Sham Valley Trek – The Baby Trek of Ladakh
$1350 per person
The Sham Valley Trek, affectionately known as the “Baby Trek” of Ladakh, is one of the most accessible and rewarding short treks in the Indian Himalayas. Set in the lower altitudes of western Ladakh, this trek is perfect for beginners, families, or those looking to ease into high-altitude trekking. Traversing traditional Ladakhi villages such as Likir, Yangthang, Hemis Shukpachan, and Temisgam, it offers a deep cultural and scenic immersion.
At elevations ranging between 3,000–3,800 meters, the route is easy to moderate and gives ample opportunity for acclimatization while exploring ancient monasteries, barley fields, and apricot orchards. Expect stunning vistas, warm homestays, and the rich heritage of Buddhism in Ladakh.
Trek Details:-
- Starting Point: Likir Village (58 km west of Leh)
- Ending Point: Temisgam or Khaltse
- Duration: 8 days
- Distance: 30–32 km
- Max Altitude: 3,874 m at Tsermangchan La Pass
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Best Time: May to September (Also possible in winter with proper gear)
Trek Highlights:-
- Cultural Immersion: Stay in Ladakhi homes and experience authentic village life, local cuisine, and unique traditions.
- Scenic Trails: Walk through barley fields, mountain passes, and green valleys with apricot and willow trees.
- Heritage Monasteries: Explore ancient gompas like Likir Monastery, Rizong Monastery, and local chortens.
- Wildlife Encounters: Watch for ibex, blue sheep, and even elusive snow leopards in winter months.
Why Choose Sham Valley Trek?
This trek is ideal for travelers seeking soft adventure and cultural discovery. You get acclimatized naturally while enjoying Ladakh’s rich heritage and stunning terrain. The Sham Valley is often included in Ladakh tour packages with stops at Alchi Monastery, Lamayuru, or Leh Palace.
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Destination
From Our Gallery
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Day 01: Arrival in Delhi – Airport Pick-up & Hotel Stay in Delhi
Our representative will receive you at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and transfer you to your hotel in central Delhi. Relax, freshen up, and prepare for your Himalayan journey.
Stay: 4 or 5 star Hotel in Delhi Altitude: 216m
Stay: 4 or 5 star Hotel in Delhi Altitude: 216m
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Day 02: Arrival in Leh (3,500 m) – Rest & Acclimatization
- Activities:
- Airport pickup & hotel check-in
- Light walk around Leh market
- Hydration & rest to acclimatize
- Stay: Hotel in Leh
- Note: Avoid physical exertion today, altitude gain is significant.
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Day 03: Leh – Local Sightseeing & Culture
Explore Leh's rich culture and history. Visit Thiksey Monastery, Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace, and walk around the old Leh market.
Stay: Same hotel in Leh
Add-on: Try local Ladakhi cuisine and butter tea!
Stay: Same hotel in Leh
Add-on: Try local Ladakhi cuisine and butter tea!
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Day 04: Leh – Likir – Yangthang (3,600 m)
- Drive to Likir Monastery: (58 km | 1.5 hrs)
- Visit the beautiful Likir Gompa with a giant Maitreya Buddha
- Trek Begins: Likir to Yangthang
- Distance: 9 km | 4–5 hrs
- Trail: Cross Phobe La (3,580 m), descend to Saspotse, climb to Yangthang
- Stay: Homestay in Yangthang village or optional.
- Highlights: Traditional Ladakhi homes, riverside walk, apricot orchards
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Day 05: Yangthang – Rizong – Hemis Shukpachan (3,700 m)
- Morning Hike: Optional detour to Rizong Monastery (add 2 hrs)
- Main Trek Route:
- Distance: 10 km | 5–6 hrs
- Cross Tsermangchan La (3,850 m)
- Descend through pine-lined paths to Hemis Shukpachan – a beautiful village known for cedar (shukpa) trees
- Stay: Homestay or campsite
- Highlights: Buddhist mani walls, mountain springs, Himalayan views
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Day 06: Hemis Shukpachan – Ang – Temisgam (3,200 m)
- Trek Distance: 10–12 km | 5 hrs
- Cross Mebtak La (3,750 m)
- Descend through barley fields, isolated chortens, and apricot trees
- Pass Ang village (optional lunch break)
- Reach Temisgam, known for its ancient fort ruins and gompa
- Stay: Homestay in Temisgam
- Optional: Evening walk to Temisgam Fort
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Day 07: Temisgam – Leh (Drive back)
- Drive: 3 hrs (130 km) via Khalsi and Nimmu
- En route, optional visit to:
- Alchi Monastery (oldest surviving murals in Ladakh)
- Confluence of Zanskar and Indus Rivers
- Trip Ends: Drop-off at Leh hotel or airport
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Day 08: Buffer / Reserve / Departure Day
- Certificate
- Party
- End of tour
Accommodation & Gear
- High-quality alpine tents (twin sharing basis)
- Season-rated sleeping bags and insulated sleeping mats
- All essential camping gear provided and set up by our team
- All meals included: Nutritious vegetarian breakfast, packed lunch, evening tea/snacks, and hot dinner
- Boiled or filtered drinking water provided daily
- Experienced trek leader and certified mountain guide
- Skilled cook and kitchen team
- Camp helpers and porters/mules for luggage and equipment transport
- Pick-up and drop-off as per the trek itinerary (from base location)
- Comprehensive first-aid kit with basic high-altitude medications
- Oxygen cylinder available for emergency use (on high-altitude treks)
- Participants need only carry a light daypack with essentials (water bottle, snacks, jacket)
- Main backpack/duffel (up to 10 kg) will be carried by porters/mules
- Travel & Rescue Insurance: All participants are required to carry personal travel and emergency evacuation insurance
- Personal Expenses: Expenses such as phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery charging, and additional porters/horses if required.
- Unexpected Costs: Any expenses arising due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the itinerary (e.g., weather delays, route changes, natural calamities).
- Town-Based Costs: Any meals, drinks, or accommodation outside the trekking route (in towns or cities) are not included.
- Gratuities: Tips for trekking staff, guides, and support crew are not included (though appreciated).
- Anything Not Mentioned Above: Any services or items not explicitly listed under “Inclusions” are to be considered additional.