Duration: 11 Days 10 Nights
Sham Valley Trek – The Best Ladakh Trek For Beginners
A great way to start trekking in the Himalayas is with the Sham Valley Trek, sometimes referred to as the “Baby Trek” of Ladakh. It is appropriate for novices, families, and seasoned hikers seeking a tranquil trip since it provides the ideal balance of scenic beauty, cultural diversity, and moderate hiking difficulties. Against the breathtaking backdrop of the mighty Himalayas, the trip passes through charming villages, historic monasteries, and verdant valleys.
An Enriching Trekking Experience
Trekking through one of Ladakh’s most picturesque areas is peaceful and enlightening with the Sham Valley Trek. It is the perfect journey for anyone wishing to experience the Himalayas without the extreme elevations and difficulty of higher treks because of its blend of breathtaking vistas, cultural immersion, and moderate hiking demands. The Sham Valley Trek promises a journey full of life-changing memories, stunning vistas, and a profound connection to Ladakh’s natural and cultural grandeur, regardless of your level of experience.
Experience the Majestic Chadar Trek
There are many natural treasures in Ladakh, but the Chadar Trek is the most priceless gift given to this enchanted region. The journey is all about perseverance and survival—learning to endure in the hostile environments at below-freezing temperatures, connecting with the inhabitants, and comprehending their way of life, particularly in one of the world’s most livable locations. On the frozen route of Zanskar, which stretches out like a “Chadar” reflecting the sky, walk across a striking gorge with frozen waterfalls.
Explore the Enchanting Town of Leh
The country’s northernmost regions are home to Leh. Set in the snow-covered outskirts of the Himalayas, it is a hassle-free, charming, and traveler-friendly pleasant town. Enjoy delectable native, Mughlai, Tibetan, Chinese, and Italian cuisine in addition to exploring the lively local bazaar. You fall in love with the site right away because of its narrow walkways, strong walls, and views of the snow-covered mountains. Shanti Stupa, the Leh Palace, the monasteries of Shey, Hemis, Alchi, Thiksey, and Lamayuru, the Armed Forces Hall of Fame, and many more are among the many fascinating sites and monasteries to see in and around Leh!
QUICK FACTS:
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.
Distance: 27 kilometers (16.78 miles)
Max altitude: 3,874 meters (12,710 ft)
Trip Duration: 4 days, 3-nights.
Best season: July, August and September.
Itinerary
Itinerary Expand All
Day 1 : Arrive New Delhi
Arrive Delhi (the capital city of India), meet & greet with garland by our representative and straight transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 2 : New Delhi – Leh By Flight
Early morning transfer to domestic airport to board the flight to Leh, perhaps the most fascinating flight over Himalayas. Upon arrival in Leh, traditional welcome by our representative and transfer to a Ladakhi style hotel. Rest of the day free to take a complete rest for acclimatization due to the high altitude of Leh (3505 m). Evening take a walk in the colorful Market of Leh. Overnight in hotel.
Day 3 : Leh
After breakfast, start your sightseeing of Leh including Leh Palace, It has nine storeys and was built by King Singe Namgyal in the 16th century, Sankar Gompa & Shanti Stupa (Japanese Pagoda) a magnificent white-domed structure, offers spectacular views of the sunrise and sunset. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 4 : Indus Valley Sightseeing
Morning after breakfast, proceed for a full day excursion to the Indus valley, visiting Shey Palace - a ruined Castle, after that visit the 14th century Thikse monastery, it is an outstanding specimen of Ladakhi architecture. It is a glorious Buddhist monastery & a marvelous Buddha statue in the seated position is adorning the main prayer hall. Later visit the Hemis monastery- the richest monastery in Ladakh. In the last, visit the Royal Stok Palace & museum (residence of the royal family of Ladakh). Later back to Hotel. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 5 : Leh- Likir (Drive) / Yangthang (Trek Starts)
After breakfast drive about 60 km/ 2 hrs to Likir (3500 M). Drop at the trek head near monastery; it contains the huge Buddha statue, museum & various old manuscripts. After visiting Likir Monastery, meet your trekking crew and start trek towards south through trail behind the monastery, amidst wheat fields 4-5 hrs. to Yangthang (3600M), over Phobe la (3849 M) you can have the view of Yangthang village from here and Chagatse la (3650M). Overnight in Tents.
Day 6 : Yangthang - Rizong - Yangthang
After breakfast start the trek of day excursion with packed lunch to Rizong, about (3500m) walking through village houses and along the river through the gorge with plantation of Apricot and Apple. Rizong is the most isolated monastery of all the monastery of Ladakh. After the visit trek back to Yangthang. Overnight in Tent.
Day 7 : Yangthang - Hemis Shukpachan
After breakfast, start short trek 3-4 hrs to Hemis Shukpachan (3600M) over Tsermangchan la (3750M). Arrive Hemis Shukpachan, the charming village is famous for “Losar” (Ladakhi New Year Festival). Overnight in Tents.
Day 8 : Hemis Shukpachan - Temisgam
After breakfast trek 4-5 hrs to Temisgam (3200M) over Lago la (3750M). Temisgam is known to be the biggest village in Sham valley. You can visit the Temisgam Palace, monastery and Nunnery. Overnight in tents.
Day 9 : Temisgam - Khaltse (Trek Ends) / Lamayuru (Drive).
Today on last day of Trek, we trek about 5hrs. to Khaltse (2995 M) over crossing Bong la (3630M). Our trek terminates few kilometers short of Khaltse. Time to bid farewell to your trekking crew and board the Jeep & drive to Lamayuru, takes about an hour. On arrival check into the guest house & relax. Later visit Lamayuru monastery- known to be the oldest monastic establishment in Ladakh. The monastery is made up of a number of shrines and also has a very rich collection of thankas and magnificent wall painting. Overnight in Guest house.
Day 10 : Lamayuru - Alchi - Leh.
After breakfast drive back to Leh (127kms./ 5hrs), enroute visit Alchi village, situated on the bank of Indus River. The village is famous for the existence of one of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh (a national heritage). Alchi Monastery, mainly known for its magnificent and well-preserved 11th or 12th century wall paintings. Later drive continue for Leh. Arrive Leh and check-into Hotel for overnight stay.
Day 11 : Leh – Delhi By Flight
Morning transfer to Leh airport to board once again most fascinating flight to Delhi over the heights of the great Himalayas is a true farewell to our memorable journey. Arrive Delhi & transfer to hotel. In the evening transfer to Airport to board your return flight.