Sham Valley Trek
Baby Trek of Ladakh
Available Batches
Brief Description
Itinerary
Arrive at Leh (11,400 ft)
Leh - Likir (11,548 ft, Drive) - Yangthang (12,073 ft) via Phobe La (11,745 ft) and Chagatse La (12,171 ft) - 10 km
Yangthang - Hemis Shukpachan (11,909 ft) via Tsermangchan La (12,715 ft) - 10 km
Hemis Shukpachan -Temisgam (10,597 ft) via Mebtak La (12,467 ft)- 12 km
Depart from Leh
Day 1
Arrive at Leh in the morning. This day will be used for rest and acclimatisation.
Day 2
Morning after breakfast you will be driven by taxi to Likir which is just 58 kms. Likir Village (3520 m) is the starting point of our trek. Although the distance is short, the route is warm, without any shade or water and we need to traverse two passes. From Likir the route heads west up to Phobe La (3580 m) and beyond this lies Sumdo village. The trail goes steadily upwards till you get to Chagatse La (3710 m). Across the pass is the village of Yangthang (3680m) where we camp for the night, next to a stream. The Ridzong Monastery lies about an hour south of Yangthang.
Day 3
Today is an easy walk despite the pass because both the approach and the descent are of gentle gradients. The trail heads north, descending for a bit, crossing a stream before climbing up west again to Tsermangchan La (3875 m). After a short rest at the pass we head down to Hemis Shukpachan. The village, named after the grove of cedars, is one of Ladakh’s prettiest. There are several sparkling streams surrounded by shady willows and large barley fields that provide a touch of green to the otherwise desolate, rocky mountains
Day 4
Again this is a fairly easy day. The trail goes upward between two hillocks west of the village upwards until it veers south and climbs steeply up to the Mebtak La (3750m) marked by prayer flags. From the pass we head down the gorge to Ang, a charming village with apricot orchards. From here, head to the main highway at Temisgam. Drive back to Leh.
Day 5
What's Included
- Food as per menu on the trek
- Forest Permits/Camping Charges, if any (upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
- Tents/Home Stay, Sleeping bags, Sleeping mats
- Safety Equipment includes static rescue rope, seat harness, carabiners, pulleys
- Trek guide, cook, helpers, and porters for carrying common supplies
- Mountaineering course certified Trek Leader with Wilderness Emergency Responder & Rescue. course from NIM Uttarkashi
- 2 night hotel stay in Leh on Day 1 & Day 4
What's Not Included
- Portage of personal bags during the trek
- Cost of any kind of Travel Insurance.
- Any Expense of personal nature.
- Any Expense not specified in the inclusions list.
- Meals during road journeys
- Inner Line Permit Fee
Are you Eligible for this Adventure?
Easy
3875 m
32 km
BRS Level Required
Since it is a beginner’s trek, you need no special prior experience. Although any high-altitude trek requires a certain level of stamina and physical endurance.
If you do not know what level of BRS trek would suit you best, worry not! Fill out this Form:
we will send you a progression chart to help you comfortably get out of your comfort zone in order to level up and ultimately reach your highest potential in the big, bad world of outdoor adventure.
Packing List
This is a list of essential items for individuals doing the trek with Bikat Adventures. This list contains only those items which the participants are required to bring with them. The list excludes those items which are provided by Bikat Adventures on the trek. We have divided the items into five categories. All the items in the list are essential except for those marked as optional.
Trekking Gear
- Ruck sack bag with rain cover. Qty -1
- Day Pack Bag - Recommended for treks with summit day
- Head Torch with spare Batteries. Qty -1
- U V protection sunglasses. Qty -1 Here is how you can choose the best sunglasses for trekking.
- Water Bottles: 2 bottles of 1 liter each
Footwear
- Non-skid, deep treaded, high-ankle trekking shoes Qty -1
- Pair of light weight Slipper/Sandals Qty -1
Clothing
- Quick Dry Warm lower or Track Pants. Qty - 2
- Full sleeves T-shirts/ Sweatshirts. 1 for every 2 days of trekking
- Pair of thick woolen socks. 1 pair for every two days of trekking
- Thermal Body warmer Upper & Lower. Qty-1
- Undergarments. Qty - 1 for every day of trekking
- Warm jacket closed at wrist & neck .Qty-1
- Full sleeves sweater. Qty -1
- Rain wear ( Jacket & Pants ) . Qty-1
- Pair of waterproof, warm gloves. Qty-1
- Woolen cap. Qty-1
- Sun shielding Hat. Qty -1
Toiletries
- Personal toiletries kit (Small Towel, Toilet paper, paper soap, Bar soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, cold cream, etc.)
- Sun screen lotion small pack. Qty -1 Here is your Sun Protection 101 to stay safe in the bright sunny outdoors.
- Lip Balm small pack. Qty-1
Utensils
- Small size, Light weight & Leak proof lunch box. Qty-1
- Plate. Qty- 1
- Spoon.Qty-1
- Tea/Coffee (plastic) Mug.Qty-1
Miscellaneous
- Camera (Optional)
- Carry your medicines in plenty in case you have any specific ailment. Consult your doctor before joining the trek.
- Dry fruits, Nuts, Chocolate bars (Optional)
Frequently Asked Questions
The Sham Valley Trek, at BRS 2, is suitable for both beginners and seasoned trekkers.
If you can Jog/Run for 3 kms in 25-30 mins, you are ready to take on this trek. In addition to this, you can also add resistance workouts to your schedule like squats, lunges, push ups etc.
If you cannot do the above, there’s no need to worry. It is important to remember that it’s all about practice. Get on a training schedule and we can assure you that you will meet these standards in a matter of a few months.
If you cannot do the above, there’s no need to worry. It is important to remember that it’s all about practice. Get on a training schedule and we can assure you that you will meet these standards in a matter of a few months.
A certain level of fitness and physical endurance are required to take on any high-altitude trail in the Himalayas. Basic knowledge about how to use a sleeping bag, toilet tents, sleeping tents, and mountain mannerisms will be helpful.
The minimum age limit is 9 years. However, minors between 9 to 17 years of age should be accompanied by their parents/ guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deems you fit for adventure activities like trekking.
The Sham Valley Trek (also known as the “baby trek” of Ladakh) is located in the western part of Ladakh and starts from the village of Likir.
The Sham Valley trek, nestled in the enchanting Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, offers a mesmerizing experience for trekkers. Starting from the quaint village of Likir, the trek unveils a series of captivating highlights. The trail leads through picturesque landscapes adorned with vibrant greenery, contrasting against the barren mountains, creating a breathtaking panorama. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to visit ancient monasteries, such as Ridzong Monastery and Hemis Shukpachan Monastery, immersing yourself in the spiritual aura and witnessing the centuries-old Buddhist traditions. The trek also provides insight into the local way of life as you interact with friendly villagers and get a glimpse of their daily routines and agricultural practices.
Though the trek to Sham Valley is easy and suitable for all, acclimatizing to the high altitudes and thin air of Ladakh is still a challenge. The trails can be steep and uneven, requiring careful footing and balance. Trekkers should be prepared for long hours of walking, sometimes under the scorching sun, which can be physically demanding.
Sham Valley Trek can be done throughout the year.
On trekking days, we have twin-sharing tents or Homestays. In case you want an individual tent, you can add that to your booking request for an additional cost.
During the summer months(June to August), the temperatures in Ladakh are relatively mild and pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius. However, at higher altitudes, the temperatures can drop at night, ranging from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius.
Autumn (September to October) brings cooler temperatures to Ladakh. Daytime temperatures range from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, while nighttime temperatures can drop to 0 to 10 degrees Celsius.
Ladakh experiences extremely cold winters (November to February), with temperatures dropping well below freezing. Daytime temperatures range from -10 to 5 degrees Celsius, and nighttime temperatures can plummet to -20 to -10 degrees Celsius.
During spring (March to May) the temperatures gradually start to rise, with daytime temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius. Nighttime temperatures still remain cold, ranging from -5 to 5 degrees Celsius.
As a beginner’s trail, Sham Valley Trek demands no technical skills.
The trek starts from Leh, which is a headway into Ladakh which is home to some of the highest peaks in the region. It is also a very popular tourist destination and hence easily accessible.
BSNL has the best connectivity in Leh-Ladakh region followed by Airtel. However, all the mobile networks like Idea and Vodafone also work in Leh. Please note that only postpaid numbers work in J&K state, prepaid connections will cease to work as soon as you enter Ladakh region. On & Off network coverage is available throughout this trek (BSNL & Airtel mostly).
You will find plenty of ATMs in Leh.
Sham Valley Trek is a Leh to Leh trip. You’ll have to arrive in Leh on your own. Pick up for the start of the trek will be from the hotel in Leh.
Expect to reach Leh by late evening. We stay the night at Leh. Kindly plan your departure early the next day.
There are so many enchanting places to visit in Leh-Ladakh. During your acclimatization period, you can roam around the town and visit the monasteries; Diskit Gompa, and Lamayuru Monastery. Drive up to the Magnetic Hill and experience the crazy magnetic phenomenon on the hill. The picturesque Nubra Valley will take your breath away. The green oasis villages, the monasteries, the ruined palaces- Turtuk and Bordang; there is a whole different culture in this place. It is 150 km away from Leh. You can take a shared taxi to this route. How can you leave Ladakh without seeing Pangong Lake, the sapphire blue lake? Also, visit Gurdwara Pathar Sahib and Leh Royal Palace. For more information on top tourist attractions in and around Leh, read, Places You Can Visit in Leh Ladakh
All the common gear like tents, sleeping bags, mattresses etc. are provided. All the technical climbing equipment (as required) are also provided to you. Safety equipment used for rescue is carried by our trek leaders.
Rental facilities are not available for this trek.
Rental facilities are available in the market.
You’ll have to return all the rented equipment to the shop from where you rented it.
For a detailed list, check the Packing List section on this page.
Yes, there are stores/shops in Leh from where you can buy the necessary stuff. Though it is recommended that you come prepared with all the stuff. Please do not leave anything for last-minute buying.
Although not recommended, you can off load your bag at an additional cost. Add a request while making your booking for the trek and it can be arranged.
(Note: We don’t recommend offloading because the extra resources on a trail - ponies or porters depending on the trail - means extra load on the environment which can easily be avoided. It also goes against the spirit of trekking by eliminating a level of endurance and discomfort from the experience which are factors at the very heart of an outdoor adventure activity.)
You may leave the extra luggage at the hotel in Leh since we come back to the same location upon return.
On all trek days, we provide 3 full meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) in addition to evening snacks and tea. The meals are vegetarian and the menu is pre-decided for all days of the trek. We do provide eggs as well on certain days. If you have any specific food-related allergies or restrictions, you can let our local staff (during the trek) know, and your requests will get accommodated. We try to provide a variety of food across meals so as to avoid repetition as well as cover all nutritional needs.
On campsites, our team will dig dry pits and assemble a toilet tent to provide for safe and secure quarters. A shovel will be provided within the toilet tent as well. Using water in the toilet tent is restricted; you will need to carry your own toilet paper. On the more difficult expeditions, toilet tents are not carried to the higher camps (above base camp) due to restriction of space (to pitch the tent). In most of the places in Leh, there are Ladakhi Style toilets in which you can use water or toilet paper as per your preference. If you are camping in the village area you have to use that toilet as pitching toilet tents are not allowed.
In case you get your period on the trail and don’t have sanitary napkins, our trek leaders can provide them to you. If you need any other kind of assistance, you can let our trek leaders know. Irrespective of gender, our leaders are gender sensitised and equipped to assist you in any way you need them to.
Our team carries a first aid kit and all the basic medicines required during the trek. They are equipped to be the first responders in case of any injury or health-related issues. For higher expeditions, we also carry a HAPO Bag and oxygen cylinders to tend to any altitude-related health conditions.
You leave the last charging point behind at your hotel in Leh. From here on, we will be camping in the wilderness with limited access to electricity. If you are camping in the Village area or staying in homestay you can charge your gadgets at minimal cost.
A copy of your ID Proof and Medical Certificate are the mandatory documents required for this trek. (Soft copies for all of these are to be sent to us & originals should be on your person while on the trek.)
Yes, insurance for any high-altitude activity is highly recommended to cover for the cost of rescue, evacuation and any other emergency service required as well as to cover for medical cost in case of injury or illness during the trek. You can buy it on your own. Alternatively, if you want us to buy it on your behalf, you can speak to our post-booking team and they will arrange it for you. They will send you a payment link once the insurance has been purchased.
Yes, there are multiple permits required for this. We obtain the permits on every trekkers’ behalf. All the permit costs are included in your trek cost.
Yes, you will receive e-certificates (of completion) after the trek. It will bear your name, the trek, and the maximum altitude you achieved on the trek. In case you were unable to finish the trek, you will get a certificate of participation.
On completion of the trek, the certificate will show up on your dashboard on our website. You can download it directly from there.
Sham Valley Trek is in India. If you are coming from outside, you will need a visa to enter the country. You should be able to find the rules for obtaining a Visa based on your home country on the internet. This information is easily available.
This does not apply to you if you are an Indian citizen. In case you don’t hold an Indian passport, you will need to check online for Visa application rules based on your home country.
If you are not an Indian citizen, you will need Travel Medical Insurance to travel to the country. Please make sure that your insurance policy is valid for the altitude you are going to and the activity you are undertaking, to cover risks during the trek. The insurance policy provided by Bikat Adventures does not cover foreign nationals. So, please do not purchase it while making the booking from our website.
The Himalayas house the tallest mountains in the world and have long been a treasure trove for all adventure enthusiasts. The variety in terms of beauty, terrain, landscape, geography, culture and opportunity for adventure in the Himalayas, remains undisputedly unmatched.
You can make the booking any time depending on availability of slots in our fixed departure batches. You will get this information at the top of this page.
A Basic Mountaineering Course certification from one of the five recognized mountaineering institutes in India is a minimum requirement to join our team. Our field experts are also trained in basic medicine and first-aid response. We also conduct on-ground training for our staff once a year as a refresher for old skills and to learn some new ones. During this training that we call APW (Adventure Professional Workshop), our leaders learn close to 25 topics and techniques of rescue which are not covered in the BMC and AMC courses. For practical training, we simulate on-ground situations to prepare them for quick thinking and quick response during emergencies.
We follow a rigorous regime of hiring and training our experts on the field. Each trek leader is a certified mountaineer with years of experience in the field. The interview process to bring a trek leader on-board is close to 6 months long where we assess various skills as well as personality traits of an individual. They also go through an on-field assignment as part of the hiring process. Trek leaders also progress in time from leading easier treks before advancing to the more difficult ones where the stakes are higher. For detailed information on our selection process, please visit Forerunners - The Making Of A Trek Leader
It absolutely is. We recognize, value and embody the ideology that the world of outdoor adventure can benefit from diversity. We make it our mission to create outdoor spaces as equally accessible and safe for all genders as possible. We also encourage women leaders in the outdoors and all of our staff (irrespective of gender) is gender sensitised. As for accommodation, in case there are no other women on the trek, a solo female trekker is provided with a separate single-occupancy tent.
Our batch sizes for Sham Valley Trek are capped at 15 with the trek leader to trekker ratio of 1:8.
In addition to their qualification, our trek leaders are trained to tackle any and all kinds of sudden conditions that may present themselves on ground. During our recce stage, we study the trail in great detail and map out rescue routes before opening it up for our trekkers. We also have local support staff stationed in each area to arrange for emergency services at the place of need as quickly as possible.
We mobilise road rescue efforts where our trek leaders bring the person to be rescued down to the trailhead of the trek from where a car can take them to the nearest healthcare facility. The cost of rescue is not covered in the trek fee that we charge. It must be borne by the participant. However, if you opt for the insurance the cost of rescue operations can be claimed from the Insurance company on production of valid proof e.g. doctor’s prescription & hospital bills etc. Please note that Bikat Adventures is only a facilitator & not a party in the Insurance policy. You need to raise the claim request directly with the Insurance company. Bikat Adventures is not responsible for any rejection of claim. You can call the insurance provider directly for any clarifications related to the Insurance policy. Although not mandatory, we recommend buying the insurance. You don’t necessarily have to get the insurance we provide, you can pick an Insurance company of your choice and get a policy directly from them. If you need more information on the terms and conditions of the insurance policy, get in touch with our customer support team.
All the gear used on our treks and expeditions is tried and tested, maintained for good quality and is overall top notch in quality and condition. We are continually looking to obtain the best of everything there is in the market so as to ensure optimum safety.
That will depend on the nature of your medical condition. Do give us a call, and one of our people will help you understand what is best for you. If not this, we are sure there would be plenty of other options you can choose from our vast portfolio to pick as your next adventure.
We have rolling camps on all our trails. To know why we are strictly against the concept of Fixed Camping, read Reasons to Ban Fixed Camping in Himalayas
This is a complex question and has a compound answer. The simple response is that because it is bad for the environment which we dearly love but if you are interested in a more detailed response to this question, please read Reasons to Ban Fixed Camping in Himalayas
There are a number of measures that we take to prevent overcrowding on some of the most popular trails. Some of them are capping our group size at 15, capping the number of trekkers on a trail to 250 per season, constantly looking for newer trails and routes to spread the crowd around and providing incentives to our trekkers to try unexplored territories with us. We put in place the system of dynamic pricing, which is the first of its kind in the trekking industry, which incentivises trekkers to choose less crowded trails by offering higher discounts. We have noticed, since we started this system, that this has helped in a big way to spread out the crowds between trekking routes. We are also going international so as to relieve some of the stress on the Himalayan landscape as well as explore newer ranges and design newer experiences for our community. If you want a more detailed description of all our measures in this regard, please read Simple solutions to overcrowding on Himalayan Treks
Some basic things to remember are: do not use water, do not dispose of anything non-biodegradable inside the pits, carry your own roll of toilet paper and remember to cover up after yourself to leave a clean toilet for your fellow trekkers. Everything else is much the same like using an Indian style home toilet!
Most wet wipes are not biodegradable which means it could take 100 years or more for them to decompose – not the best thing if you are trying to ‘Leave No Trace’, right?
This is quite a tricky situation but not a hopeless one. Since most of our sanitary waste is not biodegradable, we recommend that you pack your pads/tampons neatly, store it in a zip-lock bag and bring it back down with you where there are better options to dispose of them. In case you do not have zip-lock bags, ask our trek leaders for them and they should be able to provide them to you.
Each trekker is responsible for the use and hygiene of their own eating utensils. And as a measure to maintain proper hygiene, we do not provide plates and spoons. Also, dipping your hands in cold water to wash your own utensils adds something to the overall joy of high-altitude living, wouldn’t you think?
On making the payment, you will receive a booking confirmation along with the packing list and a copy of the undertaking form via email. You will subsequently receive emails detailing documents required, how to prepare physically and mentally for the trek, information on pick-up location on the first day etc. Please add info@bikatadventures.com in your trusted emails list to make sure our emails don't go to your spam folder.
A Whatsapp group will be formed a few weeks before departure. Members from our team are on those groups as well. Feel free to seek any clarifications you require in regards to the trek, on the group itself. Updates related to transportation/pickup point/pickup timing, accommodation etc. will be shared on the Whatsapp group as well.
Yes, we create a Whatsapp group a few weeks before the departure date so that the flow of information remains smooth and transparent.
Yes, it is one of the mandatory documents you will need to submit before the trek starts. The soft copy is to be sent to us & the original should be on your person while on the trek.
Yes, we will provide you an undertaking form through email which will need to be filled up by you and submitted to us post booking.
Why Bikat?
Small Group Size
Qualified Trek Leaders
Guided Progression
Equipment Quality and Check
Support Systems
Communication
Small Group Size
Our batch sizes are capped at 15 for smaller treks with the trek leader and trekker ratio of 1:8. This ratio, in our years of experience, has proven to deliver the best trekking experience for individuals as well as groups. Capping the size of the group ensures individual attention to each trekker so that no signs of distress or need during the trek go unnoticed. It also helps to form a more cohesive cohort with better group energy which helps define the rhythm and pace of days on the trek. As you go higher up on the BRS scale, since the stakes are higher, expeditions have an even smaller group size with the ratio of expedition leader to climber set at 1:2.
Qualified Trek Leaders
We follow a rigorous regime of hiring and training our experts in the field. Each trek leader is a certified mountaineer with years of experience in the field. In addition to their qualification, they also go through practical and situational training to tackle any and all kinds of sudden conditions that may present themselves on the ground. Being unpredictable is the core nature of the mountains but being ready for any circumstance as best as possible is a controllable asset that we try to nurture. Our field experts are also trained in basic medicine and first-aid response. Watch: Forerunners - The Making of A Trek Leader At Bikat Adventures
Guided Progression
Since Bikat Adventures is a learning-based organization, we help you climb up the ladder of difficulty within the sphere of outdoor adventure systematically. Our on-ground training modules are designed to handhold you through the upskilling process so that you are ready to take on bigger challenges.
Equipment Quality and Check
All the gear used on our treks and expeditions is tried and tested, maintained for good quality, and is overall top-notch in quality and condition. We are continually looking to obtain the best of everything there is in the market so as to ensure optimum safety.
Support Systems
Along with the staff you see on-ground, we have a team of superheroes working in the background to give you the best experience possible. Our background team also comprises local staff from each area who know the region best. Having local support helps with studying the area, pre-planning, execution, and in receiving timely support in case of emergencies in these remote locations.
Communication
Our on-field staff is in constant contact with our teams based in primary locations so as to eliminate any avoidable delay in reaching additional help and support when required. We try to use the best tools for communication available, including satellite phones, in regions where they are not restricted.
Reviews
Cancellation Policy
Cash refund
Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date
Cancellations between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure date
Cancellations within 15 days prior to departure date
Voucher refund
Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date
Cancellations within 5 days prior to departure date
Please Note:
- Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers
- This is only a brief of cancellation terms. For finer details please refer Detailed Cancellation Policy.
Blog Posts
Know How
Catching AMS is easier done than said!
Don’t you feel so?
AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) approaches everyone and unfortunately worst affected are the most experienced ones. They feel that they know it and can counsel any new-comer on the do&rs...
Read full
Know How
Your choice of trekking shoes can make your trek a blissful or blister-full experience based on how well it fits you. A good pair of trekking shoes is the most essential piece of equipment you will use while hiking.
Given the variety and multi...
Read full
Know How
How to pick UV Protection Sunglasses for Hiking or Trekking!
For an avid trekker, a good pair of UV protection sunglasses is one of the imperative items he owns in his ‘what-to-pack’ list for trekking. Ask any trekker, and he wil...
Read full
Informative
Best Treks In India
The Indian Himalayan range spans over six states namely, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and West Bengal.
As adventure lovers, we have always been at an advantage ...
Read full
Informative
11 Best Offbeat Treks in India
Offbeat Treks, the moment you hear this word, you start imagining untouched and pristine treks with the virgin beauty of shimmering waterfalls and breathtaking landscapes.
Well, I am convinced as your imaginat...
Read full
Know How
MOUNTAIN FEATURES THAT MUST BE A PART OF ANY TREKKER’S VOCAB!
While the terminology used in mountaineering is decently complex but the features that I am going to talk about are mostly the common ones. When we go to the mountains, trek...
Read full
Informative
Ladakh, the land of high mountains offer a significant list of treks for all adventure enthusiasts. Avid trekkers who wish to opt for the best trekking opportunities in Ladakh must be aware of these treks to experience the best of Ladakh.
He...
Read full
Similar Adventures
Dayara Bugyal Trek
A Short Escape for a Long Weekend
Uttarakhand
5 Days
BRS 2
3750 m
Beas Kund Trek
A Beginners' Delight that takes you to the source of River Beas
Himachal
3 Days
BRS 2
3700 m
Bhrigu Lake Trek
A Weekend Escapade into the prettiest grassland of Himachal
Himachal
3 Days
BRS 2
4267 m
