Sham Valley Trek Ladakh | Itinerary

About This Tour

DIFFICULTY LEVEL : Easy to Moderate
ALTITUDE : 3230 m (Temisgam), 3874 m (Tsermangchen La)
ROUTE: : Likir – Yangthang - Hemis Shukpachan - Temisgam

Discover the charm of the Sham Valley Trek, often called the "Baby Trek" as it offers a perfect mix of adventure and culture in Ladakh’s Sham region. Ideal for beginners, this easy to moderate trek takes you through the breathtaking apricot orchards, villages, and ancient monasteries. Experience the unique Indo-Tibetan culture as you explore the stunning Alchi Monastery, one of Ladakh’s oldest Buddhist sites. With serene landscapes, homestays, and an immersive cultural experience, this trek is a must for those seeking a relaxed yet enriching Himalayan journey.

Sham Valley Trekking Route and Experience

Trekkers start the Sham Valley trek from Likir (3519 m) where they can visit Likir Monastery. Then after a 10 km ascent, crossing Phobe La (3,580 m) and Chagatse La (3,710 m), trekkers reach Yangthang (3677 m). These high elevation points offer spectacular views of Ladakh's rough landscape.

The path extends 10 kms from Yangthang to Hemis Shukpachan (3632 m) through Tsermangchan La (3874 m). The view along this route becomes wonderfully scenic as the trail reveals lush meadows which are adorned with prayer flags.

The last 10 kilometers lead trekkers from Hemis Shukpachan through Mebtak La (3800 m) to Temisgam (3230 m). This trail features stunning valleys as well as unique rock formations along with ancient monasteries. The short trek of Sham Valley provides adventurers an opportunity to fully experience the enriching Himalayan journey.

Best Time for Sham Valley Trek

The Sham Valley Trek is accessible year-round, but the best time to trek is from June to September, when pleasant weather and breathtaking landscapes enhance the experience. During this period, temperatures range between 20 and 25°C, ensuring clear, dry trails and lush greenery. Vibrant wildflowers blanket the valleys, while the rich Ladakhi culture comes to life, offering trekkers a chance to witness local festivals and engage with the warm, welcoming locals. Whether it's the scenic beauty, cultural immersion, or ideal trekking conditions, summer transforms Sham Valley into a truly magical destination!

Itinerary

Day 01 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 02 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 03 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 04 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 05 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 06 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 07 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 ...