Shyam Valley Trek

Day 1 - Welcome to India! An Active India Holiday representative will greet you at the arrival hall at the Delhi International Airport. As you drive to the hotel in comfort, enjoy the sights along the way while our representative briefs you about the experience that awaits you. Check in at the hotel and freshen up. Rest of the day is free to explore the national capital with its many attractions, be it monuments, museums, galleries or bazaars. You may also choose to visit Lodi Gardens, a tranquil green space where you can take a stroll and discover historic tombs and monuments.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 2 - Today, we will be transferred to the airport of Delhi to board our early morning flight for Leh. As you fly from Delhi to Leh, the aircraft flies over the Himalayas, providing an amazing overhead view of the entire mountain range with gigantic glaciers and glaring peaks. (The flight is subject to appropriate weather and perfect flying conditions). On arrival in Ladakh, an Active India Holiday representative will greet you at the arrivals hall at the Leh airport. Check in at the hotel and freshen up. Late in the afternoon, we take a mild orientation walk through Leh and its bazaars to acclimate to the altitude. In the olden days, Leh was an important trading centre along the old Silk Route from China. The town is dominated by the nine- story Namgyal Palace whose faded grandeur has been likened to a mini version of the Potala Palace in Lhasa.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 3 - Today we visit the monasteries in the Indus Valley. We first head to Shey and drive down a road bordered with white-painted chortens or stupas. We visit the Shey Palace which was erected in the 16th century CE. Then we continue to the Thiksey Gompa, an amazing structure perched on a hill above the hamlet and home to a stunning 15-meter gold-plated statue of Maitreya Buddha, the Buddha of the Future. We also visit the legendary Hemis Gompa, which was founded in the 1630s and is one of Ladakh's largest and richest gompas. We return to Leh late in evening. Overnight stay at Leh.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 4 - Today we commence our trekking journey. In the morning we take a short drive to the Phyang village bridge, from where we walk to the beautiful Phyang monastery. After spending some time at the monastery and enjoying the gorgeous view of the local village and surrounding area, we continue our drive towards Likir village (3,650 metre), which is the starting point of our trek. Upon arrival we first visit the Likir monastery, one of the oldest and most important monasteries of Ladakh. Belonging to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, it houses a rich collection of paintings, clothing, and crafts. From here we walk down to the village of Likir. Overnight stay in Likir.

Overnight - Camp

Day 5 - After breakfast we commence our trek to Yangthang, passing through the small village of Sumdo, a gateway to beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. From Likir, we walk parallel to a motorable road that ascends to Phobe La (3580 m). From the pass we leave the road and descend to a trail that leads to a valley, which then takes us back on the road. From here we get to enjoy the views of Sumdo village with its few houses. Then we leave the road again and climb towards Chagatse La (3,700 m) to reach the village of Yangthang, where we spend the night. The fields of the village are visible from the top and before harvesting season the whole area looks like an oasis suspended mid-air. Upon arrival we settled in the camp. Maximum Altitude: 3752m | Ascent: 600 m | Descent: 400m

Overnight - Camp

Day 6 - We start the day with a pleasant walk along the river and arrive at the exceptional Rizong Monastery. The Gompa stretches in the shape of an arc at the bottom of the canyon. In the 19th century, the monastery was founded by Tsulrim Nyima, a Saspol monk whose ashes are preserved in a large chorten. We visit the monastery which is home to 40 monks. We return to Yangthang before evening and get back to the camp. Maximum Altitude: 3669m | Ascent: 785m | Descent: 730m

Overnight - Camp

Day 7 - Today we take a relatively short walk to the Hemis Shukpachen village, surrounded by very ancient "hurdles" of chorten (stupa). We begin our walk on a gentle slope and cross a stream before climbing up to Tsermangchan La (3750) to get to the beautiful village, with a rich cultural background and folklore. After a short rest at the pass we descend to Hemis Shukpachen. Upon arrival we check-in at the camp/ homestay. Later we walk around the small village spread over a vast area followed by a local cooking demonstration and dinner. The locals benevolently welcome us to experience the unique mountain hospitality which flows through their blood. Overnight stay at camp/ homestay.

Overnight - Camp

Day 8 - We leave from Hemis and head to Rongtil La, an almost flat walk to the chorten marking the pass. The second pass, Mebtak La (3,880m), is visible with its multi-coloured mountain face from here. After a short steep descent, Mebtak La appears to be a wall in front, yet it can be ascended in half an hour with a gradual leisurely walk. Once on top, our efforts are rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges. A two-hour steady descent through the town of Ang brings us to Themisgam, a prosperous village dominated by the ruins of its castle and monastery. Upon arrival we visit a castle. Overnight stay at a camp/homestay.

Overnight - Camp

Day 9 - After breakfast we take a short vehicle transfer to Tia village, where we get a chance to meet the locals. From there, we ascend slowly to the Chamla Pass (4030m), enjoying a magnificent panoramic view of the Himalayan range. The final part of the trek is slightly steeper as we descend to Skindying, a traditional Ladakhi village. From here, we drive for about an hour and a half hour through the beautiful Ladakhi landscape to Lamayuru, also known as moon land. Upon arrival we check-in at a camp/ guest house. In the evening we visit the quaint Lamayuru Monastery. Overnight stay in Lamayuru.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 10 - Today we trek for about 4 hours, from Lamayuru to Wanla via Prinkit La (3750 m). We walk down to the stream and walk along it, heading south across the barren land until it separates. Then we continue up a little gully on the left until it splits three ways again. From here we follow the left fork and climb gradually to Prinkit La (3750 m). From the top, we get a view of the difficult terrain of Zanskar. A steep descent from here brings us to the valley of Shillakong. We cross the bridge and continue for 3 km to reach Wanla (3250 m), a charming village with an 11th-century gompa perched high on a rocky mountain. Post lunch we visit the Wanla monastery and village and then head back to Leh. If time permits, we can visit the Alchi Gompa on the way to Leh. Upon arrival we check-in at the hotel.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 11 - Early morning transfer to Leh Airport to board the flight for Delhi. On arrival, transfer to hotel for check-in. After freshen up, we leave for half day sightseeing of Delhi. We first discover British Delhi (New Delhi area); passing by the official residence of President of India (Rashtrapati Bhavan), Parliament House, the Iconic India Gate and other Colonial buildings designed by Edwin Lutyens, a British architect during the first half of twentieth Century. Next, we head to the UNESCO listed - Humayun’s Tomb- the mausoleum of the second Mughal emperor Humayun, built in 1564 by his widow Haji Begum during her son Akbar's reign.

Overnight - Hotel

Day 12 - Our tour of Shyam Valley Trek comes to an end and it’s time to pack our bags and head back with memories of a lifetime. We check out of the hotel and get a transfer to the Leh Airport for onward travel.

Tour Ends