Sham Valley Trek

Day 1 - In the early morning flight from Delhi, the plane flies over the Himalayan Range providing amazing overhead view of the whole mountain range with gigantic glaciers and glaring peaks before it brings us to Leh, a fertile valley just to the north of the mighty Indus River (this flight is subject to appropriate weather and perfect flying conditions). Upon arrival, we transfer to the hotel. By the time your check-in is organized, our representative would introduce the tour file to you and handover the tour documents. Rest of the day is set free for acclimatization.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 2 - Today we take a tour of the Indus Valley monasteries. We visit Thiksey Gompa, an impressive complex rising on a hill above the village which houses a beautiful 15-meter gold-plated statue of Maitreya Buddha, the Buddha of the Future. From here, following a good road which is lined with white-painted and decorated chortens, we arrive in Shey. We will discover the palace of Shey, built in the 16th century AD. Then we drive further to visit the famous Hemis Gompa, founded in the 1630’s and one of the largest and richest gompas of Ladakh. Later in the evening we drive back to Leh.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 3 - After breakfast we leave Leh behind and drive to Alchi enroute we will pass through the magnetic hill, also known as Gravity Hill where vehicles defy the force of gravity, the Sangam (confluence) of the rivers Indus & Zanskar – two of Himalaya's great rivers, Indus and Zanskar rivers merge here to form a spectacular view, next on the agenda is a visit to Basgo Castle. Sitting atop a marvellous collection of eroded hills and peaks, the palace ruins house a few splendid temples. While the ruins itself are quite spectacular, the biggest reason why tourists come here is to enjoy the spectacular views. We continue our drive to Likir monastery built on an ancient Gompa. It is one of the most important monasteries in Ladakh. After the visit we drive to Alchi which will take further about 45 minutes, Arrive and check in hotel, enjoy your lunch before you visit Alchi Gompa and village. Today you have any option to enjoy low grade rafting in Indus river. Walking Duration :02 hrs

Overnight - Guest House

Day 4 - Post breakfast, a short transfer and we arrive at the site of Rizong which is exceptional: the Gompa stretches in an arc of circle at the bottom of the canyon. Founded by Lama Tsultim Nima in 1831 Rizong is a Yellow Hat sect Gompa and is spectacularly situated on a Cliffside overlooking the Indus Valley. The monastery holds special significance for Tibetan Buddhists as it belongs to Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. After Visiting the monastery we commence our trek to Yangthang Village. Arrive and enjoy your lunch at home stay and rest of the day is free to enjoy walking around and see life style of the local inhabitants. Overnight stay in home stay. Walking Duration: 3-4 hrs

Overnight - Guest House

Day 5 - Today, we follow the trail to the village of Hemis Shukpachen, surrounded by very ancient "hurdles" of chorten (stupa). Cypresses, rare in Ladakh, mark the end of the fields. Upon arrival at Hemis Shukpachen, keep your backpack in camp/ Homestay and thereafter, walk around this beautiful small village which is spread over a vast area. Later we attend cooking demonstration. Locals heartily welcome you to experience the unique mountain hospitality which runs through their blood. Interior decoration of house is extremely beautiful. After having observed the complete process of cooking, we will taste the delicious dishes prepared. Walking Duration: 4 -5 hrs

Overnight - Guest House

Day 6 - We depart Hemis to reach Rongtil La - an almost flat walk to the chorten marking the pass. From here our second pass, Meptik La (3,880m) is visible with its multi-coloured mountain face. After a short steep descent to the base, Meptek La looks like a wall in front - but it can be climbed in half an hour by a slow leisurely walk. Our hard work pays off with the breathtaking views over the surrounding range of mountains from the top. A 2hrs. Gradual descent through the village of Ang and a short transfer brings us to a prosperous village of Themisgam where we visit a castle. Overnight in Hotel/ camp Walking Duration: 4 -5 hrs

Overnight - Hotel

Day 7 - Morning after breakfast we will walk uphill (most of the way we can drive if the road allows) to a local nunnery overlooking the fertile valley. Continuing uphill we reach the monastery of Themisgam with its opulent and ornate interiors. Built in the 15th century, the once thriving foundation is now run by a single monk-on-duty. Each year, the monk is changed, unusually the duties being shared between the yellow cap southern order and the red cap order of Tibetan Buddhism. After the visit we take our vehicle and get a transfer to Leh enroute visit Lamayuru Monastery. Arrival and check-in at hotel.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 8 - After early breakfast, checkout from Hotel & get transferred to airport for onward flight back home, but with memories of a wonderful trip.

Tour Ends