Sham Valley Trek

Sham Valley Trek

The famous Sham Valley trek in the Ladakh Himalayan ranges is being impressively known as the “baby Trek” as the area is being dwindled with lower altitudes and lower passes to make the trekking experience simply not more than just hiking but a pleasure event too. This is the most favorable trekking for the beginners that invites them for the non-technical hiking along the astounding ridges and mountain tips. The easiest trekking in the Ladakh ranges is also being treated as the most enjoyable tramping along the Sham Valley to bring the traditional qualities of the nomadic lives and the ancient village lives along the trekking trails.

This low altitude trekking can also lead the trekkers towards the ancient monasteries to visualize the traditional and religious values of the area. Some of the famous monasteries of Likir, Ridzong, Lamayuru, Alchi and Palace of Temisgam can be found in the area. Besides that, there are many other exotic sites to visit in the Sham Valley area including Alchi, Lamayuru, Phyang, Spituk, Hemis, Thiksey and Shey; all easily approachable through road. Finally, Likir, Ridzong and Temisgang will impress the trekkers while dwindling through the beautiful Ladakh trek route.

Tsermangchan La (3750 mts) being the highest point for this trekking brings the gentle gradients to get acquainted with other incredible passes like Mebtak La, Temisgam and Nurla to finally reach to Leh- the most appealing location of Ladakh for much excited memories. Find best-of-the-best excitements of Sham Valley trek preferably during the months of April to November.

Day 01 : Delhi – Leh (Complete Rest in Leh for acclimatisation)

Take the morning flight for Leh from Delhi. On arrival at Leh met our representative and transfer to pre booked hotel/Guest house for relax and acclimatisation. This is necessary for getting acclimatised at high altitude. Evening one can visit the color full market of Leh. Overnight in the hotel/guesthouse.

Day 02 : Leh – Shey – Thiksey - Hemis

On this day you will go a sightseeing trip to some ancient monasteries in this area.

Shey Gompa is about 15 kms from Leh. It used to be the summer palace of the kings of Ladakh. There are lots of Stupas and Gompas built around the palace. Shey palace was built by Deldan Namgyal in the beginning of 17’Th century AD. Main attraction in Shey is the 12m Shakyamuni Buddha statue inside the Dresthang Gompa.

Thiksey Gompa, close to Shey is about 17 kms from Leh. The monastery is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Ladakh and belongs to the Gelukspa order.

Hemis, about 45 kms south of Leh it is one of the most famous and largest monastery in Ladakh. It belongs to the Drukpa order and was founded in the early 17’Th century. The setting is perfect with the monastery cradled in a lovely valley, surrounded by streams and fronted by long Mani walls. Overnight stay at the guest house.

Day 03 : Leh - Likir - Yangthang across Phobe La (9 kms/4 to 5 hrs.)

Morning after breakfast you will be driven by taxi to Likir which is just 58 kms. Away. Likir Village (3650 mts.) is the starting point of our trek. Although the distance is short, the route is warm, without any shade or water and we need to traverse two passes. From Likir the route heads west up to Phobe La (3580m) and beyond this lies Sumdo village. The trail goes steadily upwards till you get to Chagatse La (3630m). Across the pass is the village of Yangthang (3630m) where we camp for the night, next to a stream. The Ridzong Monastery lies about an hour south of Yangthang.

Day 04 : Yangthang - Hemis Shukpachan across Tsermangchan La (8 kms 2/3 hours)

Today is an easy walk despite the pass because both the approach and the descent are of gentle gradients. The trail heads north, descending for a bit, crossing a stream before climbing up west again to Tsermangchan La (3750m). After a short rest at the pass we head down to Hemis Shukpachan. The village, named after the grove of cedars, is one of Ladakh’s prettiest. There are several sparkling streams surrounded by shady willows and large barley fields that provide a touch of green to the otherwise desolate, Rocky Mountains.

Day 05 : Hemis Shukpachan - Ang across Mebtak La (10 kms/ 3 hrs)

Again this is a fairly easy day. The trail goes upward between two hillocks west of the village upwards until it veers south and climbs steeply up to the Mebtak La (3750m) marked by prayer flags. From the pass we head down the gorge to Ang, a charming village with apricot orchards, where we camp for the night.

Day 06 : Ang -Temisgam and Nurla (8 km/ 3 hrs) - Leh

Today is the last day and very easy as its downhill all the way on to the main road. From Temisgam there would be a taxi waiting to take back everyone to Leh.

Day 07 : Leh – Delhi

Transfer to the airport for the spectacular flight across the main chain of the Himalaya to Delhi.

Trip & Services Ends Here.


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