If you’ve ever wanted to experience Ladakh’s rugged beauty without committing to high-altitude climbs or long expedition-style treks, the Sham Valley Trek is a gem. Often called the “Baby Trek,” it’s perfect for beginners. It’s short, scenic, and sprinkled with welcoming villages, cozy homestays, and wide-open Himalayan skies.
It’s ideal for beginners, solo travelers, or anyone looking for a gentle yet unforgettable Himalayan experience.
Day 1: Leh to Likir Village
We left Leh after breakfast and took a jeep ride to Likir Monastery. The drivers there have a guideline on how much a trip to a place costs (one way or two way), so you can get charged fairly. It cost us 1900 INR. The drive itself is scenic, with barren valleys, fluttering prayer flags, and crisp mountain air.
At the monastery, we visited the golden Buddha statue, a museum (50 INR Charge), and a few shrines around the area. The monasteries and the serene surroundings immediately set the tone for our trek.
From the monastery, we descended into Likir Village, where we planned to find a homestay. We descended for around 2 hours before finding a homestay. Malchang Homestay was quite outstanding. For ₹1500 (including dinner, breakfast, and a packed lunch for the next day), the hospitality was outstanding. The lady running the homestay served milk tea, a delicious paneer dinner, and even packed lunch for the trek ahead.
Evening exploration of Likir Village was peaceful. The stone houses, big fields, and quiet atmosphere gave a real sense of authentic Ladakhi life. Though there was no Wi-Fi, SIM connectivity worked fine. For a day, it was quite a digital detox.
It’s worth noting that there shouldn’t be a problem finding drinking water. Homestays provide you with boiled and filtered water you can fill up and carry throughout the trek.
Day 2: Likir to Yangthang
Distance: 17 Kilometers
We began our official trek at around 8 AM, walking through the valley from Likir. The first major stop was the Pheboe La Pass. The road to the pass was a dry, barren stretch with small forested villages along the way. The trail is separate from the main road and offers a more scenic, intimate experience.
Descending from the pass, we reached Saspotsey, a small settlement with a tea stall and, surprisingly, Wi-Fi. After a short break, the trail ascends again through the valley toward Yangthang Village. Due to unexpected route closures, we had to take a 2 km detour along the main road.
Yangthang itself is cozy and scenic. Wi-Fi was temporarily down due to rainfall damage, but the calm atmosphere, friendly locals, and serene views were worth not having it.
We unpacked at the homestay and had our packed lunch: boiled potato, egg, bread, a carton of juice, and a Snickers bar.
The rest of the afternoon was calm and peaceful. There isn’t much to see, but the village is pretty nonetheless. At night, the house lady gave us a wonderful plate of rice and beans, which was a perfect meal to end the night.
You’ll start to see the beautiful stars from Yangthang, away from the light pollution from tourist places like Leh.
Day 3: Yangthang to Hemis Shukpachan
Distance: 14 Kilometers
From Yangthang, the starry night skies of Ladakh slowly gave way to a warm, sunny morning. The first stretch follows village roads before branching into a narrow uphill trail through the valley, reaching a mountain pass. Friendly honks from passing drivers kept spirits high, and the scenic route made the walk truly enjoyable.
We reached Tsermachang La, a quiet mountain pass that opens up to a sweeping view of the valley below. From here, you follow the gentle descent towards Hemis Shukpachan. We looked around a while before settling on a homestay in the centre of the village. All the treks finished around early to mid-afternoon, leaving plenty of time to relax and wander around.
The homestay was immediately comforting with warm smiles at the door, a decent room, and even Wi-Fi. It’s when you are in the rural areas that you truly feel the small luxuries. We unpacked our packed lunch in the kitchen, but I couldn’t resist having a plate of rice and yellow lentils.
The afternoon was warm and peaceful. We decided to take a hot shower and walk around the village. It’s a beautiful village that has a Buddha statue overlooking the valley below. The house lady said their schedules in the winter are also packed with people taking the chance to see a snow leopard in its flesh.
The dinner was a hearty spread of delicious homemade pasta, fried rice, dal, and rice. It carried the familiar warmth of a home-cooked meal. In the morning, freshly baked bread arrived at the table, still warm, paired with fragrant local apricot jam that tasted like sunshine captured in a jar.
The warm hospitality and serene surroundings make this stop unforgettable.
Day 4: Hemis to Ang/Temisgam:
Distance: 9 Kilometers
From Hemis Shukpachan, the trail continued its gentle, winding journey toward the charming villages of Ang and Temisgam. We set out from our homestay (Hemis Eco Lodge), which was located right on the trail to Ang. The first part was a steady climb through dusty roads and grasslands that led to the first pass.
Navigation here can be a bit unpredictable. Several dirt tracks split and rejoin repeatedly, and one wrong turn can send you descending toward an Indian Army camp near Khaltse. As long as you stick with the wider road-like path and watch for cairns and tire imprints, you’ll stay on track. Eventually, the route pulls you upward toward Mebtak La (3,850 m), where the landscape opens dramatically into wide, sunlit valleys.
From this pass, you’ll start to descend. As you descend a few kilometers, you’ll start to see terraced patches and apricot trees, giving you a sign of human settlement. It’s quite a relief to see it. Soon, you reach a quiet little village of Ang.
People say Temisgam is a much prettier village to stay the night, so as you press on the skirted fields and dusty trails, you’ll soon reach Temisgam. It’s a serene gem tucked into the valley. At the top, there is an old palace and a monastery which you can explore. It’s a perfect place to stop and unwind before ending your Sham Valley Trek.
Day 5 (Optional): Trip to Lamayuru
For the final day, we picked up a car (or alternatively hitch‑hiked) and made our way toward Lamayuru. Lamayuru is about 108–127 km from Leh, and its terrain is often described as a “moonland” due to its unique rock formations resembling the moon. The small town is home to the 11th-century monastery, wide barren landscapes, steeped in culture.
The place is a good stop to spend the night before returning to the hustle of Leh
In the morning, you’ll have two main options to return to Leh:
- Arrange a taxi/car in Lamayuru to drop you back to Leh.
- Hitch‑hike or take a shared taxi, depending on your flexibility and budget.
Hitch-hiking is convenient but luck-based; you may be waiting for quite a while. You can prepare a taxi for you beforehand. Prices may vary.
Why the Sham Valley Trek is Perfect for Beginners
- Beginner-friendly altitude: peaks at ~3,850 m
- Scenic and cultural: monasteries, villages, prayer flags, wide Himalayan views
- Short and manageable: 2–3 days are enough to experience Ladakh without extreme trekking
- Authentic homestays: local hospitality, home-cooked meals, immersion in Ladakhi life
Tips for Trekkers
- Carry cash
- You’ll get a packed lunch from homestays, and there are shops at stops.
- Sun protection and refillable water bottles are a must
- Best trekking season: May to September
- Respect local culture and monasteries
- Try talking with the locals, they’re very friendly.
What do you need for the Sham Valley Trek?
The itinerary is basic, and you won’t require any porters.
- Water Bottle (Must)
- Cash
- Hiking Jacket (Light, protects you from the sun, it gets quite warm while walking)
- Sun screen
- Trousers / Inner / Outer
- Snacks, chocolate bars
- Basic First Aid
- Brush/toothpaste
- Towel
- Warm Jacket
- Gloves
- Proper Hiking/Trekking Boots
- Socks (Can wash and dry them at stops)
- Other warm clothes
- Toiletries