The Sham Valley Trek is generally referred to as a Baby Trek in Ladakh as none of the passes are above 4000 m. It is a great introduction to trekking in Ladakh and is a good trek for beginners and for those who have shortage of time. It passes through pretty villages like Hemis Shukpachan set amidst a rich forest of cedar trees. The entire Sham Valley trek traverses north of the road between Kargil & Leh. It may be a fitting end to explore the Lamayuru monastery before the trek ends.

Though, you do not necessarily need a guide, as you can ask for routes from any locals in the plentiful villages enroute. The Sham Valley trek can be easily done as a tea house trek due to availability of many homestays in the villages that dot the route. Due to recent developments, some of the trails are now accessible by roads and it is possible that soon the entire length of this trek becomes motorable.

Route : Likir – Yangthang – Ang – Temisgam – Khalatse - Lamayuru
Landscape: Beautiful villages, not very steep passes
Best time to go: Possible all year round
Difficulty level: Beginners