SHAM VALLEY TREK 3870m

Trek Brief

Sham Valley Trek is perfect for beginners, families and adventure seekers alike! This 3-day trek takes you through ancient monasteries, charming Ladakhi villages, scenic mountain passes, and lush apricot orchards—all at a comfortable altitude with gentle trails and breathtaking views.

Wander through the picturesque villages of Yangthang, Hemis Shukpachen, and Tingmosgang, crossing prayer-flag-draped mountain passes like Phobe La, Sarmanchan La, and Chhaga Che La. Stay in traditional homestays, savor authentic Ladakhi cuisine, and experience the warmth of local hospitality.

Whether you’re a trekking novice or looking for a relaxed yet immersive Himalayan adventure, the Sham Valley Trek promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of Ladakh! All suggested treks are generally an add-on at the end of the Ladakh tour.

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Day One: Ladakh A Dream Come True

Arrive in Leh (Altitude 11,500 ft.)

You will arrive at the Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (Leh Airport) which is nestled in the midst of The Mighty Himalayan Mountain Range. Leh Airport; one of the highest airports in the world is also considered to be one of the most scenic owing to its heavenly surroundings. It is encircled by immense golden brown, barren mountains which are truly a sight for sore eyes.

You will be warmly welcomed by Unplugged Life’s representative and transferred to your hotel in Leh City. The rest of the evening is for you to acclimatize yourself by casually strolling in and around your lodgings. Overnight stay at Leh City. The capital of Ladakh, at one time, was a major stop on the Asian “Silk Route”.

Day Two: Being Local in Leh

Leh: Day at own leisure (No Transport)

Take this day to explore the small lanes of Leh by foot or just go shopping and eating at Leh Market. Remember NOT TO EXERT yourself as your body is still acclimatizing to the change in altitude.

The Leh Market is starkly different from its metropolitan counterparts. The shops here are small, colourful, and vibrant. It has a rare mix of western and native cultures which is unique to itself. Leh also boasts of a widely diverse population and shows its influences on its infrastructure.

Day Three: Away We Go

Drive from Leh to Likir & hike to Yangthang via Phobe La & Chagatse La 11,909 ft. (10 km / 3-4 hrs)

After breakfast, you will be driven by taxi to Likir Village, located 55 km from Leh. This is the starting point of your trek. Though the distance is short, the route is exposed to the sun with limited shade or water sources, and you will traverse two passes.

From Likir, the trail ascends gently westward to Phobe La (11,745 ft. / 3580m), beyond which lies Sumdo village. The trek continues steadily upwards, crossing Chagatse La (11,909 ft. / 3630m) before reaching Yangthang (12,073 ft. / 3680m), a small but scenic village where you retire for the night. Overnight stay at a Homestay in Yangthang.

Day Four: Losing Sight of the City Life

Yangthang to Hemis Shukpachen across Sarmanchan La 12,696 ft. (11 km / 4-5 hrs)

Optional – You can start the day with a detour to Ridzong Monastery which lies south of Yangthang. It’s roughly 6 km, two hours each way. After breakfast, begin the day’s trek with a gradual ascent northward. The trail descends slightly before crossing a stream, then climbs gently towards Sarmanchan La (3,870m).

After a short rest at the pass, continue down towards Hemis Shukpachen (11,975 ft. / 3650m), named after its grove of cedar trees. This picturesque village is one of the most beautiful in Ladakh, with sparkling streams, shady willows, a giant Buddha statue and expansive barley fields that contrast beautifully against the rugged mountain backdrop. Overnight stay at a Homestay in Hemis Shukpachen.

Day Five: Unplugged Life

Hemis Shukpachen to Ang across Rongthil La & Chhaga Che La 12,529 ft. (12 km / 4-5 hrs) & back to Leh

Today’s trek begins with an easy ascent westward, leading up between two small hillocks before reaching Rongthil La (12,447 ft. / 3793m). The trail then continues further through a deep gorge towards Chhaga Che La (12,529 ft / 3818m) with a slightly steeper climb.

From Chhaga Che La, descend through a rocky gorge to Ang or Tingmosgang (10,531 ft. / 3210m), a historically significant village known for its ancient monastery and apricot orchards. From here, a taxi will be waiting to drive you back to Leh (90 km / 3 hrs), marking the end of your trek.

On the way back, visit Alchi Petroglyphs. Between the street to Alchi and close to the Indus River are some big boulders with hundreds of probably neolithic to bronze-age (3000-1000 BCE) petroglyphs. They show ibex, snow leopards, hunting scenes, and humans.

From here visit Alchi Village & Monastery. The architecture of Alchi Monastery is of Tibetan style. The monastery complex has three major shrines – the Dukhang (Assembly Hall), the Sumtsek, and the Temple of Manjushri. There are also chortens in the complex. Wall paintings are the major attractions here as they depict details of both Buddhist style and Kashmiri style. The complex houses a huge statue of the Buddha and lavish wood carvings and artwork, similar to baroque style.

Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel. This is your last evening in Ladakh, remaining of the evening at leisure for you to explore the beauty of Ladakh on your own.

Day Six: Julley Ladakh

Depart Leh: Transfer to Airport

In the morning, you’ll be driven to the airport where you’ll board the flight to your onward destination.