Announcement: Fixed departure groups for 
Sham Valley Trek Overview
Pass through remote villages, crossing small passes, gushing streams, willows, and fields of barley. The natural vistas along the way are simply breathtaking.
Experience the lifestyle of Indo-Tibetans up close and interact with local communities. Visit Alchi Monastery, the most famous and largest monastery in Ladakh.
Sham Valley Trek for Nature Buffs and Avid Trekkers
The Sham Valley Trek is beginner-friendly and does not require prior trekking experience. It is ideal for families and first-time trekkers. This trek offers the opportunity to explore remote regions, get close to Ladakh’s history, and enjoy living areas and stunning landscapes that are a paradise for nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts.
Key Points of Sham Valley Trek
- Level: Moderate
- Proper conditioning & training of the body required
- Need proper gear & clothing for sub-zero temperatures
- Shoes: The single most important equipment
- High altitude requires proper acclimatization
- Beautiful landscapes – carry good photo gear and extra battery backup
- Travel light
- Backpack should not exceed 10 kgs
Sham Valley Trek Complete Guide
Our mission has always been to ensure that no trekker steps into the Himalayas without the right perspective. A trek is not just a checklist of summits; it is a serious commitment to the outdoors. Having the right information is what separates a reckless climb from a soulful journey.
This section serves as your definitive manual for the Sham Valley Trek. We have distilled years of mountain experience and real-time feedback into this guide to give you a clear, honest picture of the trail.
We provide this depth of information because we want you to be more than just a visitor—we want you to be a prepared, responsible trekker who respects the mountains as much as we do
Day 1 – Reach Leh
Altitude: 11,483 feet. Arrive in Leh and check into your hotel. Take the day to rest and acclimatize to the high altitude in preparation for the trek ahead. Overnight stay in Leh.
Day 2 – Drive from Leh to Likir and Trek to Yangthang
Altitude: Likir 11,548 feet; Yangthang 12,073 feet. Distance: 10 km. Drive from Leh to Likir, then start trekking via Phobe La (11,745 feet) and Chagatse La (12,171 feet) to reach Yangthang. Enjoy stunning valley views, mountain passes, and the serenity of the remote region. Overnight stay in Yangthang.
Day 3 – Yangthang to Hemis Shukpachan
Altitude: Hemis Shukpachan 11,909 feet. Distance: 10 km. Trek via Tsermangchan La (12,715 feet). Experience the beautiful landscapes, alpine meadows, and glimpses of local villages along the way. Overnight stay in Hemis Shukpachan.
Day 4 – Hemis Shukpachan to Temisgam and Drive to Leh
Altitude: Temisgam 10,597 feet. Distance: 12 km. Trek via Mebtak (12,467 feet) to reach Temisgam, enjoying the scenic vistas and local culture en route. After reaching Temisgam, drive back to Leh for your final overnight stay.
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 1 – Reach Leh
Altitude: 11,483 feet. The base camp for the Sham Valley Trek is Leh. While reaching Leh by road consumes a lot of time, it is recommended to board a flight to arrive directly. Upon arrival, arrangements will be made for your stay in a hotel. Take the rest of the day to rest and acclimatize for the trek ahead.
Day 2 – Drive from Leh to Likir and Trek to Yangthang
Altitude: Likir 11,548 feet; Yangthang 12,073 feet. Distance: Drive 58 km, Trek 10 km.
After breakfast, drive to Likir village, which is the starting point of the Sham Valley Trek. The trek route is relatively short but includes crossing two passes.
Head west towards Phobe La and continue until you reach Sumdo village. From here, steadily ascend to Chagatse La. After crossing the pass, you will reach Yangthang village, the destination for the day.
Set up your camps next to a stream and settle in for the night, enjoying the serenity of the high-altitude landscape.
Day 3 – Yangthang to Hemis Shukpachan via Tsermangchan La
Altitude: Hemis Shukpachan 11,909 feet; Tsermangchan La 12,715 feet. Distance: 10 km.
Today’s trekking gradient is moderate, as both the approach and descent are gentle. Start by descending slightly towards the north and cross a stream before climbing up to Tsermangchan La.
Halt at the pass to enjoy the panoramic views, then descend to Hemis Shukpachan. This village is one of the prettiest along the trek and is named after its cedar groves. Numerous streams, barley fields, and willows add a greenish contrast to the rocky mountain surroundings, making it a scenic stop for the night.
Day 4 – Hemis Shukpachan to Temisgam via Mebtak La and Drive to Leh
Altitude: Temisgam 10,597 feet; Mebtak La 12,467 feet. Distance: 12 km.
After breakfast, start the trek towards Mebtak La. Follow the trail that ascends amidst two hillocks towards the west of the village, then turns south to climb up to the pass.
The top of Mebtak La is marked with prayer flags and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. From the pass, descend into the gorge leading to Ang village, a charming settlement with apricot orchards and scenic surroundings.
From Ang, proceed to the highway and drive back to Leh, completing the Sham Valley Trek.
No difficulty level available.
No best time available.
No How to Reach the Base Camp available.
Necessary Items for trekkers
Mandatory Documents
Original and photocopy of government photo identity card- (Aadhar Card, Driving License, Voters ID, etc,)
Passport and Visa important to foreigners
Medical Certificate (First part should be filled by the Doctor and Second part by the Trekker)
Declaration Certificates
Note: – Many trekkers commit the same mistake of carrying unnecessary items on a trek which only makes the backpack heavy. It is important to know the right items to carry. It differs from season to season if you are trekking in summers then carry less layers of warm clothing and if you are trekking in winters carry enough layers to protect yourself against chilly cold.
Basic Trekking Gears
The Clothes You Should Bring On Satopanth Expedition
Head Gears
Foot Gears
Personal Care Essentials
Carry a Personal Medical Kit
Are you Looking for Trekking Equipment on Rent?
If any trekker requires trekking equipment on rent, Himalayan Hikers offers the best-quality gear available for rental. Many individuals are in need of such equipment, and renting provides a cost-effective solution, allowing them to access high-quality gear at an affordable price without the need for a significant investment for short-term use.
Trek Equipment You can book directly on first day at the Base Camp.
Note:-
Please take all medicines only when prescribed by the doctor. In case you face any problem during your trek,
discuss and take advice from the Professional guide.
The Trek is one of the most popular treks in Uttarakhand, Himachal,Kashmir,Laddakh,Sikkim,Nepal, requiring both physical preparation and mental readiness. Although it is categorized as a moderate trek, reaches an elevation of over 12,720 feet and traverses remote Himalayan terrain, which can be physically and mentally challenging. Here's how you can prepare yourself for a safe and successful accomplishment of the Trek:
Physical Fitness
Building a good fitness base is essential for every trekker. The Trek itinerary involves 5 to 6 hours of walking every day. Though the trails are well-marked, they are often bumpy and include steep uphill sections, which may affect your stamina. You can overcome your physical limitation with a 6-week training program that you can begin about 2 months before your Trek. Your 6-week fitness routine should include
Pro Tip: If you have time, you can skip the Sunday training and go for a long-distance walk or mini day-hike (7–10 km) with a loaded backpack to simulate real trekking conditions. A short 1-day hike around your city/town can help a lot.
Mental Preparation
Physical strength is only half the journey, the other half is mental resilience. The trail takes you through remote clearings, steep climbs, cold starry nights, and no mobile connectivity. Be prepared to:
(I) - Detach from the digital world.
(II) - Embrace basic mountain living (camping, toilet tents, limited electricity).
(III) - Push through moments of fatigue, weather discomfort, or altitude effects.
A positive mindset, patience, and the ability to adapt will carry you farther than muscle ever could.Himalayan Hikers is a reputable trekking company that places a high priority on safety. Here are some of the safety measures they take to ensure the safety of their clients during the Trek:
Experienced Guides: Himalayan Hikers hires experienced and certified guides who are well-versed in the terrain, weather conditions, and local culture. These guides have first-hand knowledge of the routes and are equipped to handle any emergency situations that may arise.
Proper Gear: The company provides all the necessary gear and equipment to their clients to ensure comfort and safety during the trek.
Hygiene and Sanitation: Himalayan Hikers places great emphasis on hygiene and sanitation during the Trek. They provide clean drinking water, hand sanitizers, and toilet tents to ensure that their clients are healthy and comfortable.
Emergency Services: The company has a well-defined protocol for handling emergency situations. They have a team of trained medical professionals who are available 24/7 and can be quickly mobilized in case of an emergency.
Acclimatization: Himalayan Hikers follows a gradual acclimatization process during treks to ensure that their clients adjust to the high altitude gradually. They also monitor the health of their clients regularly and provide necessary medical attention if required.
Overall, Himalayan Hikers places a great emphasis on safety and takes all necessary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of their clients during treks.
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Important Note
No important note.
Map not available for this trek.
No FAQs available for this trek.
