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Trek to Sham Valley

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Sham Valley Trekking

At Sham Valley in Ladakh, the trekkers can find a short trek of three to four days of walking to reach beyond the 13,100 ft/4000 m. this route can best fit for the beginners and for the ones who have shorter period of time for maximum adventurous benefits. The trekking routes of Sham Valley will cover the distances through some beautiful villages like Hemis Shukpachan which is located amidst the rich forest of Cedar trees. The entire route traverses north of the road between Leh and Kargil and at the end of the trek near Khaltse, it is very rewarding to have a look at the Lamayuru Monastery and then head back to Leh.

The Sham Valley trek is considered among the easiest treks around Leh as the trekkers can come across tremendous villages to find an insight into the Ladakh village life. The trekkers can notice the stream of chilly water of the river to lead to the oasis amidst the barren wilderness. Through the sham valley and the ancient kingdom of Sham, the trekkers can discover the main Ladakhi monasteries and the wonderful sites surrounding them: Shey, Thiksey, Hemis, Spituk, Phyang, Lamayuru and Alchi are all accessible by road, and Temisgang, Ridzong and Likir line the trekking in Ladakh route.

The paths are of moderate difficulty that does not rise above 4500m to find the typical rural glimpses lying gallantly amidst the grand villages to catch the Tibetan customs and rituals. Carrying a camera will be equally beneficial to make the trekking tour as the photography trip as well to shoot the landscape as well as the rural people of Ladakh. The trekkers can also have an opportunity of staying in a local house during this trek as it traverses through some houses; specially appointed for village home stay for a wonderful Sham Valley Trekking pleasure.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Delhi - Leh
Early in morning flight from Delhi gets to Leh in less than two hours. From the airport you would be transferred to a hotel. Where they would be housed on full board. Leh is at an altitude of 3500 mts. And all guests are advised to rest for the entire day. A successful trek in Ladakh requires you to acclimatize well Early in the morning transfer to airport. From here catch a flight for Leh. Upon arrival at Leh transfer to hotel for full day acclimatization. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel/guest house. Leh: Leh is the fascinating capital of the Autonomous Hill Council of Ladakh, also known as Little Tibet. The important monasteries to visit in and around Leh are Shey, Thiksey, Hemis, Spituk, Samkhar as well as the Shanti Stupa, Stok Palace and main Bazaar. The Leh palace dominating the town was the former home of the Namgyal Dynasty. The monastic festivals are very popular and Hemis, Phyang and Lamayaro festivals in summer are visited by lot of tourists who throng to see the Cham Dances.

Day 2 Leh Local Sightseeing
Full day sight seeing at Leh covering Hemis, Shey and Thiksey Monastery. 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 17th 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 17Th 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 3 Likir - Yangthang across Phobe La
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 4 Yangthang - Hemis Shukpachen across Tsermangchen La
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 Tsermangchen La (3750m). After a short rest at the pass we head down to Hemis Shukpachen. The village, named after the grove of cedars, is one of Ladakhs 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 5 Hemis Shukpachen - Ang across Mebtak La
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 6 Ang - Temisgam and Nurla
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 7 Leh - Delhi
Depart for Delhi by the morning flight. For the more adventurous a drive to either Manali or Srinagar can also be arranged on request. The road journey is covered in two days with an overnight halt at either Sarchu, which lies on the Leh-Manali highway, or Kargil, which lies on the Leh-Srinagar highway. Trip and Services Ends Here ...

Cost Includes
1. Accommodation: Hotel/Guest House in Leh according to itinerary with bed & breakfast basis. While on trek Home stay on twin sharing basis.
2. Transport: Arrival and Departure transfer at Leh. All sightseeing at Leh, also pick up and drop for trek point by Toyota Innova Car or Scorpio car.
3. Meals: At Leh breakfast will serve. While on trek all meal will be provided. Meals will be freshly prepared and will be a mix of Indian, Chinese & Continental.
4. Support Vehicle on for trekking
5. Professional trekking guide for trek and Local guide at Leh for sightseeing.
6. Trekking permit

Cost does not includes
1. Air fare (Internal)
2. Any charges for carrying video cameras etc.
3. Alcohol, soft drinks, bottled water, beverages, etc.
4. Personal expenses like tips, telephone calls, laundry, etc.
5. Any meals/services not mentioned above
6. Monastery entry fee
7. Any costs arising out of unforeseen circumstances like landslides, road blocks, bad weather, etc.
8. Travel insurance