More commonly referred to as the "baby trek" of Ladakh, owing to its duration, the Sham Valley trek dips into the lower region of Ladakh, the Sham region. Sham Valley is also known as the Apricot Valley as it is dotted throughout with an array of Apricot flowers. This trek takes you through some of the remotest villages and nooks of Ladakh and brings you a stunning portrayal of life in those rustic hamlets. The trail follows beautiful mountain passes, pristine forests, gurgling streams, swaying fields, and Ladakhi hamlets. Despite its short duration, the trek packs great adventure and thrill for beginners as well as the experience. Witness a conflux of the Indian and Tibetan culture here, while the surrounding beauty takes your breath away, literally! The best part about the trek is that it may be done throughout the year, even during winters when several treks become inaccessible in Ladakh.
Trip Highlights
Experience the beautiful blend of Indian, Tibetan and
Ladakhi cultures that find a junction
in the Sham Valley region of Ladakh.
The trek is also accessible during winters when most of the
treks in Ladakh become
inaccessible, and several parts take to hibernating.
Despite the short duration, the trek encompasses the
experience of a full-fledged Himalayan
trek.
Itinerary Details
Reach Leh and spend the rest of the day exploring around. Overnight stay in Leh.
We drive to Likir after breakfast, a journey of about 58 km. This marks the beginning of our trek. The day is short and quite easy and takes us through two stunning passes Phobe La, and Chagatse La. We also trek past the quaint little village of Sumdo, from where the path to Chagatse La opens up. Once through the pass, the Yangthang village awaits us, and is our campsite for the night, right beside a gurgling stream. Sleep to the mellifluous sounds of the surrounding beauty.
The trail is easy and gradual, over the mild incline. We begin trekking northwards, and soon the trail descends to cross a small stream. From here, the ascent to Tsermangchan La begins, over a gentle slope. Once we cross the pass, we begin ascending yet again to Hemis Shukpachan, one of the loveliest Ladakhi villages. Admire the raging streams that await you, along with expansive fields of barley, adding a dash of greenery as a contrast to the robust mountains that surround you.
Another short, easy day as we begin an uphill climb, which soon swerves south. The trail becomes steep and ascends to Mebtak La at 3,750 m, where many Tibetan prayer flags can be seen fluttering. The trek now follows a descend, right up to Ang village, above of sweeping apricot orchards. Camp overnight at Ang.
The last day of our trek follows a descending trail all the way to the main road leading to Temisgam, where vehicles will be arranged to drive you back to Leh.
This marks the end of your trek.
How To Reach
We will arrange a cab for you from the pickup point in Leh which will be the Airport, the charges for the same are included in the package. For communications purposes, we will create a Whatsapp Group before the departure date of the trek and will share the details regarding the transportation. The drop at Leh Airport after the trek will be arranged in a similar way.
How to reach Sham Valley Trek Starting Point ( Leh ) :
By Air
The Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh is the highest airport in India. You can get daily
flights to Leh from most of the cities in India. Frequent flights ply from Delhi, Mumbai,
Bangalore, Chennai, and Kolkata. Standing at an elevation of 11,150 feet, Leh is one of the
highest cities in India.
By Train
The nearest major railway station is the Jammu Tawi railway station which directly connects
major cities of India like New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata and many more. It
is the most convenient stop, from where frequent buses and cabs are available.
By Road
You can use either the Manali-Leh highway or Srinagar-Leh highway if you wish to travel by
road. The Srinagar-Leh highway is more preferable than the Manali-Leh highway.
Inclusions
- To and Fro economy class air trave
- Travel by comfortable A/c or Non A/c coach / Vehicle as per the tour itinerary
- Entrance fees of all sightseeing places to be visited from inside
- Accommodation in comfortable and convenient hotels
- All Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (set menu) as mentioned in the itinerary
- All Tips – Guide, Driver & Restaurants
Exclusions
- Govt Tax of 5.00% over and above the Tour Cost mentioned
- Any applicable new taxes from Government
- Any upgradation in Airline class or hotel room category
- Any extra expense such as route change, Airline change, Date change, Accommodation facilities, etc incurred due to the unforeseen, unavoidable forced majeure circumstances during the tour
- Porterage (coolie charges), laundry, telephone charges, shopping, wines & alcoholic beverages, mineral water, items of personal nature and food or drink which is not part of a set group menu
- Any extra cost incurred on behalf of an individual due to illness, accident, hospitalisation, or any personal emergency