Sham Valley Trek

Sham Valley Trek in Ladakh is perhaps the easiest yet so beautiful trek to be done in the land of high passes.The altitude of the trek stays with the limits of 4000 meters and involves few mountain pass crossings

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Duration
7 Days 6 Nights
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Altitude:
3900m
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Grade:
Moderate
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Best Time:
Jan - Dec
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Temperatures:
8 - 18 degrees in summers. -6 to -20 degrees in winters
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Starts From:
Leh
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Airport:
Leh, Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport ( IXL)
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Railway:
Katra, (KEA), Jammu Tawi ( JAT)

Key Geographical Highlights

Reach Leh find other treks

Daywise Itinerary For Sham Valley Trek

(click to read detailed route briefing, elevation graph, altitude time info and photos from the day)

▼ Day 1Arrival DayLeh 3500m
Arrive In Leh
Overnight In: Leh (3500m )
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Morning Tea,Breakfast,Soup,Dinner,Dessert,Hot Drinks
Cost Of Transport Included: YES ( Leh Airport to Hotel)
Where and How To Reach Leh
Arrive in Leh airport. Our team meets you in the airport and drives you to the hotel for checkin. Owing the altitude of Leh which is above 3500 meters, we should rest the complete day today and monitor our health properly. Our guide will meet you in the evening and brief you about the upcoming days.
Day 1
220 - Delhi
Day 1
3500 - Leh
2.00Km, 2.00hrs.
▼ Day 2Acclimatization DayLeh 3500m
Explore Shanti Stupa, Tsemo Monastery & Nearby. - 3.00 Hrs. 5.00 Kms
Overnight In: Leh (3500m )
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Morning Tea,Breakfast,Soup,Dinner,Dessert,Hot Drinks
Today we take a monitored soft walk arounf the higher points if the Leh city to acclimatize as well as to experience the beauty of the beautiful capital city of Ladakh. IN the morning we walk up to the Tsemo Monastery hovering over Leh and the Leh Palace. We finish in the Leh main market where we stop for shopping and lunch. We need some rest after that. IN the evcening we meet again to walk up to the iconic Shanti Stupa situated in a hillock above the Leh city. We can even meditate there. The view of the sunset from Shanti Stupa and the peace around will make up your day. We then come back to our hotel and prepare for our trek tomorrow.
Day 2
3500 - Leh
Day 2
3500 - Leh
Day 2
3600 - Shanti Stupa, Tsemo Monastery
Day 2
3500 - Leh
5.00Km, 3.00hrs.
▼ Day 3Pass Crossing Day, Trek Cum Driving DayYangthang 3670m
Cross Likir Monastery And Reach Yangthang via Phobe La - 4.00 Hrs. 10.00 Kms
Overnight In: Yangthang (3670m )
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Morning Tea,Breakfast,Lunch,Soup,Dinner,Dessert,Hot Drinks
After breakfast, we drive to Likir which is the starting point of the trek. We take some time out to visit the iconic monastery before we start our simple walk accross the beautiful Sham Valley of Ladakh. The walk is more-or-less even and simple.
Day 3
3500 - Leh
Day 3
3650 - Likir Monastery
Day 3
3800 - Phobe La
Day 3
3670 - Yangthang
10.00Km, 4.00hrs.
▼ Day 4Trekking DayHemis Shukpachen 3650m
From Yangthang (3670m ) To Hemis Shukpachen (3650m ), Via - Tsermangchen La (3900m ) - 4.00 Hrs. 10.00 Kms
Overnight In: Hemis Shukpachen (3650m )
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Morning Tea,Breakfast,Lunch,Soup,Dinner,Dessert,Hot Drinks
Today our walk is similar to the previous day, however with an elevated degree of beautiful and merriness as we get further deep into the heart of the Sham Valley. The odd shades of green in an otherwise pale valley owing to the hard work of the locals makes adds to the beauty of the valley.
Day 4
3670 - Yangthang
Day 4
3900 - Tsermangchen La
Day 4
3650 - Hemis Shukpachen
10.00Km, 4.00hrs.
▼ Day 5Pass Crossing DayAng 3400m
Cross Mebtak La And Reach Ang - 4.00 Hrs. 10.00 Kms
Overnight In: Ang (3400m )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Morning Tea,Breakfast,Lunch,Soup,Dinner,Dessert,Hot Drinks
Today we walk into one of the most beautiful vollage in Sham Valley
Day 5
3650 - Hemis Shukpachen
Day 5
3800 - Mebtak La
Day 5
3400 - Ang
10.00Km, 4.00hrs.
▼ Day 6Driving Cum Trekking DayLeh 3500m
From Ang (3400m ) To Leh (3500m ), Via - Temisgam (3250m ), Alchi Monastery (3100m ) - 5.00 Hrs. 2.00 Kms
Overnight In: Leh (3500m )
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Morning Tea,Breakfast,Soup,Dinner,Dessert,Hot Drinks
We finish the trek in Temisgam and then drive back to Leh. Enroute Leh, we visit the famous Alchi monastery
Day 6
3400 - Ang
Day 6
3250 - Temisgam
Day 6
3100 - Alchi Monastery
Day 6
3500 - Leh
2.00Km, 5.00hrs.
▼ Day 7Departure DayDelhi 216m
From Leh (3500m ) To Delhi (216m ) - 2 Hrs.
Accommodation: None
Meals Included: Morning tea, Breakfast
Cost Of Transport Included: YES (only to Leh airport)
Its an end of our service here. We move forward with our onwards journey.
Day 7
3500 - Leh
Day 7
220 - Delhi
2hrs.

Sham Valley Trek - An Elaborate Description

Sham Valley Trek in Winters

The Sham Valley Trek in Ladakh is a delightful and beginner-friendly trek, often referred to as the "Baby Trek" of Ladakh. Its modest altitude of around 4000 meters, combined with stunning landscapes and easy mountain pass crossings, makes it an excellent choice for both novice trekkers and culture enthusiasts.

The Journey Begins

Drive from Leh:
Your adventure starts with a scenic drive on the winding roads of the Sham Valley. En route, you'll pass by iconic landmarks such as:
- Gurudwara Patthar Sahib
- Magnetic Hill
- Sangam (the breathtaking confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers)
- The historical village of Basgo
This drive alone is a visual treat, setting the tone for the days to come.
Start Point - Likir:
The trek begins at Likir, home to one of the ancient and revered monasteries of Ladakh. A visit to the monastery is a serene experience, where you can offer prayers and witness the spiritual life of young monks at the monastery’s school. Spending time with the children is heartwarming and truly enriching.

The Trek Experience

Trek Duration: 4 days at a relaxed pace.
Route Highlights:
- The trek takes you through some of Ladakh’s most photogenic villages, including Hemis Shukpachen, Ang, and Temisgam.
- Experience the beauty of ever-changing landscapes—from lush green valleys and fertile farmlands to stark, barren mountains with their own unique charm.
- Spot vibrant fields growing spinach, carrots, cabbage, onions, and apricots, surrounded by tall poplar trees and ancient monasteries.
Cultural Immersion:
Opt for homestays to immerse yourself in Ladakhi culture. Staying with local families allows you to experience their traditions, share meals cooked in cozy kitchens with Bukharis (traditional wood-burning stoves), and listen to stories of life in this high-altitude paradise.

Wildlife and Photography

The Sham Valley is a hotspot for wildlife sightings, including the elusive Snow Leopard, Lynx, and Red Fox.

For photographers, this trek is a dream come true. Capture the charm of green farmlands, barren mountain ranges, and the smiling faces of locals. Don’t forget to pack portrait and wide-angle lenses for the best shots!

Why Choose Sham Valley Trek?

Beginner-Friendly Adventure: Easy terrain and well-paced itinerary make it ideal for first-timers.
Cultural Exploration: The trek is more than just scenic beauty—it’s an immersive cultural journey through Ladakh's villages and monasteries.
Winter Magic: Trekking in winter adds a unique charm, with snow-capped peaks and the quiet solitude of Ladakh’s frozen beauty.

Whether you’re a first-time trekker or someone seeking an easy yet enriching adventure, the Sham Valley Trek in winters promises a perfect mix of natural beauty, culture, and serenity. Pack your warm gear, cameras, and a curious heart to discover the magic of Ladakh!

Sham Valley Trek - Why Its A Must-Do

Beginner-Friendly Trek: Perfect for first-time trekkers, with modest altitudes around 4000 meters and easy pass crossings.
Scenic Drive: Start with a beautiful drive from Leh, passing by Gurudwara Patthar Sahib, Magnetic Hill, Sangam (Indus and Zanskar rivers confluence), and the historical village of Basgo.
Explore Likir Monastery: Visit one of Ladakh's ancient monasteries, offering prayers and interacting with young monks for a heartwarming experience.
Picturesque Villages: Trek through charming villages like Hemis Shukpachen, Ang, and Temisgam, showcasing lush green fields and traditional Ladakhi life.
Homestay Experience: Stay with local families to immerse yourself in Ladakhi culture, share meals, and learn about their traditions.
Wildlife Spotting: A chance to see rare wildlife such as the elusive Snow Leopard, Lynx, and Red Fox during the trek.
Changing Landscapes: Witness the contrasting beauty of green farmlands and barren mountains of Ladakh.
Photographer's Delight: Ideal for capturing stunning landscapes, village life, and cultural portraits—don’t forget your wide-angle and portrait lenses!
Winter Magic: Experience the serene charm of Ladakh in winter, with snow-dusted landscapes and peaceful trekking trails.

How We Grade Our Treks and Expeditions

Easy

Usual daily walks of 4 - 5 hours in altitude below 4000 meters. The sleeping altitude on these treks are below 4000 meter and the trails are gradual involving no steep ascent or descent. Sometimes, the trail may be longer, but on level trails. The duration of trek may be a week or lesser than it. The trek is not too remote and evacuation might be possible from almost any point of the trek

Moderate

The trek duration each day may span from 4 - 5 hours, but on some days, it may push up to 8 - 9 days. The trail might involve steep ascents or descents on occasions This kind of treks demand good fitness, and trekkers must involve themselves in cardio exercises regularly to do these treks comfortably. Sleeping altitude are below 4000 meters or little above it, but the trail might go as high as 4500 - 5000 meters. The trek is bit remote and evacuation might be possible from almost all, but not all campsites

Moderate+

This type of treks are bit more demanding than the moderate ones. It might involve few days of very long walks at higher altitude, or serious gradients, exposures, more remote or involves sleeping at higher altitudes for more days.

Strenuous

The trek duration each day may span from 5 - 8 hours, and may go up to to 8 - 9 on few days. The trail involves steep ascents and descents. Good fitness are demand of these treks, and trekkers must involve themselves in cardio exercises regularly to do these treks comfortably. Sleeping altitude may go above 4000 meters or little above it on couple of days, but not more than that. The trail might go as high as 4500 - 5200 meters. These trek are remote and evacuation might not be possible from all the campsites

Challenging

The trek duration each day may span from 5 - 8 hours, and may go up to to 8 - 9 or even more than that on few days. The trail involves steep ascents and descents. Crossing a glacier or a scree zone might be a feature of these treks. You might on some occasions, require technical equipment like rope, ice axe and snow stacks etc to complete these treks. Good fitness are demand of any treks, but these treks demands strong character. Sleeping altitude may goes well above 5000 meters on some days. The trail might go as high as 5000 - 6000 meters. These trek are high or remote or both. The trek usually might be a week long.

Sometimes irrespective of altitude and distance, a trek may ge graded Challenging if the route is treacherous, which might demand some footing skills or assistance of ropes and other equipment

Challenging+

The trek duration each day may span from 5 - 8 hours, and may go up to to 8 - 9 or even more than that on few days. The trail involves steep ascents and descents. Negotiating glacial moraines, scree zones, crossing them, camping on them etc are features of these treks. You might also require technical equipment like rope, ice axe and snow stacks etc to complete these treks. Good fitness are demand of any treks, but these treks demands strong character. Sleeping altitude may goes well above 5000 meters on some days. The trail might go as high as 5000 - 6000 meters. These trek are high and remote. A good technical support team and knowledgeable local guide is a must. Only experienced trekkers are advised to do these treks. The trek goes over 2 week and may be longer than that.

Sometimes irrespective of altitude and distance, a trek may ge graded Challenging if the route is treacherous, which might demand some footing skills or assistance of ropes and other equipment