Sham Valley Trek (Ladakh)
Duration : 08 Days.
Highlights : Monasteries, people, villages, landscapes, valleys and culture.
Focus : Hemis monastery, Rizong valley, high passes and apricot studded fields.
Highest Pass : Lago La (4000 m).
Trek Grade : Easy to Moderate.
Best Time : June to October.

Details :

Day 1: Arrive in Leh:

You will be met at the airport upon your arrival in Leh. Our Representative will then escort you to your pre-booked hotel situated in the central part of the city. The day will be spent in complete rest to acclimatize you in this high altitude region. In the evening you will take a light stroll to the market.


Day 2: Sightseeing in Leh:
Breakfast at the hotel.

We visit the ancient monasteries of Shey, with its enormous statue of the Buddha and Thikse Monastery, known as one of the most important Gompas known in Central Ladakh. The monastery has some beautiful paintings and gilded statues of the Buddha. In the afternoon we drive down to the most wealth and famous monastery known locally as Hemis. Built in the 17th century, the monastery is tucked away in a secluded grove of poplars and is known for its interesting architecture and wall studded murals. We return back to the hotel in the evening.

Day 3; Leh to Likir: and trek to Yangthang (3600 m / 4/5 hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel.

We will drive today for our fascinating trek towards the Sham Valley. We will arrive in Likir that serves our base for the trek. After meeting the staff, we will drive to visit the spectacular monastery of Likir. The monastery is tucked deep in the mountains and is one of the biggest in the valley. We later head towards Yangthang. After crossing a few mall mountain passes we will arrive at our campsite opposite the village. Rest of the day will be spent in exploring the monastery and the village.

Day 4: Yangthang to Rizong: (Full day trip)
Breakfast at the camp.

We will take a day trip and walk down the valley crossing small streams and secluded valleys to arrive at the majestic monastery of Rizong. The monastery looks like it has been built in a wall and has around 5 storeys on top of the other. The monastery also has a nunnery attached with it, which is quite unique as many monasteries in Ladakh do not feature this kind of religious harmony. After exploring the monastery and its temple we will visit the kitchen and share a cup of tea and barley bread with the resident monks. Later we head back to Yangthang.

Day 5; Yangthang to Hemis Shukpachan: (5/6 hrs)
Breakfast at the camp.

We will begin the day by striking camp and start walking towards the village of Hemis Shukpachan. Crossing the pass of Tsermanchenla (3850 m), we will descend into the village and arrive at our campsite at about noon. After lunch and rest we will visit a family in the village and experience their lifestyle. Later we will visit the village and its charming monastery. The village is surrounded by rice fields, white sparkling water brooks and mature cedar trees, giving the village its name of Shukpachan (Shukpa means cedar). Camp at the village.

Day 6: Hemis Shukpachan to Temisgam and drive to Leh: (7/8 hrs)
Breakfast at the camp.

Today we will trek on our last leg to the village of Temisgam locally known as Tingmosgang). The trail goes through an amazing whirlwind path carved out from the ochre rocks. We cross the highest pass on this trek known as Lago –La (4000 m) and another unknown small pass at a height of 3750 m. After we descend from the pass, we will reach the fertile village of Ang from where the trail goes over the bridge and turns into a regular path till it reaches the spread out village of Temisgam. After we explore the village and its monastery, we will board the jeeps that would take us back to Leh.

Day 7: In Leh:
Breakfast at the hotel.

The day is at leisure for individual activities. Some of the people can choose to go for an optional rafting trip, or yet others can visit the Tibetan refugee village in Choglamsar or just explore the bazaar for interesting trinkets and souvenirs. In the evening, we will have a cultural show of Ladakhi dress and dance show followed by a grand farewell dinner.

Day 8: Leh Departure:
Tea at the hotel.

You will be transferred in time to the airport for your flight to any onward destination.

For details on what is included and excluded please see our frequently answered Questions (FAQ’S) or contact us directly.