Trek Difficulty
Easy
Trek Duration
4 Days
Highest Altitude
12,303 ft
Suitable For
12-62 years
Overview
The Sham Valley trek is one of the best beginner treks in Ladakh. This picturesque trek traverses through the Sham region of the lower regions of Ladakh. The trek is a bundle of experiences, an immersion into the culture, tradition, and serenity of nature in Sham valley. This trek is easy and remains open all year. The trek has many attractions, one among them being the visit to Alchi monastery – one of the largest monasteries of Ladakh. It is an old monastery that was built around the 11th century by Rinchen Zangpo.
- Book: Markha Valley Trek
- Book: Warwan Valley Trek
A short walk through the Ladakh landscape leaves the trekkers amazed with little of the challenge thrown by the trek. Sham valley trek Ladakh reaches the highest altitude of 3900m. This trek is a combination of a nature walk along with the heritage walk as the trail goes through ancient villages, monasteries, historical places, cultures, and traditions of Ladakh.
The Sham valley trek is also called the baby trek. This is because the trek is easy compared to the high-altitude, high-pass trek in the Himalayas of Ladakh. The barren and challenging treks of Ladakh are quite in contrast with this trek in terms of difficulty level.
Trek Fee
₹20,000.00
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What are the Highlights of the Sham Valley Trek?
- Monastery: As you the Sham Valley Trek villages, you can visit Alchi Monastery. It falls as you are on your way to Likir, the starting point of the Baby trek, Ladakh.
- Culture: Ladakh is highly influenced by Tibetan culture, hence you can experience the aspects of it in this trek.
- Charming villages: Villages like Likir, Tingmosgang lie on the route of the trek and give you an insight into the locals' traditional lifestyle and cultures.
- Apricot orchards: Do spend some time in the orchards of apricots, which are blooming in the summer.
- Easy Treks: Another name, ‘baby trek’ is there because it is a very easy and beginner-friendly trek.
Is the Sham Valley Trek Easy?
The Sham Valley trek difficulty gradient is considered quite easy. There is a reason why it is called a “baby trek”. However, this is only true when talking about big treks of Ladakh like the Markha Valley Trek.
The Sham Valley trek distance is around 30 kilometres, covered in 4 days. Even though you have to cover shorter distances every day, the altitude gain is the real challenge. It is physically demanding and will be a bit hard on your feet. In the entire trek, you have to cover just one pass, and that too, on the last day.
Summarizing at last, given the shorter trail but significant elevation gain, it is of a moderate difficulty level. Prepare in advance through a brisk walk/jog/ run every day before the start of the trek.
Sham Valley Trek– A Detailed Itinerary
- Trek Distance: 10km.
- Likir (11,548 ft
- Yangthang (12,073 ft)
- Phobe La (11,745 ft)
- Chagatse La (12,171 ft)
The first day of the Sham Valley Itinerary starts with a drive of around 57km. The cab will drop us at Likir, which is the start of the trek. The trail takes you through two high-altitude passes of Phobe La and Chagatse La – 3580m and 3630m respectively.
After crossing these two passes in a short distance, you will reach your beautiful campsite called Yangthang. The campsite is beside the shimmering river. Camp beside the glacial stream (bring earplugs – the water sounds loud at night!) Visit the 400-year-old Yangthang Gompa at sunset.
Local specialty to try: Chhurpi (hard yak cheese) with butter tea.
The gradient of this day is easy. On the second day of the Sham Valley Trek itinerary for beginners Ladakh, you will be passing a mountain pass called Tsermangchan La – 3750m. The day has a small ascent too, but is mostly dominated by gentle slopes. Right after the Pass is Hemis Shukpachan.
Arrive by lunchtime in the “Apricot Capital”. Visit the 17th-century Chamba Lhakhang with its unique wrathful deity murals. Help villagers with apricot harvesting (July-August). The landscape here is dominated by multiple river streams, shady willows, and barley fields.
Must-try: Fresh apricot brandy (local specialty).
This day of the Sham Valley itinerary is again gentle on the legs. The gradient of the day is easy. It takes around 3 hours on the trek only today with a moderate trekking pace. The trail takes a route between two small mountains and then heads up to Mebtak La, which is around 3750m in altitude. You will see the landscape here dominated and decorated with typical Ladakhi prayer flags. At Mebtak La, tie a prayer flag for blessings (available in Leh market)
Rest in the Ang village for the night. Ang is a beautiful village full of apricot orchards. Try skyu (a local pasta dish) for dinner.
The last day of the trek takes around 3 hours of gentle walking on mostly downhill and flat routes. The trail will be terminated on a road from where you can board a cab to Leh.
Return to Leh: -Stop at Magnetic Hill en route (bring a bottle to test the optical illusion).
-Optional detour to Alchi Monastery (+1.5hrs) to see 11th-century Kashmiri-style murals.
-Arrive in Leh by 5 PM – perfect time for a hot shower at your guesthouse!
Where to stay in Sham Valley -
As you go on the trekking expedition to Sham Valley Ladakh, the sole and popular option for accommodation is homestays. As the name suggests, Sham Valley trek homestays give you a warm, homely feel. They are managed by villagers who treat and greet you like a family.
The rooms are basic but comfortable and cosy with shared bathrooms. However, you might find private bathrooms at some of them.
Three times home-cooked meals are included with the stay. However, you must not expect any high-end facilities like hot showers or WiFi. They are priced at around INR 1500 per night. You would rarely find them on any online website for booking. You can book them in person upon reaching there.
Food and Water:
When trekking in Sham Valley Ladakh, it is important to know that you will not find any kind of restaurant or cafe as soon as you leave the base camp in Likir.
As you would be staying at homestays, your breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner are included and taken care of. The meals are simple yet delicious, including dishes cooked with locally sourced ingredients. It generally contains roti, rice, curry, boiled potatoes/eggs, seasonal veggies, fruit juices, etc. You are also served tea/coffee and biscuits as snacks.
Make sure to carry snacks and energy bars to take a bite during trekking. Buy them in Leh itself since you would not find any shops here on the trek.
You will easily get water in homestay, but it is recommended to carry your own water bottle whenever you plan to go out.
Sham Valley Trek Packing List And Essentials:
Clothing & Footwear
- A lightweight base layer, fleece jacket, and windproof outer cover are a must to carry.
- Quick-dry and comfortable trekking pants.
- Thermals are essential for colder nights.
- Keep a waterproof jacket since the weather can be unpredictable.
- Carry gloves & woolen cap to remain protected against cold winds.
- Sturdy, comfortable, waterproof, and with good grip trekking Shoes:
- Carry extra pairs of woolen and moisture-wicking socks.
Gear & Essentials
- Lightweight yet spacious backpack (30-40L)
- If camping, choose a sleeping bag suitable for cold weather.
- To reduce strain on knees, carry trekking poles.
- Bring a headlamp with extra batteries.
- To stay hydrated, carry water bottles & purification tablets.
- Snacks & energy bars for quick energy boosts.
Personal Items:
- Sunscreen & Sunglasses,
- Basic First Aid Kit that includes personal medications as well.
- Biodegradable toiletries & Wet wipes
- Since there’s limited electricity availability in the homestays, carry a power bank.
- Carry necessary documents, ID & Permits.
Best Time to Trek Sham Valley in Ladakh
Sham Valley Trek Ladakh remains open from June to September. Since it is a summer trek in Ladakh, these months offer perfect weather conditions for the trek. The temperature ranges between 20°C and 25°C during the day. It does drop at night, however, it isn’t that significant.
In months like July and August, light rain showers are frequent. However, it doesn’t rain heavily in Ladakh. The trails are clear and can be traced easily. Carry a raincoat/poncho and an umbrella if trekking in the monsoon season.
Since the altitude achieved in the trek is not that high, the trek is possible even in May and in October as well. However, get a weather update before planning the baby trek Ladakh.
From November onwards till April, the Sham Valley Trek is not possible due to heavy snowfall. The trails are covered in white, powdery snow. It remains closed for this period. Even in spring (March and April), snow patches are still present and visible.
Always plan your Sham Valley Trek during the most suitable time for a safe and smooth experience.
Places to Explore while Sham Valley Trek
1. Likir (Start of the Trek)
Likir Monastery: One of the oldest monasteries in Ladakh, belonging to the Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) sect.
Magnetic Hill (Optional): A natural phenomenon where vehicles appear to roll uphill.
2. Yangthang
A charming village known for its apricot orchards and traditional Ladakhi houses.
Yangthang Monastery: A small but peaceful monastery.
3. Hemis Shukpachan
Famous for its apricot and apple orchards.
Chamba Lhakhang Temple: A beautiful temple with ancient murals.
4. Temisgam
A historic village with a stunning Temisgam Palace and monastery.
Offers great views of the Sham Valley.
5. Alchi (Optional Visit)
Alchi Monastery: A UNESCO-listed monastery with 11th-century Kashmiri-style murals.
Alchi Village: A picturesque village along the Indus River.
6. Lamayuru (End of the Trek)
Lamayuru Monastery: One of the largest and oldest monasteries in Ladakh, known as the “Moonland” due to its unique landscape.
Sham Valley- The Apricot Capital of Ladakh
The Sham Valley is popularly recognised as the “Apricot Valley” of Ladakh. Well, the reason is quite evident, as apricots are grown in abundance here. In the winter season, the apricot bloom season is celebrated here by the villagers.
As you go on the Apricot Valley trek, apricot farms and orchards are must- see attractions. You can even buy dry apricots, and apricot jams from these farmlands.
How to reach Sham Valley:
1. Fly to Leh (Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport)
Nearest Airport: Leh (IXL)
Major flights from: Delhi, Mumbai, Srinagar
From Leh Airport: Take a taxi (1.5–2 hrs) to Likir (start of Sham Valley Trek). Alternatively,
Hire a taxi for a day trip to explore Sham Valley villages.
2. By Road (Manali-Leh or Srinagar-Leh Highway)
Option A: Srinagar to Leh (NH1) – 434 km (~2 days)
Route: Srinagar → Sonamarg → Zoji La → Kargil → Lamayuru → Leh
Stop at Sham Valley Villages: Lamayuru, Uleytokpo, Alchi, Likir
Option B: Manali to Leh (NH3) – 473 km (~2 days)
Route: Manali → Rohtang Pass → Keylong → Baralacha La → Sarchu → Tanglang La → Leh
From Leh: Drive to Sham Valley (~60 km).
3. From Leh to Sham Valley (By Taxi / Bus / Bike) Distance from Leh to Likir (Trek Start): ~60 km (~1.5–2 hrs).
Transport Options:
Private Taxi: ₹2000–3000 (round trip).
Shared Taxi/Bus: Cheaper but limited schedule.
Rent a Bike/Scooter: Best for independent travelers.
Sham Valley Route from Leh:
Leh → Basgo → Likir (Trek Start) → Yangthang → Hemis Shukpachan → Temisgam → Lamayuru.
Some of the finest places to visit in Sham Valley are Phyang Monastery, Gurdwara Pathar Sahib, the Magnetic Hill of Ladakh, the Indus and Zanskar valley confluence, etc. You can get a cab from Leh easily to Sham valley, and along with this, you can enjoy the Zanskar valley tour.
While you are in Sham Valley, Leh don’t miss the chance to:
-The pulsating bazaar on a day tour
-Visit the summer retreat and the biggest monasteries here.
-Go for a trek in the valley with the help of Sham Valley trek route map and terrain, and behold the breathtaking Ang village which is quite charming and gorgeous with apricot
FAQ's
In Ladakh, the Sham valley trek is called the Baby trek. The reason for calling Sham Valley trek the baby trek Ladakh is the easy gradient of the trek. The trek is gentle and fit for beginners and families.
The best time to trek Sham Valley, Ladakh, is from May to September. From pleasant weather, clear trails to homestay accessibility, everything is conducive for trekking in Sham Valley. For the rest of the year (November to April), it gets cold here and snow accumulation takes place on the routes.
The Sham Valley is located in Ladakh and is 125km west of Leh. This valley is located in the green and fertile plains of Ladakh. The valley is some distance away from the village called Likir.
You can reach Sham valley by taking a cab from Leh. The nearest airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh. From the airport, you can hire a private cab or shared taxis to reach Sham Valley. However, shared cabs are not as frequent as in major cities, so it’s better to plan your travel before and book them in advance.
The cost of the Sham Valley Trek is INR 20,000 per head. It is a complete package including homestay accommodation, meals, staff, permits, gear, etc.
The distance from Leh to the Sham Valley is around 125km. This is a scenic drive and will make you mesmerized by the beautiful landscape on the way to the Sham Valley. The drive takes around 5 hours.
The Sham Valley altitude goes above 3000m, as the valley has high-altitude passes. It takes you to a maximum altitude of 3900m. However, the valley itself lies at a low altitude of around 3500m.
Sham Valley has gained popularity for trekking and hiking. The Sham Valley trek offers a complete exploration with sightseeing at monasteries and local villages. The treks found here offer a perfect blend of raw beauty and culture.
Since the Sham Valley doesn’t lie in the restricted region of Ladakh, you do not need any kind of special permit for the trek. However, carry your ID proof, photographs, etc.
Homestays are the only option for accommodation in Sham Valley. They are booked on the spot at an affordable rate. The stay includes home-cooked meals as well. It is a different experience altogether.
Yes, the Sham Valley Trek is suitable for children and beginners. It is perfect for those who do not have any prior trekking experience. However, everyone, including children, must come well prepared, physically and mentally.
For the Sham Valley Trek, pack suitable clothes like trekking t-shirts, pants/shorts, windproof warm jackets, poncho, or raincoat. More essentials to carry include a sunhat, Mosturiszer, sunscreen, lipbalm, first-aid kit, etc. If you are on a self-guided trek, carry camping gear like a tent, a sleeping bag, and a sleeping mat.
There is limited mobile network coverage during the Sham Valley Trek Ladakh. Since the trail goes through some of the most remote villages of India, the mobile connectivity is weak and rather unreliable.
It is important to share your itinerary with a trusted individual. Inform your family beforehand regarding the inconsistent network coverage during the trek.
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