Sham Valley Trek (Baby Trek) in Leh Ladakh

Sham Valley Trek (Baby Trek) Itinerary:

Day 1: Leh to Likir – Trek to Yangthang

• Drive from Leh to Likir Monastery (about 2 hours).

• Start the trek toward Yangthang Village via Phobe La Pass (3,580 m).

• Distance: ~9 km | Duration: 4–5 hrs

• Overnight at homestay or camp.

Day 2: Yangthang to Hemis Shukpachan

• Cross Tsermangchan La Pass (3,750 m) and descend into the lush village of Hemis Shukpachan.

• Famous for juniper groves and one of the prettiest villages in Ladakh.

• Distance: ~10 km | Duration: 5–6 hrs

Day 3: Hemis Shukpachan to Tingmosgang

• Cross Mebtak La Pass (3,800 m).

• Descend into Tingmosgang, another beautiful village with an old monastery.

• Distance: ~10 km | Duration: 5–6 hrs

Day 4: Tingmosgang to Khalsi – Drive back to Leh

• A short walk to Khalsi, then drive back to Leh along the Indus River.

• Optional: Stop at Alchi Monastery, Sangam, Magnetic Hill and Gurudwara Pathar Sahib on the way back.

Complete Itinerary

Day 1: Leh airport pick up, remaining day for acclimatisation.

Day 2: City tour (Spituk Gompa, Hall of Fame, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa, Market)

Day 3: Leh to Likir in car – Trek to Yangthang

Day 4: Yangthang to Hemis Shukpachan

Day 5: Hemis Shukpachan to Tingmosgang

Day 6: Tingmosgang to Leh by car (Or trek to Khalsi and car back to Leh) with Alchi, Sangam, Magnetic Hill, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib.

Day 7: Leh airport drop

Note: If you have time and if you wish to do the sightseeing of popular places of Ladakh including Khardungla, Nubra, Turtuk, Pangong Tso, Hanle, Umlingla, Tso Moriri etc., you can add more days to your trip to mix trekking/hiking with sightseeing tour.

>>You can ask to make any possible changes to the itinerary or increase your stay or add more destinations.

>>To know everything about Ladakh, which is constituted of two districts – Leh and Kargil – visit https://discoverlehladakh.in/about_leh-ladakh.htm

Sham Valley Trek: The Baby Trek of Ladakh for Beginners and Culture Lovers

When people think of trekking in Ladakh, they often imagine remote trails, high-altitude passes, and strenuous climbs. But what if you’re a beginner, short on time, or traveling with family—and still want to experience the stunning Himalayan landscapes on foot?

Welcome to the Sham Valley Trek, also known as the “Baby Trek” of Ladakh—a perfect blend of light trekking, cultural immersion, and raw Himalayan beauty.

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🌄 What is the Sham Valley Trek?

The Sham Valley Trek is a short and easy trekking route in western Ladakh, winding through the lower Indus Valley. It connects a series of quaint Ladakhi villages, ancient monasteries, and scenic mountain passes, making it ideal for:

• First-time trekkers

• Families (including kids and seniors)

• Solo travelers seeking peaceful walks

• Anyone interested in Ladakhi village culture

The trek gets its nickname “Baby Trek” because it involves moderate altitudes (3,000–3,800 meters), gentle climbs, and comfortable walking hours (4–6 hours per day). It’s the perfect introduction to trekking in Ladakh without the physical strain of more intense trails like Markha or Stok Kangri.

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📍 Where is Sham Valley?

Sham Valley lies around 60–80 km west of Leh, in the lower Indus region of Ladakh. The trek typically starts near Likir or Lamyuru and passes through picturesque villages like Yangthang, Hemis Shukpachan, and Tingmosgang, ending near Khalsi on the Srinagar-Leh Highway.

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🗺️ Suggested Itinerary: Sham Valley Trek (4 Days / 3 Nights)

Day 1: Leh to Likir – Trek to Yangthang

• Drive from Leh (2 hrs) to Likir Monastery—home to a massive golden statue of Maitreya Buddha.

• Begin your trek by ascending Phobe La Pass (3,580 m).

• Arrive at Yangthang village, surrounded by barley fields and willow trees.

• Distance: ~9 km | Trek Time: 4–5 hours

• Stay: Homestay with a Ladakhi family

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Day 2: Yangthang to Hemis Shukpachan

• Cross Tsermangchan La (3,750 m) to reach the lush, green village of Hemis Shukpachan, named after its surrounding juniper groves (“Shukpa” means juniper).

• The village is tranquil and one of the most beautiful in Ladakh.

• Distance: ~10 km | Trek Time: 5–6 hours

• Stay: Homestay or guesthouse

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Day 3: Hemis Shukpachan to Tingmosgang

• Trek via Mebtak La (3,800 m), with fantastic panoramic views.

• Reach Tingmosgang, once a royal seat of Ladakh and home to ancient monasteries.

• Distance: ~10 km | Trek Time: 5–6 hours

• Stay: Guesthouse or homestay

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Day 4: Tingmosgang to Khalsi – Drive Back to Leh

• Short walk or drive to Khalsi, then return to Leh (2–3 hours).

• Optional stop at Alchi Monastery, known for its 11th-century Kashmiri Buddhist art.

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🎯 Highlights of the Trek

🏞️ Moderate Altitude

• Maximum elevation: ~3,800 meters

• Easier on the lungs and heart than other high-altitude treks

• Ideal for acclimatization before longer Ladakh adventures

🧘 Cultural Immersion

• Stay in traditional Ladakhi homes

• Interact with locals, taste homemade butter tea and apricot jam

• Visit historic monasteries like Likir, Alchi, and Tingmosgang

🌸 Natural Beauty

• Apricot orchards and barley fields

• Shimmering streams and mountain passes

• Stark, brown cliffs contrasting lush valley villages

📷 Photography Opportunities

• Capture Ladakhi daily life, Buddhist architecture, and pristine landscapes—all at a slow, immersive pace

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🧳 What to Pack for the Sham Valley Trek

• Comfortable walking shoes or trekking boots

• Layers: T-shirts, fleece, down jacket, windbreaker

• Sunglasses, sunscreen, and hat (sun is strong even in cold)

• Personal medications and basic first-aid

• Water bottle and water purification tablets

• Power bank (electricity may be limited in villages)

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🕰️ Best Time to Do Sham Valley Trek

The ideal time is May to September. Each month offers something special:

• May: Snow may still be melting; quiet trails

• June–July: Warm weather, green fields, high accessibility

• August: Monsoon affects other regions, but Ladakh stays mostly dry

• September: Crisp air, clear skies, golden harvest colors

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🚌 How to Reach Sham Valley

• Start Point (Likir): 2-hour drive from Leh

• Return Point (Khalsi or Tingmosgang): 2–3 hours from Leh by road

• Leh is well connected by daily flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Chandigarh.

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💬 Final Thoughts: Who Is This Trek For?

If you’re:

• A beginner trekker

• Interested in Buddhist culture and rural life

• Short on time but big on experience

• Looking for peace, nature, and authenticity

…then Sham Valley Trek is made for you.

Unlike adrenaline-chasing treks, Sham Valley is a softer, deeper journey into the soul of Ladakh, where the rhythm of your steps matches the calm of the villages, and the mountains speak not in challenges—but in welcome.

Included in Package

Hotel accommodations in Leh

Homestay or tent stay during trek

06 times breakfasts and 06 times dinners (MAP meal plan)

Lunch during trek for 03 days

Trekking Guide

Trekking Sticks

Private taxi (Xylo/Innova for upto 6pax and Tempo Traveller for more than 7 pax) for all sightseeing as per itinerary. You can upgrade to other vehicle. Please note that AC would be switched off on the hills.

A jeep to carry your luggage during trek

Inner Line Permit/ Protected Area Permit/Wildlife/Environment fee

24 hours guidance

Parking, toll, fuel, driver allowances

An experienced driver would work as a guide excluding for trekking when you will have a dedicated trekking guide

GST

No hidden charges

Not Included in Package

Lunch, beverages and meal other than the meal plan

Flight/rail tickets

Laundry, tip, shopping expenses

Travel Insurance

Monument/museum entry fee

All that is not included in the “Included in package” column

	Standard Package	Deluxe Package	Luxury Package
2 person	Rs	Rs	Rs
4 person	Rs	Rs	Rs
6 or more person	Rs	Rs	Rs

— Get special group package cost on request —

Lowest package cost guaranteed

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SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR TOURISTS VISITING LADAKH

Ladakh is a very safe, tourist-friendly and cheering place, but still, you need to take care of some preparations which can make your tour even better and memorable:

– Only post-paid mobile phones work in Zanskar valley of Ladakh, preferably BSNL and Jio. As phones may not work in many places, keep your family members informed well in advance not to worry if they fail to contact you.

– You would hardly find any cellular network in most of the areas in Zanskar valley. Jio works better here, however, you would find BSNL signals at Padum.

– Don’t expect high-speed internet in Ladakh.

– Keep ready a pair of woollen (not heavy) with you as temperature may dip as low as 5 degrees any time even during summer months.

– Carry good Sun Screen lotion, sunglasses (goggles), cap with you to avoid sunburn as sun rays are direct and can burn your skin.

– Don’t forget to carry photo id with you. Driving License, Passport, Voter Cards, and Aadhaar are valid photo IDs.

– While travelling on the mountains, keep drinking water and eating healthy food and fruits to avoid high altitude sickness and dizziness due to curvy roads, low air pressure and dry air.

– Carry headache, stomachache, anti-vomiting tablets with you.

– You may consume diamox at least 36 hours before arrival at Zanskar (preferably before falling asleep). The medicine is optional. Having rest and drinking enough water for some hours after reaching Leh is advised.

– Carry enough cash for shopping, meals and to pay your bills.

– Please respect the Buddhist and Muslim culture of Ladakh. People of all communities here believe in brotherhood and harmony and respects the tourists. The residents expect the same from the tourists.