The Sham Valley Trek, often referred to as the “baby trek” of Ladakh, traverses the picturesque Sham region, the lower part of Ladakh. This trek is accessible year-round and provides a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant villages and daily routines of the Ladakhis. On your way back, be sure to visit the Alchi monastery, the most prominent and largest among Ladakh’s monasteries. Established in the 11th century by Rinchen Zangpo, the Alchi monastery houses a remarkable collection of antique paintings and sculptures that reflect the unique Kashmiri style of Buddhist art.
This relatively easy trek is suitable for beginners and families, making it an ideal choice for those new to trekking. The Sham Valley owes its transformation to the meandering streams that have brought life to the entire region, creating a breathtaking landscape for avid trekkers and nature enthusiasts. With a maximum altitude of 3,900 meters, the Sham Valley Trek offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the locals and their enduring traditional rituals, which have remained unspoiled by the passage of time.
As you journey through distinctive Ladakhi villages and visit stunning monasteries, the Sham Valley Trek invites trekkers to delve into the rich history of Ladakh, even if they have no prior trekking experience.
Day 1: Arrival in Leh (11,400 ft)
Arrival in Leh (11,400 ft) Upon your arrival in Leh in the morning, take some time to rest and acclimatize to the high altitude.
Day 2: Leh - Likir (11,548 ft, Drive) - Yangthang (12,073 ft) via Phobe La (11,745 ft) and Chagatse La (12,171 ft)
Leh – Likir (11,548 ft, Drive) – Yangthang (12,073 ft) via Phobe La (11,745 ft) and Chagatse La (12,171 ft) – 10 km After breakfast, a taxi will drive you to Likir, a short 58-kilometer journey. Likir Village (3520 m) marks the starting point of your trek. Although the distance is relatively short, the route can be warm, with limited shade and water sources, and involves crossing two passes. From Likir, the trail leads west to Phobe La (3580 m), and beyond that lies Sumdo village. The path continues uphill until you reach Chagatse La (3710 m). On the other side of the pass, you’ll find the village of Yangthang (3680m), where you’ll camp for the night beside a stream. The Ridzong Monastery is approximately an hour’s walk south of Yangthang.
Day 3: Yangthang - Hemis Shukpachan (11,909 ft) via Tsermangchan La (12,715 ft)
Yangthang – Hemis Shukpachan (11,909 ft) via Tsermangchan La (12,715 ft) – 10 km Today’s trek is relatively easy, despite the pass, as both the ascent and descent have gentle gradients. The trail heads north, descends briefly, crosses a stream, and then ascends to Tsermangchan La (3875 m) to the west. After a short rest at the pass, you’ll descend to Hemis Shukpachan. This charming village, named after its cedar grove, is one of Ladakh’s most picturesque. It features sparkling streams, shaded willow trees, and large barley fields that add a touch of green to the otherwise rocky and barren landscape.
Day 4: Hemis Shukpachan - Temisgam (10,597 ft) via Mebtak La (12,467 ft)
Hemis Shukpachan – Temisgam (10,597 ft) via Mebtak La (12,467 ft) – 12 km This is another relatively easy day. The trail ascends between two hillocks west of the village before turning south and steeply climbing up to Mebtak La (3750m), marked by prayer flags. From the pass, you’ll descend into a gorge and reach Ang, a delightful village with apricot orchards. From Ang, proceed to the main highway at Temisgam, where you’ll be driven back to Leh.
Day 5: Departure from Leh
Please Note :- The itinerary for this experience is flexible. It can either be shortened or extended as per your interests and preferences. It can also be run as a private tailor-made itinerary and your trip departure dates can be scheduled flexibly as per your convenience. You may also opt for a complete Homestay Trek on the Snow Leopard trail instead of this driving tour.
Itinerary
Inclusions
Exclusions
All meals included
Accommodation
Medical team and first aid kit
Qualified trek leader & guide
Insurance and Rescue team
Providing all technical equipment
Personal Expenses and Clothing