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The Sham Valley Trek is a short, low-altitude trek in Western Ladakh, typically completed in 3 to 5 days. Unlike high-altitude or technical Himalayan treks, this one meanders through inhabited villages, ancient monasteries, and lush barley fields, offering a gentle introduction to trekking in Ladakh. It is ideal for:
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Beginners
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Families with children
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Senior trekkers
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Trekkers acclimatizing for higher-altitude journeys like Markha, Stok Kangri, or Lamayuru–Padum
The Sham Valley Trek is a short, low-altitude trek in Western Ladakh, typically completed in 3 to 5 days. Unlike high-altitude or technical Himalayan treks, this one meanders through inhabited villages, ancient monasteries, and lush barley fields, offering a gentle introduction to trekking in Ladakh. It is ideal for:
-
Beginners
-
Families with children
-
Senior trekkers
-
Trekkers acclimatizing for higher-altitude journeys like Markha, Stok Kangri, or Lamayuru–Padum
Itineraries
Day 1
Leh → Likir → Yangthang
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Drive from Leh to Likir (approx. 1.5 hours by road).
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Visit Likir Monastery, a 11th-century Gompa with a 25-foot golden statue of Maitreya Buddha.
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Begin trek: You ascend gently over a dry hill (~1 hr) and descend into a lush valley to reach Yangthang village (3,650 m).
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Distance: ~9 km | Duration: 3–4 hours
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Stay: Homestay in Yangthang; experience Ladakhi home food and culture.
Day 2
Yangthang → Hemis Shukpachan
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Cross over the Tsermangchan La Pass (3,750 m).
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The trail is well-marked, mostly through undulating terrain.
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Hemis Shukpachan is one of the prettiest villages in Ladakh, known for juniper forests, apricot trees, and its name which means “place of the Shukpa (juniper) trees”.
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Visit the small monastery, and enjoy a relaxed evening in a homestay.
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Distance: ~8 km | Duration: 3–5 hours
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Stay: Homestay or camp in Hemis Shukpachan
Day 3
Hemis Shukpachan → Temisgam
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Cross Mebtak La Pass (~3,750 m). This section gives panoramic views of Ladakh’s moon-like landscape.
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After the pass, descend gradually through fields to Ang village, then a short walk to Temisgam, known for its palace ruins and ancient monastery.
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Temisgam was once an important cultural hub in the lower Ladakh region.
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Distance: ~10 km | Duration: 4–5 hours
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Stay: Homestay in Temisgam
Day 4
Temisgam → Leh
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After breakfast, explore Temisgam Monastery, interact with villagers, or walk to nearby Tia village if time allows.
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Drive back to Leh via Alchi Monastery if you want a detour. This is one of Ladakh's oldest and most beautiful monasteries with Kashmiri-influenced wall paintings.
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Drive Time: 3–4 hours
📌 EXTENDED OPTIONS
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Add Rizong Monastery or Basgo Castle (en route to Likir or Alchi) for cultural enrichment.
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Do the trek in reverse (Temisgam → Likir), which includes more ascent early in the trek.
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Include an extra day in Hemis Shukpachan or Yangthang for rest or village immersion.
🏞️ LANDSCAPE & CLIMATE
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Terrain: Dry, arid highlands with lush oases near villages.
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Passes: Low passes (~3,750 m) without snow most of the year.
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Altitude: 3,200 – 3,900 m
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Climate:
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Day: 15–25°C in summer (pleasant)
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Night: 0–10°C (chilly, especially in May/Sept)
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Sun: Intense UV—bring strong sunscreen!
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- Good experienced route guide
- Homestay/Camping with all 3 Meals
- Pick and drop by jeep to the starting and finishing point of the trek
- Entry fee at the monasteries
- Inner-line Permit
- Cook and Helper (if it's a camping trek)
- Ponies (if it's a camping trek)
- Trekking fee
- Stay while at Leh
- Sleeping Bags For minus 30 Degree (will be provided by us on demand)
- Sun Screen / Lotion
- Walking Sticks
- Down Jackets, Thermals
- Water Bottle
- Trekking Shoes (Recommended)
- Hat,
- Gloves
- Flesh light
- Good quality warm Jackets.
- Travel or any type of insurance
- Beverages (alcoholic or non alcoholic)
- Tips
- Any sort of expenses arising due to anything medical or anything else
- Personal porter or pony (although can be provided on demand)
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