Shang La - Matho La Trek

The Easiest and Beautiful pass Crossing Trek for Beginners in Ladakh

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Duration
7 days 6 nights
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Highest Altitude:
5200m
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Grade:
Moderate
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Best Time:
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
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Temperatures:
🚩
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

1 Popular Peaks:

Stok Kangri ( 6153m )

2 High Passes:

Shang La ( 4950m ), Matho La ( 4950m )

1 Rivers:

Indus

2 Villages:

Leh, Stok Village

1 National Parks Or Forest Reserve:

Hemis National Park

Reach Leh find other treks

Daywise Itinerary For Shang La - Matho La 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: None
Cost Of Transport Included: NO
Where and How To Reach Leh
Today, we fly from Delhi to reach Leh by afternoon, and checkin to our hotel. All of a sudden when you take in the cool dry air of Ladakh, your body won't not conform to the new changed environment, that too in only couple of hours !!

Staying hydrated is the key to a successful trek in Ladakh. Drink enough water from the previous night itself, and not after landing on Ladakh. Likewise, have a Vaseline convenient to apply to your nostrils to keep it moist, else you will feel the air is excessively dry and cold making it difficult to inhale comfortably.

We rest for the rest of the day and meet in the evening for a light Snacks and a formal Team Introduction where we share few important information on the trek preparation and planning.

Time for Dinner to catch some more sleep.
Day 1
220 - Delhi
Day 1
3500 - Leh
2hrs.
▼ Day 2Trekking DayLeh 3500m
From Leh (3500m ) To Leh (3500m ), Via - Chemo Monastery (3600m ), Shanti Stupa (3600m ) - 4 - 5 Hrs.
Overnight In: Leh (3500m )
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we spend our day visiting places around Leh and acclimatizing further. Leh is at very high altitude and this day is very important for us. We visit places like Leh Palace, Chemo Monastery, Shanti Stupa, etc.

Each of these places can be hiked to and its the best for us to do, if we are not feeling exhausted. If we do, we need to take some light walks in the town itself for some window shopping. Leh has some good shops selling trekking gears. So you can do some last moment purchases.

Evening we will visit the monastery of Shanti Stupa to seek some peaceful aura around it.

Tomorrow we start the trek. Hence we recheck that we are all set for it. Do the last moment purchases, repack our bag according to the trek requirement, have dinner and sleep early.
Day 2
3500 - Leh
Day 2
3600 - Chemo Monastery
Day 2
3600 - Shanti Stupa
Day 2
3500 - Leh
4 - 5hrs.
▼ Day 3Trekking DayShang Sumdo 3678m
From Leh (3500m ) To Shang Sumdo (3678m ), Via - Alchi Monastery (3100m ), Lamayuru Monastery (3510m ) - 10 Hrs. 150 Kms
Overnight In: Shang Sumdo (3678m )
Accommodation: Tents
Meals Included: All Meals
After breakfast drive to Lamayuru 125kms 03hrs , visit moon land and Lamayuru monastery.Later drive back towards Leh . Lunch at Khaltsi, after lunch drive Alchi, visit the most famous monastery Alchi Choskor (Religious Enclave). The 1000 year old gompa was built by a great monk & translator Lotsava Rinchen Zansgpo. The gompa is famous for rare fresco paintings and Kashmiri style woods carvings. Reach Leh and have tea and snacks. Later drive 1 and half hr to Shangsumdo for overnight in Camp enroute visit Thiksey , Takthok and Hemis monasteries. Meet your other trekking crews. Sumdo means meeting place of three ways. The village consists of about 7 houses which takes you to ancient way of living and peace of mind.
Day 3
3500 - Leh
Day 3
3100 - Alchi Monastery
Day 3
3510 - Lamayuru Monastery
Day 3
3680 - Shang Sumdo
150Km, 10hrs.
▼ Day 4Trekking DayShang Phu 4349m
From Shang Sumdo (3678m ) To Shang Phu (4349m ) - 5 - 6 Hrs. 9 Kms
Overnight In: Shang Phu (4349m )
Accommodation: Tents
Meals Included: All Meals
Today the trail ascend gradually through green fields of wheat and barley, after distance walk visit small gompa of Shang and continue to walk path adjacent to a water channel flowing from south of Matho kangri.The trail flourish you with chortens( Buddhist structure which indicates the step to enlightenment of Buddha)many high altitudes flowers like anemone, blue poppies and meadows etc.The valley heads up to shepherd hut where animals from different villages live together for grassing for a period of about 3 months which includes Yak,Zo,Cow, sheep, goat and donkeys. Camp o/n at Shang phu at the height of 4250m.
Day 4
3680 - Shang Sumdo
Day 4
4350 - Shang Phu
9Km, 5 - 6hrs.
▼ Day 5Trekking DayGangpoche 4428m
From Shang Phu (4349m ) To Gangpoche (4428m ), Via - Shang La (4950m ) - 6 - 7 Hrs. 12 Kms
Overnight In: Gangpoche (4428m )
Accommodation: Tents
Meals Included: All Meals
The day is long and strenuous with over 6 hrs. walking. The first three hrs.is gradually steep up to shang pass through couple of zigzag trail. The area declares as snow leopard area by forest Dept, where every year about 30 to 40 pet animals has been killed by snow leopards. The killing actions by snow leopards normally done night time but some time you can see them on high mountain cliff. Animals like blue sheep, marmots and brown eagle can find everywhere in that area. When you reach shang pass the view from there puts you in beauty of nature, the mountain wall of Matho kangri 5800 to 5900 m will refresh your mind. As you descend from the left hill side, the undulating slope makes your way more interesting and beautiful. Gangpoche( high plateau)is most wonderful place for camping.
Day 5
4350 - Shang Phu
Day 5
4950 - Shang La
Day 5
4430 - Gangpoche
12Km, 6 - 7hrs.
▼ Day 6Trekking DayMonkormo 4450m
From Gangpoche (4428m ) To Monkormo (4450m ), Via - Matho La (4950m ) - 5 - 6 Hrs. 10 Kms
Overnight In: Monkormo (4450m )
Accommodation: Tents
Meals Included: All Meals
Today the trail steadily ascends to a series of grassy slopes, Yak herders from the nearby villages live in stone settlement at the foot of the pass and the view from the pass is absolute amazing , the popular Stok kangri peak makes you statue for a while. If weather clear you can able to see Karakuram mountains. The route from the pass follows 3 km gradual descend towards Mankarmo campsite
Day 6
4430 - Gangpoche
Day 6
4950 - Matho La
Day 6
4450 - Monkormo
10Km, 5 - 6hrs.
▼ Day 7Trekking DayLeh 3500m
From Monkormo (4450m ) To Leh (3500m ), Via - Stok Village (3600m ) - 4 - 5 Hrs. 10 Kms
Overnight In: Leh (3500m )
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: All Meals
Descent along with the stream through rocky trails. This is a delightful long walk and amazing geographical structure of the mountain. We reach Stok village where transport meets us to take you back to hotel in Leh, enroute visit Stok Palace museum
Day 7
4450 - Monkormo
Day 7
3600 - Stok Village
Day 7
3500 - Leh
10Km, 4 - 5hrs.

Shang La - Matho La Trek - An Elaborate Description

Walk the old Indus Valley Civilization. Witness the traditions and monasteries of the Ancient Tibetan Buddhism in the Little Tibet of India - Ladakh. Be mesmerized by the majestic peaks, beautiful valleys, and the lovely people of Ladakh. Oh, there are villages too!! For all those who love not just the beautiful mountains, but also its people, culture, traditions, flora and fauna.. Ladakh will love you back.

In this trek, you venture into the snow Leopard's winter home. If lucky, you might well sight the elegant and elusive cat. The trek takes you through 2 high altitude passes Shang La and Matho La, and the beautiful pasture lands of Shang Phu and Gangpoche to exit via Stok Village.

If you are yet ready for climbing Stok Kangri peak or Kang Yatse, or if you are for the first time in Ladakh and want to get introduced to trekking in this high altitude cold desert, the Shang La - Matho La trek is the best choice for you.

Shang La - Matho La Trek - Why Its A Must-Do

The magical landscape of Ladakh: If you have not witnessed the magic which the mountains of Ladakh does to your heart, you have lost on so many things in life. Being an Indian if you have not visited Ladakh, GO !!! What Are You Doing ??
Ancient Buddhist Monasteries and Culture: There is a reason why people call it 'Little Tibet'. It is said the the most raw and ancient practices of the Tibetan Buddhism can in found in India ( Ladakh and Sikkim ) and not in Tibet.
Moonland scape of Lamayuru. The unique and very famous moonland-scape of Lamayuru can be seen on this trek.
River crossings . Its very exciting to cross a Himalayan river, and on this trek you do that several times. Sometimes you need to take precautions and extra care though!!
People of Ladakh, their culture and way of life. This trek give you a lot of options to interact with the locals and know their way of life.
Peaks of Nubra, Shayok and Zanskar. The views of the snow covered peaks seen from the pass tops are marvelous.

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

Cost Terms For The Shang La - Matho La Trek

Cost Terms

The above-mentioned cost is in the range of minimum to maximum per-person cost for this trek as per 1 - 12 people team.PackageInclusions as per this cost can be read below.
5% GST (goods and service tax) is applicable for all our purchases.
We follow dynamic pricing as per the actual team size on the trek. Going by our standardized service, appropriate safety measures, quality equipment, and ecologically sustainable - small group commitment, a higher team size will lower the cost whereas a lower team size will significantly increase the cost.
Group segmented pricing if not provided here, please write to us using the contact page or text us on Whatsapp number +918017216725.
You may choose to keep the trek open or make it private depending upon your requirements or choice. The actual per-person cost of the trek is subject to the actual team size joining the trek. If you make any customizations that drastically change the itinerary and cost as mentioned here, then it will mandatorily have to be a private group only.
If we have dates listed on our website on Our Upcoming Treks and it is not marked as private, it means other people have booked this trek for that date and have opened it up for other members to join to lower the cost. If your dates and choices match, you may join these treks
You may join an existing open group listed on our website or create your own group as per your convenient dates and choose to either keep it private or open it up to lower the cost if other members join the trek.
At any point, the team size cannot be more than 12 members ( 10 for challenging treks) unless there is a unique exception requested or agreed upon by all the team members.

International Guests

Trek cost for foreigners is slightly higher than the cost for our Indian guests, mainly due to the higher permit fee applicable for admission to National Parks or protected forest areas. Sometimes, it may be higher due to higher local crew wages and other specific arrangements we make to ensure a safe, comfortable and enriching travel experience in India. However, we absolutely DO NOT 'hyper-charge' our International Guests ever and at the same time, ensure that we meet all the standards for highly qualified trek leaders and guides, safety, medical preparation, evacuation strategy, rescue arrangements, eco-sensitive travel, high-value knowledge sharing about the area and customs of the locals.

Extra Cost For International Trekkers Rs. 2000 per person.

Booking Process

Booking can only be done after multiple communication via email / Whatsapp / Calls. After connecting with us and discussing your needs, we finalize the trek and its requirements. After finalization, partial booking fees can be paid online or through direct bank transfers after which we trigger our preparations and arrangements for your trek. International Trekkers can pay the partial booking fees using PayPal, Wise, Western Union or Direct Wire Transfer.

Customized Private Group For Shang La - Matho La Trek

Trekking is a very personal activity and is perhaps one of the very few activities that give you enough time to indulge with yourself or your beloved people, a group of special friends, or close family members. It helps you transform personal bonds to the next level as it brings out everyone's best and truest self. Trekking is most enjoyed when it is done in a small private group, personalized to serve your specific needs. The Himalayas are best experienced when there is silence and solitude around and when you are surrounded only by your best people. Your trek is most enjoyable when all the pain of arranging a smooth trek is taken care of by us, and you focus just on your trek and yourself. Most importantly, a small private trekking group is very flexible, personalized, and more enjoyable, is the safest, and follows the principles of Sustainable and Responsible Tourism. Most trekkers book us for arranging personalized private treks catering to their specific and unique requirements - Customize This Trek

Must Read - Important Pre-Booking Information