator: escape2explore has gained the trust of thousands of content tourists all over India. With persistent positive feedback and an unblemished reputation for delivering quality experiences, we assure you that your experience will be hassle-free, memorable, and value-packed. Our insider local knowledge guarantees that you will always be in safe hands.

• Seasoned Guides: Our trips are led by friendly, trained, and professional guides who are passionate about the outdoors and your safety. Whether it's a beach trek, a cultural tour, or a spiritual walk through temples, our team knows the terrain, the stories, and how to make each moment count.

• Safe & Curated Itineraries: Your safety is our number one priority. Our tour packages are thoughtfully crafted with safety measures, researched accommodations, and easy travel arrangements. We take care of the details so you can have the experience hassle-free and worry-free.

• Unique Experience That You Won't Find Anywhere Else: With escape2explore, you discover more than the tourist attractions. We go off the beaten track with hidden beaches, unusual treks, offbeat cultural destinations, and true interactions.