Trekkers arrive in Manali, where the expedition formally begins. Although this is a low-altitude day, our experience on Shinkun expeditions shows that this day plays a quiet but decisive role in overall success. Most trekkers arrive tired from travel, and the tendency to “use the day freely” often leads to dehydration or poor rest. For this reason, Terranova Expedition keeps the day structured but relaxed.

The team assembles for an informal briefing where we explain how Shinkun East behaves differently from trekking peaks. Emphasis is placed on altitude discipline, hydration from day one, and realistic expectations from the summit day. Equipment is checked carefully, especially footwear, layering systems, and gloves — small mistakes here become serious problems above 5,000 meters.

The evening is kept light. Trekkers are encouraged to eat well, hydrate, and sleep early. Though Manali feels comfortable, this is where the body begins preparing for rapid altitude exposure in the coming days.

The drive from Manali to Jispa marks the first real physiological shift of the expedition. The road journey is long and scenic, but the altitude gain is significant enough that most trekkers feel subtle changes by evening — mild headache, reduced appetite, or early fatigue.

From our operational experience, we strictly avoid any additional activity upon arrival in Jispa. Trekkers often underestimate this altitude because it is reached by vehicle, but the body does not distinguish between “earned” and “driven” altitude. Hydration is monitored, and warm meals are prioritized to help the body adjust.

This night is often the first slightly disturbed sleep of the expedition. That is normal. The key is not to fight it but to rest as much as possible and conserve energy.

This is one of the most decisive days of the Shinkun East expedition.

The drive climbs rapidly into a stark, high-altitude desert environment. Within a few hours, trekkers are transported from a green valley into a world of rock, wind, and thin air. Base Camp at ~4,800 meters is reached without a long approach trek, which makes altitude impact immediate and unmistakable.

Once at Base Camp, the focus is entirely on damage control and stabilization. Tents are pitched quickly, and trekkers are instructed not to walk around unnecessarily. From our experience, excessive movement on this day leads to headaches and nausea later at night.

Warm fluids, simple meals, and early rest are essential. This camp sets the tone for the entire expedition — trekkers who respect this day almost always perform better on summit day.

This day exists purely because Shinkun East demands it.

At nearly 5,000 meters, the body is under constant stress even at rest. This acclimatization day allows the body to adapt before any upward movement, and skipping or shortening it has consistently resulted in poor summit outcomes in the past.

Short acclimatization walks are conducted toward higher ground and then back to camp. These walks are not about fitness — they are about stimulating physiological adaptation. The team also reviews snow movement techniques, use of trekking poles, and pacing strategies specific to long summit days.

Equipment is redistributed and finalized. More importantly, trekkers are observed closely — breathing patterns, energy levels, and hydration habits tell us a lot about how individuals will perform higher up.

This day is a controlled exposure day.

Trekkers carry partial loads toward Advance Base Camp (~5,400 meters) and then return to sleep at Base Camp. This “climb high, sleep low” strategy has proven extremely effective on Shinkun East, where altitude gain is otherwise very abrupt.

During this load ferry, trekkers experience the first sustained movement above 5,200 meters. Breathing becomes slower, steps become deliberate, and pacing discipline is tested. The purpose is not speed, but familiarity — with terrain, rhythm, and personal limits.

Returning to Base Camp allows the body to recover better overnight. In our experience, this single rotation significantly improves summit-day stamina.

The team now moves permanently to Advance Base Camp, knowing what to expect from the previous day’s rotation.

This camp feels very different from Base Camp. Wind exposure increases, temperatures drop sharply after sunset, and sleep becomes lighter. Appetite often reduces further, which is why forced hydration and nutrition become critical here.

The remainder of the day is spent resting, melting snow, and preparing summit gear. Weather patterns are studied closely, and turnaround rules are reinforced. At this altitude, decision-making matters more than motivation.

Summit day begins early, usually well before sunrise.

The climb itself is technically straightforward but physically relentless. The route consists of gradual snow slopes and a long ridge section where progress feels slow despite continuous movement. Above 5,800 meters, most trekkers enter a zone where effort and output feel disconnected — this is where pacing discipline is critical.

The summit of Shinkun East (6,081 M) offers wide, open views across the Lahaul and Zanskar ranges. Time on top is kept limited, as cold and wind exposure increase rapidly.

The descent is long but rewarding. In most successful expeditions, the team descends all the way back to Base Camp, which greatly aids recovery and reduces risk.

After breakfast, the team packs up Shinkun East Base Camp and begins the drive back toward Manali. The descent from extreme altitude happens quickly, and within a few hourstrekkers begin to feel the physical contrast—breathing eases, appetite returns, and fatigue gives way to a quiet sense of completion.

This drive is often reflective. The silence of the Shinkun region, the long summit push, and the discipline required at altitude settle in slowly once comfort returns. For many trekkers, this is when the true scale of the experience becomes clear—not just the summit reached, but the decisions made correctly along the way.

This final return also highlights Terranova Expedition’s approach on Shinkun East: conservative pacing, uncompromised acclimatization, and summit decisions taken with safety and long-term progression in mind. The objective is not just to stand on the summit, but to ensure every trekker returns strong, healthy, and better prepared for future Himalayan goals.

This day is intentionally reserved as a safety margin for weather delays or summit-window adjustments. When unused, it allows trekkers to recover fully in Manali—an important part of how Terranova Expedition structures its expeditions, ensuring that success is measured not only by summits achieved, but by how responsibly and sustainably they are completed.