Sham Valley Trek

Sham Valley, also known as the "Apricot Valley," is located in the Ladakh region of northern India. Sham Valley Trek is situated to the west of the better-known Nubra Valley and lies along the lower reaches of the mighty Indus River. The valley is renowned for its stunning landscapes, vibrant apricot orchards, and traditional Ladakhi villages. The villages in Sham Valley Trek offer a glimpse into the traditional Ladakhi way of life. The inhabitants are primarily of Tibetan descent and follow Tibetan Buddhism. You can find ancient monasteries, chortens (Buddhist stupas), and prayer flags adorning the landscape. Some notable monasteries and gompas in the Sham Valley include Likir Monastery, Rizong Monastery, and Basgo Monastery. These religious sites are not only architecturally fascinating but also spiritually significant for the local Buddhist population.

History Of the Sham Valley Trek

The Sham Valley Trek has deep relations with the culture and traditions of Ladakh. The Sham Valley is near to Leh, is a perfect location to experience Ladakhi culture. This is a rain shadow region and usually remains dry. You barely see greenery in the Ladakh region. But Sham Valley is known for apricot plantations. You can also see barley fields. The apricot trees were introduced in the Sham Valley generations ago. Today, these apricot fields have become a great attraction.

You will see some villages like Likir, Shukpachan, etc. These villages were the halts for the ancient trade route. They used to exchange goods like wool, salt, etc. The Likiar Monastery has been serving as a center for Buddhist learning and meditation. You can talk to the locals and learn about the Ladakhi beliefs and culture. The Sham Valley is a crucial spot as it has a vital role in shaping the Ladakhi culture. Today, Sham Valley is popularly known as Baby Trek. This trek has a good hand in boosting the adventure tourism of Ladakh. The trek is simple and more accessible to the people.

​Highlights Of Sham Valley Trek

• ​Baby Trek Of Ladakh:

The Sham Valley Trek is known as the Baby Trek of Ladakh. Unlike other Ladakh treks, the Sham Valley Trek is easy. The trails are simple but do not compromise the views. This trek has low altitude, and you can plan the trek with your friends and family.

• ​Beautiful Apricot Orchards

Sham Valley is covered with Apricot blossoms during spring. Most Ladakh areas are dry, but Sham Valley is fertile. You will see apricot and apple orchards. The barley fields and willow trees fill the colors in the big, brown, cold desert. The apricot Orchids of Sham Valley give a picture-perfect view in spring.

• Easy to Moderate Trek

Most Ladakh treks are difficult and long. But the Sham Valley Trek is different. Its altitude is very low from other high-altitude treks of Ladakh. You can complete your Sham Valley Trek in just 5 days. The barren mountains, streams, and orchards make the trek very memorable.

• Traditional Villages

The Sham Valley is a great trek to experience the real Ladakhi Culture. You will walk through villages like Likir, Yangthand, etc. These villages still hold the real Ladakhi beauty. The stone houses and temples look very charming.​

Difficulty Level Of Sham Valley Trek

Sham Valley Trek is likely to be an easy trek compared to other Ladakh treks. This is an easy-to-moderate level trek. The Sham Valley trek is called Baby Trek and is suitable for trek beginners.

Trek Difficulty

The Sham Valley has a simple terrain. The valley has a moderate altitude and an easy trail. There are no steep ascents and descents on the trek. You will walk for 4-6 hours daily on the trek. The trek is not very difficult, and you can complete it without any difficulty.

Trek Altitude

Ladakh is a high-altitude zone, but Sham Valley has a moderate altitude of 3500 m. This altitude is average for any Himalayan Trek. The altitude is not very low, and you can still get AMS symptoms. Trekkers should rest for a day in Leh for Acclimatization.

Weather Conditions

The weather conditions are also pretty good in Sham Valley. The daytime is warm, but nights can be freezing. It is a rain shadow zone, which means low chances of rain. If you are trekking in late Autumn or early Spring, then the temperature can be low even in the daytime.

Remoteness

The Sham Valley is located in a remote location. But you can find local shops and all the daily essentials. The villages have lots of homestays, and you can see locals and tourists around you all the time. The Sham Valley is very lively, but you can’t find modern facilities there.

Best Time To Visit Sham Valley Trek

Summer is a good time to plan your Sham Valley Trek. The trails are accessible, and the weather is also pleasant. Sham Valley is an easy trek, but you should plan it in the favorable season for the best views.

• ​Sham Valley Trek In May and June

Spring is the best time to plan your trek to Sham Valley. Everything around you will look beautiful. The apricot and apple blossom fill the color in the barren land of Ladakh. The barley fields turn green, and everywhere seems great. ​

• Sham Valley In July and August

Summer is a good time for the Sham Valley Trek. You will see clear skies and nice weather. The day temperature feels warm, and nights are also good. You don’t have to worry about rain, and Ladakh lies in the rain shadow region. 

• Sham Valley Trek In September

September is the last month for Sham Valley Trekking. The valley becomes golden due to barley fields. The weather becomes crisp but pleasant. You will see fewer crowds and the trek will become more peaceful. The temperature will start dropping, and nights can be very cold.

• Sham Valley Trek From October To April

Winter is not a good time to plan your Sham Valley Trek. This area receives a good amount of snow, and the trails may be lost somewhere. The weather conditions are very harsh. You should only plan the Sham Valley Trek in winter if you are a seasoned trekker.

How To Reach The Sham Valley Trek?

You will start your trek to Sham Valley from Likir Village. This village is about 55km from Leh. Reach Leh and spend one day there for acclimatization.

• Leh Via Road

Leh is a beautiful city, and you can reach Leh from Manali and Srinagar. Reach Manali and take the Manali-Leh Highway. The distance is 437 km. You will see some of the beautiful passes like Tanglang La. This route is open from June to September. Or, you can reach Srinagar and take the Srinagar-Leh Highway. The distance is 434 km, and you will drive via Keylong, Jispa, or Kargil. This route is open from May to October. 

• Leh Via Railways

Leh doesn’t have a railway station, and the nearest station is Updampur Railway Station (650 km). This railway station does not have good connectivity. Railway is not a good option to reach Leh.

• Leh Via Air

The best means of transport for Leh is air. You can take a flight to Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (Leh). Many direct flights are available from Delhi and other cities. Reach Leh and then take a shared taxi to Likir Village.