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Sham Valley Trek Itinerary — Day by Day Route & Camps
A 3-day walking journey from Likir to Tingmosgang, connecting ancient villages and crossing minor, scenic passes.
Standard RouteThis is the standard mountain pacing for this trek. Specific operators may add an acclimatization day or alter the starting point. Check individual operator schedules for their exact logistics.
Duration
3 Days
Total Distance
30.0 KM
Max Altitude
12,565 FT
Trek Type
circuit
Permits Required Before You Go
Permit Cost
Where to Get
Online via the Leh administration portal or through local travel agents in Leh.
Documents
Passport / Aadhar Card, Passport size photos
Foreign Nationals
Foreigners must travel in groups of at least two and book the PAP through a registered Leh travel agency.
Foreigner Process
Protected Area Permit (PAP) is mandatory. It is easily arranged by any travel agent in Leh within 24 hours.
Nearest Embassy Hub
New Delhi
Day by Day Breakdown
Camp Alt
12,100 ft
Day Gain
+600 ft
Drive to Likir & Trek to Yangthang
Drive 45 km from Leh to Likir, home to a massive golden Buddha statue. After exploring the monastery, the trek begins. You walk through a dry, arid landscape, crossing two minor, gentle passes—Phobe La and Chagatse La. The descent brings you into the small, green oasis village of Yangthang for the night.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Tree line disappears as the valley broadens into a spectacular high-altitude alpine meadow basin, replacing the dense forests with expansive grazing pastures.
Camp Alt
11,800 ft
Day Gain
-300 ft
Reach Hemis Shukpachan
A relatively easy day. You leave the village and ascend gently to the Tsermangchan La. From the pass, the descent is swift into Hemis Shukpachan, one of the most beautiful villages in the region, named after the sacred Cedar trees (Shukpa) that grow here. Spend the afternoon exploring the village streams and barley fields.
Key Landmarks
Staying At
Tree line disappears as the valley broadens into a spectacular high-altitude alpine meadow basin, replacing the dense forests with expansive grazing pastures.
Field Notes
KEY ACTIONRiver Crossings
Plan to cross early in the day before snowmelt swells the water levels. Unclip backpack waist belts before crossing.
Use Trekking Poles
Trekking poles are highly recommended to save your knees on the descent.
INFOSlower Progress
Progress will be significantly slower and more taxing on your ankles than trail distance suggests.
Camp Alt
11,500 ft
Day Gain
-300 ft
Today's Objective
🏔 Cross Mebtak La
The final trekking day. The trail goes between two small hillocks to cross the Mebtak La. The descent is steep into the village of Ang, and then a flat walk brings you to the historically significant village of Tingmosgang, famous for its apples and apricots. From here, your transport will pick you up for the drive back to Leh.
Key Landmarks
Crossing the high-altitude pass bridges two distinct watershed systems, shifting the expedition over the glaciated divide and down into a new river basin.
Trek Extensions & Add-ons
Alchi Monastery Detour
+1 DayOn the drive back from Tingmosgang to Leh, take a detour to visit the Alchi Monastery, a 1000-year-old complex featuring some of the most intricate Buddhist frescoes in the world.
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