Spectacularly jagged, arid mountains enfold this magical, Buddhist ex-kingdom. Picture-perfect gompas (Tibetan Buddhist monasteries) dramatically crown rocky outcrops amid whitewashed stupas and meditational mani walls topped with countless mantra-inscribed pebbles. Colourful fluttering prayer flags spread their spiritual messages metaphorically with the mountain breeze.
Very limited arable land in this upland desert, where precious water supplies must be laboriously channeled from glacier-melt mountain streams.
Ladakh is hemmed in by walls of dramatic mountains. This makes for unforgettable landscapes
The Sham Valley Trek, which is also known as the “Apricot Valley”, being the abode of Apricot Flower that blossoms in the valley during the winters, is one of the easy and unexplored treks in Ladakh region that is suitable for beginners as well as families. Often dubbed as a ‘baby trek’, the Sham Valley Trek rather tempts you with pleasurable walks to some of the remote villages in the Ladakh region passing through small mountain passes, streams, shady willows and barley fields. The contrasting landscape and wild nature bustles trekkers and hikers with several clicks of natural views and swashbuckling moments.
The Sham Valley Trek allows one to acquaint oneself with the quaint monastic life of the Indo-Tibetans – cuisine, ritual practices, festivals and hospitality. The trek moves through the serene hamlets of Hemis Shukpachen, Ridzong, Temisgang and Ang and offers trekkers to stay at local houses that are appointed for village Home stay to experience the heathen Indo-Tibetan culture. Thus it attracts people from distant parts of the world including the Koreans and Japanese. Enclosed within the barren hillocks, these villages spray an isolated and traditional essence leaving one to step into a blissful world. Being a niche trek in the Ladakh Himalayan region, the spectacular journey is also one of the hiking tours in Ladakh.
Tucked in between the Indian Himalaya, Indus Valley and Karakoram Range, the trekking trails in Ladakh presents big challenges even for experienced trekkers. But the Sham Valley Trek that starts from Likir, stretching from an altitude of 3500 meters to Hemis Shukpachen at 3700 meters en route few highland drifts, the Phobe La at 3580 meters, Mebtak La at 3750 meters and Tsermangchen La perched at 3750meters upholding a uniform elevation, and making it desirable for beginners as well as promoting family adventure activities in Ladakh like camping, trekking and monastery tour.
On arrival at Leh, check-in to your hotel and spend the day free for leisure and to acclimatize. In evening you may visit Leh Market and Shanti Stupa. Stay overnight at your hotel.
On day two enjoy excursion to monasteries. After breakfast proceed for Indus Valley Monastery tour including Shey, The ancient capital of Ladakh, Thiksey an impressive complex rising tier upon tier on a hill above the village, Stok Palace & Sindhu Ghat. By evening come back to your hotel and stay overnight.
On third day, after breakfast drive from Leh to Likir, approximately 2 hours’ drive. On arrival at Likir you will meet all your trekking staff and ponies. You can visit Likir monastery situated on a hill towards the village. Start your trek through a barley field to cross a small stream and then to village Sumdo. Then gradually trek to village Yangthang to camp. Stay overnight in your camp.
On the fourth day of your trip, after having your breakfast, Trek to Wulle Valley and then ascent for one hour to Shemchan La and then descent towards Hemis Shukpachan, the highest village in this route. It’s a big village and is famous for Cedar trees found in plenty here, hence the name of village. You will visit a family house and have some butter tea and Ladakhi chang (the local beer). There is a small but beautiful monastery just outside the village that you can visit. Stay overnight in your camp.
On the fifth day, after breakfast, trek through the Apricot rich village of Ang. This valley has a warm weather as compared to Indus valley and hence conducive to thick vegetation and off course, a plenty of apricots, apples and nuts making it one of the richest valleys in Ladakh. Since people are rich they have beautiful houses with wonderful interior. Stay overnight in Uleytokpo Camp.
On the sixth and final day of your trip, after breakfast, visit the Lamayuru monastery to be a part of the morning religious ceremony. It has a very soothing and spiritual experience among the warm and friendly monks. Later drive back to Leh. On your way back to Leh you can visit the Basgo monastery as well, famous for its Buddha statue. On arrival at Leh, check-in to your hotel and stay overnight.
On day seventh bid adieu to this paradise, as you will have your breakfast and avail the transfer facility to Airport for your onward destination.
Are you interested to know more about the magical Valley of Ladakh?
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