upcomingTrek · Ladakh (Sham Valley - Leh, Likir, Hemis Shukpachen, Tingmosgang)

Winter Sham Valley

Frozen Ladakh, village by village

The journey

Schedule: 26 January to 1 February 2027 (ex Leh). Accommodation: hotel in Leh, homestay during the trek.

Scenic beauty: picturesque valleys and lush meadows surrounded by snow-capped peaks
Cultural immersion: ancient monasteries (Likir, Alchi), friendly locals, Ladakhi culture
Wildlife spotting: Himalayan marmots, ibex and other creatures
Moderate altitude: maximum altitude around 3,900 m, suitable for moderate fitness and first-time trekkers

The highest point reached each day, from the itinerary. Rest and drive days are shown between the known points.

Day 1
Arrival in Leh and acclimatisation (3,500 m)
Up to 3,500 m
Arrive in Leh; transfer from the airport to the hotel. Rest and acclimatise. Overnight at Leh guest house.
Day 2
Leh acclimatisation and visit to Leh Palace
After a packed breakfast, hike to Leh Palace for acclimatisation. Time in Leh market, moving slowly. Overnight at hotel in Leh.
Day 3
Drive from Leh to Likir Village and trek to Yangthang (3,680 m)
Up to 3,680 m
Drive to Likir Monastery; explore the monastery and surroundings, then trek 3-4 hrs to Yangthang, a tiny village. Overnight in tents.
Day 4
Trek from Yangthang to Hemis Shukpachen (3,880 m); 10 km
Up to 3,880 m
After breakfast, cross the Tsermangchan La pass with panoramic Himalayan views. "Shukpa" means juniper, so the village is known for its juniper trees. Descend to Hemis Shukpachen, where a golden statue on the hill offers panoramic views. Overnight in a comfortable homestay.
Day 5
Hemis Shukpachen to Tingmosgang / Ang Village (3,230 m); 12 km
Up to 3,800 m
A 4-5 hr trek to Tingmosgang, crossing Meptak La at 3,800 m. Descend towards the small village of Ang; after lunch continue descending to Tingmosgang. Overnight in homestay.
Day 6
Drive to Leh from Tingmosgang
Drive to Leh after breakfast, visiting Alchi Monastery on the way (one of the oldest and most famous monasteries, founded in the 11th century). Leisure stay at Leh guest house.
Day 7
Departure from Leh
Drop to the airport according to flight timings.

+Accommodation in a comfortable hotel on sharing basis in Leh, with dinner and breakfast
+Accommodation in villages during the trek on sharing basis, with breakfast, lunch and dinner
+Wholesome, hygienic vegetarian meals during the trek and during the Leh stay
+Services of cook, kitchen helpers and staff
+Services of a local trek guide, with bag offloading
+All transportation from airport pickup on Day 1 to airport drop on Day 7
+Qualified and highly experienced mountaineer
+First aid kit with oxygen cylinders

–Transport to Leh on Day 1 and from Leh on Day 7
–Any accidental, emergency, travel or medical insurance for the party (comprehensive insurance strongly recommended)
–Expenses of a personal nature
–All evacuation charges (medical emergency or otherwise), hospitalisation or physician consultation charges; your own insurance should ideally cover this
–Beverages of any sort, including soft drinks, alcoholic / non-alcoholic drinks or bottled / mineral water
–Charges for manual or helicopter evacuation in a medical emergency
–GST as applicable

Fitness and eligibility

Difficulty: a moderate, non-technical hike, not at very high altitude (around 12,000 ft). Total length of the walk is around 35 km, so a fair amount of physical fitness is required. Prior high-altitude experience is an added advantage.
Training: local hill climbs or stair climbs, uphill and downhill; good cardio endurance.
Technical gear: none required.

What to pack

Footwear