Sham and Indus Valley Trek

Moderate Trek

The Indus and Sham valley divulges the main monasteries that reflect the footsteps of the Indo-Tibetan sects and a natural gallery of Neolithic relics, located and secluded within the mountain ranges. To explore each and every corner of the Ladakh region, the Sham and Indus Valley Trek, which is one of the easiest treks in the Ladakh region, is the best pick that sheers into the wonderful sites like Shey, Thiksey, Hemis, Spituk, Phyang, Lamayuru and Alchi, which are all accessible by road, and Temisgang, Ridzong and Likir line the trekking route.

The Sham and Indus Valley Trek commences from Likir and thereafter the journey turns zigzag to Yangthang, which is at an elevation of 3,600 meters, via Phobe La at 3,580 meters followed by Chagatse La, which is at an elevation of 3,630 meters. The Ridzong Monastery which is an hour's walk from Yangthang is one of the major attractions on this trek. The journey thereafter swirls through the small and beautiful village of Ang, which is renowned for its aromatic Shukpa. From Ang the trail leads to Khaltsey via Tingmosgang village, the famous village of Ladakh, which is popular for its colourful Apricots and Apples and Walnuts. Later, trek to Tia village and cross over the Bongbong La pass descent along a gentle slope and arrive at Khaltse. The journey winds up at Leh after visiting the Alchi monastery, which is one of the oldest monasteries in the Ladakh region and belongs to the Gelukpa sect of Buddhism.

Day 01: Arrive Delhi

Where you will be met and transfered to your hotel.

Day 02: Delhi - Leh (3500m) by plane

Afternoon at leisure in Leh, where we can take a walk to the colorful bazaar.

Day 03: Visit of the high Indus valley monasteries

Shey houses the old summer palace of the kings of Ladakh. Its gompa shelters an amazing Buddha, 12m high. The picturesque Thikse monastery is perched on top of the hill overhanging the Indus. The Hemis gompa is one of the largest in Ladakh.

Day 04: Leh - Phyang (3600m) by bus (1h) and walk towards Taru (3700m)

We visit the Phyang monastery and continue onwards with a pleasant walk. A short day necessary for our acclimatization.

Day 05: Taru - Taru La (4200m) - Nyemo (3700m)

The trail climbs steeply towards the first pass of the trek, and descends to the Nyemo village.

Day 06: Nyemo - Nie (3800m)

The route traverses Basgo, dominated by impressive ruined fortresses. A quite stricking succession of shortens, sanctuaries and a palace line the path.

Day 07: Nie - Likir (3600m)

We enter an arid and bare landscape. Visit of the Likir monastery, one of the oldest in Ladakh.

Day 08: Likir - Yangthang (3600m)

The route goes through two low passes, the Phobe La (3700m) and the Charatse La (3800m), opening to beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

Day 09: Yangthang - Hemis Shukpachan (3600m)

En route, visit of the Ridzong monastery, which is set in stunning surroundings and hidden amongst the hills. After a tiny pass, we descend towards Hemis Shukpachan.

Day 10: Hemis Shukpachan - Temisgang (3700m)

This part of the trail has been carved out from the ochre rocks into a balcony. We climb towards two passes at 4000m and arrive at Ang. Then on to Temisgang, ancient capital of the Syham Kingdom, and its monastery.