Sham Valley Trek

Life is unpredictable and we understand that sometimes you have to cancel or change your trip dates and we endeavour to make it as easy as possible for you. However, please understand that we plan everything including guide fees, permits, accommodation and rations in advance. Therefore, any cancellation means inconvenience and certain losses to the people involved in various stages of the programme. Keeping that in mind, our cancellation charges are as below -

• Cancellations before 30 days from the start of the event: Get a monetary refund with 15% of cancellation charges.

• Cancellations between 30 days and 15 days to the start of the event: 50 %refund.

• Cancellations less than 15 days to the start of the event: No refund.

• Cancellations will be accepted only by email.

Note: The Himalayan Daredevils reserves the right to cancel a program before departure in the event of logistical problems arising due to natural calamities, strikes, wars or any other circumstances that make the event inadvisable. In this case, we will refund 50% of the event fees.

Itinerary Changes &Trip delays:

We plan itineraries based on the information available at the time of planning and in rare circumstances, they are subject to change. If the itinerary is changed or delayed due to unforeseen circumstances such as bad weather, transportation delays, government intervention, landslides etc., we will always aim to give you the best experience possible. However, The Himalayan Daredevils not be held responsible for the cost of delay or changes.

For Bookings made from Third Party Websites:

• The client is responsible for communicating with a third party (booking website) for cancellation.

• Cancellation / Refund is done by a third party based on their policies. 

The Sham Valley Trek, also known as the "Baby Trek of Ladakh," is a great walk through Ladakh's lower areas. It's easy for new trekkers, but it still has a lot to offer those who have hiked more. Set in the Leh area of Jammu and Kashmir, this trek sits at levels from 3,000 to 3,800 meters. You can do it all year, and it's not as hard as other high treks. The path goes through small towns like Likir, Yangthang, Hemis Shukpachan, and Temisgam. Here, hikers are met with warm local love, old houses made of mud, and bright fields of barley, mustard, and apricots. Along the walk, you'll see old places to pray, flags that flutter, and great views of snowy tops. Spring and fall each bring their beauty, from flowers to golden tones. A key part of the Sham Valley Trek is how it mixes culture and views. Not only do hikers walk bumpy paths and small mountain ways, but they also dive into local ways, try local food, and find out about Buddhist ways. The walks each day are short (4–5 hours), making it great for families, beginners, or warming up for higher treks in Ladakh. Even though it's an easier trek, the Sham Valley has real charm, quiet paths, starry skies, and nice locals make it a deep trip. It's a top choice for those into culture, taking photos, or first-time hikers, showing them the beauty and ways of Ladakh.

History of Sham Valley Trek

The Sham Valley's history is rich with old trade paths, Buddhist roots, and farming ways. For years, the valley linked towns in lower Ladakh with Leh and more, helping trade, culture, and faith to mix. The name "Sham" points to the lower part of Ladakh, different from tougher areas like Zanskar or Nubra. Known for its good land from glacial water in streams and crafted water paths, it allowed villagers to grow barley, wheat, mustard, peas, and apricots, rare in this high desert. It got the name 'Apricot Valley' now. Buddhism came to Ladakh from Tibet in the 8th–11th centuries, making Sham Valley a spot for monasteries and learning. Places like the Likir Monastery, from the 11th century, became centres for faith and local fests that brought folks together. These spots kept Buddhist books and became spots where faith met life. In past times, Ladakh sat on big trade paths from Tibet to Kashmir and Central Asia. Sham Valley was on routes used by traders carrying wool, salt, barley, and tea. Towns in the valley gave traders rest, food, and places to stay, making the area rich and full of diverse ways.

The valley also saw influences from Tibetan, Central Asian, and Indian ways, seen in building styles, food, and clothes. Old houses with flat roofs and white walls marked Ladakhi life. Even through changes, under different rulers or new state lines, Sham Valley kept its peaceful farming style. Today, it remains a living show of Ladakhi culture, where old ways are still alive. The Sham Valley Trek uses old paths once walked by locals and monks between homes. Hikers now use these same ways that linked people, holy spots, and markets for years. With living monasteries, working fields, and old trade paths now trek paths, Sham Valley shows Ladakh's mix of its past with current travel while keeping its cultural heart.

Nearby Places around Sham Valley Trek

• Likir Monastery: It sits where the Sham Valley Trek starts. This place is one of the oldest and most pretty ones in Ladakh. Built in the 11th century, it has a big 23-meter golden Maitreya Buddha, fine wall art, and old books. You can see far mountains from here, and it's a key spot for the Gelugpa group in Tibetan Buddhism.

• Hemis Shukpachan: This good-looking village on the trek is full of Shukpa (juniper) trees. The village has old Ladakhi houses, green fields, and clean mountain water. It’s a top spot to see real Ladakhi ways and the rich life of the people here.

• Yangthang Village: A sweet spot along the trek, circled by barley fields and great sunset views. A good rest place for trekkers to meet locals, see mud houses, and try local food. It’s also a calm place to chill.

• Alchi Monastery: Just a short ride from Sham Valley, it's known for old Indo-Tibetan art from the 11th century. The place has great murals, wood works, and clay art, mixing Kashmiri and Tibetan styles.

• Basgo Palace and Monastery: On the way from Leh to Sham Valley, this old fort has ruins, old wall art, and wide views of Indus Valley. It was key in Ladakh’s past and was a strong spot for the Namgyal kings.

Best Time to Visit Sham Valley Trek

• May to September: This time is best for the Sham Valley Trek. The area is full of wildflowers, green spots, and blue skies. Days are warm for easy and fun trekking. Apricot trees also bloom, adding colour around.

• October: October shows golden fields and cool air. It's harvest time, painting Sham Valley like a picture, and the clear skies show pretty mountain views. Great if you like quiet paths and cool air.

• November to April: Not many go in winter due to the cold. Yet, tough trekkers who like quiet and snow might like November to April. It gets very cold, and some paths may have snow, making for a special and quiet trek. But you need to be ready for cold weather.

How to Reach Sham Valley Trek

• By Airport: The closest airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL) in Leh, about 65–70 km from Likir, where the trek starts. It links to big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Srinagar with regular flights. From Leh, you can take a taxi or go on a tour to start the trek.

• By Road: You can drive from Leh to Sham Valley. Take a taxi, bike, or bus to places like Likir or Yangthang. The road shows nice views of the Indus River and mountains. Many trekkers look at monasteries and villages on the way.

• By Railway Station: No train goes straight to Leh or Sham Valley because it’s too high up. The nearest big station is Jammu Tawi, about 700 km away. From Jammu, you can drive to Leh by going through Srinagar or Manali, or fly to get there faster.

Why Book with escape2explore

When exploring the Sham Valley Trek and beyond, escape2explore stands out as a trusted name in adventure and experiential travel. Here’s why hundreds of travellers choose us for their getaways:

• Trusted, Well-Reviewed Local Operator: escape2explore has gained the trust of thousands of content tourists all over India. With persistent positive feedback and an unblemished reputation for delivering quality experiences, we assure you that your experience will be hassle-free, memorable, and value-packed. Our insider local knowledge guarantees that you will always be in safe hands.

• Seasoned Guides: Our trips are led by friendly, trained, and professional guides who are passionate about the outdoors and your safety. Whether it's a beach trek, a cultural tour, or a spiritual walk through temples, our team knows the terrain, the stories, and how to make each moment count.

• Safe & Curated Itineraries: Your safety is our number one priority. Our tour packages are thoughtfully crafted with safety measures, researched accommodations, and easy travel arrangements. We take care of the details so you can have the experience hassle-free and worry-free.

• Unique Experience That You Won't Find Anywhere Else: With escape2explore, you discover more than the tourist attractions. We go off the beaten track with hidden beaches, unusual treks, offbeat cultural destinations, and true interactions.