Sham Valley
4 nigts - 5 days
Trekking in Lower Ladakh is an easy trek, where one gets to explore mainly the monasteries at different height and remote villages settled peacefully, where you will be accommodated traditionally and served accordingly.
Tour route : Leh- Likir- Yangthang- Hemischukpachan- Temisgam- Khaltse- Lamayuru- Leh
Day 01. Leh to Likir to Yangthang (2/3Hrs)
Drive to Likir around 45 kms from Leh towards Srinagar. At Likir, before starting the trek, you can visit the Likir monastery in the village. As you begin your trek you come across Sumdo village and then crossing two tiny passes called Phobe La (3550 meters) and Charatse La (3650 meters) you reach Yangthang village. Overnight stay is in a homestay.
Day 02. Yangthang to Rizong to Hemis Shukpachan (5/6Hrs)
After the breakfast proceed towards Rizong monastery. The walk is through a thick grove of poplar, willow, apricot and apple trees along a stream before getting to the popular nunnery of Rizong at a site called Chulichan in about half an hour. The valley on the right is the way to the monastery, which is known for its strict rules of observing monastic life. After having lunch, the trek towards Hemis Shukpachan village involves crossing a simple pass behind the monastery. Overnight stay is in homestay.
Day 03. Hemis Shukpachan to Temisgam (3/4Hrs)
Today is a bit longer trek involving crossing of Maptek La (3750 meters), which has great views of surrounding valleys and mountains. Soon after the pass you get the sight of Ang village. From Ang the road leads down to the Temisgam village, which has ruins of historical fort and a small monastery enshrining the highly sacred marble statue of Avalokiteshvara. Overnight stay is in a homestay.
Day 04. Temisgam to Khaltse to Lamayuru (4/5Hrs)
Walk down to Khaltsey via Bongbongchan La, and your trek finishes at the Srinagar Leh highway. The same day you drive to Lamayuru for sightseeing of Yundrung Monastery perched on pillar shaped interesting geographical formations, which gives this valley a ‘moonlike’ image. Overnight stay is in a Guest House.
Day 05. Lamayuru to Leh
After having breakfast drive back to Leh, en route visit Alchi and Likir monasteries.
Notes:
- "La" means Pass
- "Avalokiteshvara" is the buddha of wisdom.
