The Sham Valley, 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 easiest treks in Ladakh region. The trek is suitable for beginners as well as families. Often dubbed as a ‘baby Trek’, the Sham Valley Trek tempts you with on-offer 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 offer trekkers and hikers with opportunity for several clicks of natural views. The trek starts from Likir, stretching from an altitude of 3500 meters to Hemis Shukpachen at 3700 meters. En route it has 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.
The best time to visit this trek is between May and mid-October. During this time, the weather in Ladakh is pleasant and the average temperature ranges between 20 and 30°C in the daytime. July and August are the ideal months for Sham Valley trek as during these months Manali-Leh and Srinagar-Leh highways also opens for private vehicles.
Sham Valley or Apricot Valley is situated at a short distance from Likir, towards Khaltsey village. Arrive at Likir monastery, where the track to Likir monastery meets in between Saspol – Bazgo, it is hardly an hour walks from the road.
In the morning, fly from Delhi to Leh. On arrival at Ladakh, meet our representative. Check-in to the pre-booked hotel. Take rest and be acclimatized. Visit the local market of Leh in the evening. Overnight stay in the hotel.
Today, we shall go on a sightseeing tour to some important monasteries in the area. We will be visiting Shey Gompa, which was once the summer capital of Ladakh kings; Thiksey Gompa, which is said to be one of the most beautiful structures in Ladakh and the famed Hemis Monastery belonging to Drukpa Order. Overnight stay at the guest house.
Post breakfast, we will drive to Likir, which is 58 kilometers away. It is the beginning point of our trek. We will trek today to cover a short distance. We will pass through two passes: Phobe La (3580 meters) and Chagatse La (3630 meters). The village of Yangthang is across the Chagatse pass. We shall camp at Yangthang for the night next to a stream.
Our trek for today will be easy, despite the fact that it involves climbing up to a pass. Both ascent and descent will be on gentle slopes. We will trek to north, dipping down a bit and then crossing a stream ascending west to Tsermangchan La (3750 meters). We will climb down to Hemis Shukpachan after crossing the pass. There are several streams bordered by shady willows and large barley fields.
A fairly easy day trekking day as well. We will trek upward between two hillocks in the west of village located upwards until it heads south and ascends up to Mebtak La (3750 meters). This valley is marked by prayer flags. We will proceed further down the gorge to Ang from the pass. Ang is a beautiful village with apricot orchards. We will camp at Ang for overnight stay.
On the last day of the trek, we will again go for an easy trek downhill all the way on the main road. There would be a taxi waiting at Temisgam. This taxi will take us to Leh.
Reach the airport to catch flight to Delhi.
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