Also known as “Apricot Valley,” Sham Valley is a mesmerizing place in the western part of Ladakh. Surrounded by snow-clad mighty Himalayas, Sham Valley features the eye-catching beauty of nature, rich cultural heritage and serene hamlets. The name Sham means ‘west’ in the local language, which indicates its location in the west. The valley has lush green landscapes of apricots and apple orchards nestled amidst the rugged mountains.
It is located about 60-70 km from Leh. It offers a blend of nature, tradition and culture, making it a worth-visiting destination on your Ladakh trip.
Many tourist attractions near Sham Valley include the Hall of Fame, Gurudwara Pathan Sahib, Magnetic Hill, Likir Monastery, and Alchi Monastery.
The best time to explore this place is during the summer when the weather is pleasant and roads are also open.
Sham Valley Trek is the best for beginners and is called the Baby Trek. This trek is easy and short and reaches the highest altitude of 3900 meters.
Top places to visit in Sham Valley
Hall of Fame
Hall Of Fame It was built in memory of Indian soldiers. It was built by the Indian Army to commemorate the death of those Indian soldiers in Leh City on the Sham Valley who lost their lives in the Indo-Pak wars. Hall of Fame features artifacts, photos, and biographies of the soldiers as a tribute to the brave soldiers. The museum is located just 4 km from Leh city.
Likir Monastery
Likir village, popular for the Monastery in Ladakh, is situated 16.7 km from Basgo Valley on the Srinagar-Leh highway. The town is home to the Likir monastery, which belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Buddhism. The monastery has a Buddha statue 25 feet tall and two assembly halls with murals painted over temples and verandahs.
Magnetic Hill
located around 30 km from Leh, Magnetic Hill is another attraction to visit near Sham Valley. In this place, vehicles are believed to defy the force of gravity, moving upwards in neutral gear instead of downwards. This optical illusion attracts thousands of visitors to this hill.
Alchi Monastery
was built in the early 10th century and is perched on flat ground rather than a hilltop. Alchi Monastery is famous for its unique architecture and ancient artwork. It has well-designed walls with paintings, wood carvings and Indo-Tibetan-style statues. It houses several temples, the prominent ones of which are Dukhang and Sumtseg.
Lamayuru Monastery
is one of Ladakh’s oldest monasteries. You can find in Leh Ladakh. The monastery is located 56.8 km from Alchi Village. The monastery was constructed in the 16th century by Denma Kunda Drakpa. You can attend the Yuru Kabgyat Festiva, a two-day event held annually in June. The festival is dedicated to Yama and Padmasambhava.
Things to do in Sham Valley
Besides exploring nearby attractions, you can also enjoy some travel activities listed below.
Rafting in Sangam: You can enjoy rafting in Sangam, the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers. Blue and green waters of the Indus and Zanskar rivers meet at a point called Sangam. The confluence offers beginners and professionals rafting opportunities and provides an adventurous experience.
Explore Likir Monastery: around 60 km from Leh, Likir is a beautiful village 12,000 feet above sea level. It is a charming place with green valleys and rugged terrains. Here is an old Buddhist monastery called Likir Monastery, which belongs to the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Explore the Maitreya Buddha statue here, which is gilded in gold.
Trek to Sham Valley: The Sham Valley trek is famously called the “Baby Trek” of Ladakh. It is an easy, short and lower-altitude trek, which is why it suits beginners. The trek offers scenic views of nature along the strenuous trails. Still, proper preparation and caution are required before planning the trek. The trek is suitable for beginners, families, children and seniors, provided they are in good health and ready to make some effort.
Sham valley trek In Ladakh
Sham Valley Trek is a beautiful and short trek that starts from Likir village and takes travelers through the vast landscapes of Sham and charming hamlets. The trek is popularly called baby trek as it is short, easy, and has multiple accessible routes, homestays and well-maintained trails.
The trek is perfect for families, children, seniors and professionals who want to experience some adventure in a short time.
Getting acclimatized before the trek is advisable as the trek passes through high altitudes with cold, dry weather.
The trek starts from Likir and ends at Hemis, and it takes 4-5 days to complete.
Hotel Stays in Sham Valley
Various accommodation options are available at Sham Valley, including guesthouses, luxury camps and homestays. The nearby villages of Likir, Alchi, and Lamayuru have well-maintained homestays and guesthouses, offering tourists a peaceful and comfortable stay with all the basic facilities. The luxury camps provide better amenities and fantastic views of the surrounding natural beauty.
The best time to visit Sham Valley
You can visit Sham Valley in the summer and monsoon season as the roads are open and the weather is pleasant.
Summer: the best time to visit Sham Valley is during the summer, from April to August when the weather is clear and warm. The roads are accessible, and the flowers are in full bloom, offering a stunning trip experience. During this time you can attend the festivals which are celebrated in June.
Monsoon: from September to November, the weather is dry and suitable for traveling. It is when nights are cool but days are sunny, providing an appropriate environment for a tour.
How to reach Sham Valley
Sham Valley is accessible by all three means of transportation: flight, road, and train. However, the fastest and most convenient way is to reach by flight.
By flight: Sham Valley is situated at a distance of 60 km from Leh airport. Kuskok Bakula Rimpochee Airport of Leh is well connected to all the major cities of India, such as Mumbai, Delhi, Chandigarh, Bangalore and Srinagar. After reaching the airport, you can travel by cab to reach.
By road: Leh has cabs, taxis, and rented cars to visit Sham Valley. Local and private buses operate between Leh and Sham valley, passing through Likir and Alchi villages. The road from Leh takes 1-2 hours to reach.
By train: You can book a train ticket to Jammu Tawi railway station and then book a taxi to Leh Ladakh.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any permit required to visit?
An inner line permit is required for international tourists to visit Sham Valley. The permit can be obtained from the DC office in Leh or through local travel agencies. However, Indian tourists do not need a permit to travel.
How is the mobile connectivity?
The only network that works well at Sham Valley is BSNL postpaid.
What is the height of the Sham Valley trek?
The trek begins at an altitude of 200 meters and concludes at 3700 meters above sea level. The total altitude, hence, is 3900 meters.
What should I pack for the trek?
Below are some necessary things that you should carry on the trek. Sleeping bag, trekking boots, water, duffel bags, jacket, sunglasses, raincoat, warm clothes, trekking pants, medicines and first aid.