Overview

Likir to Temisgam Trek – A Scenic & Easy “Baby Trek” in Sham Valley

Known as Ladakh’s "baby trek", the Sham Valley Trek is ideal for beginners, families, or anyone looking for a relaxed Himalayan experience. Spanning just 3 days, this gentle route explores the cultural heart of western Ladakh, with easy gradients, traditional homestays, and beautiful village life.

Starting from Likir, the trail winds through lush valleys, apricot orchards, and age-old villages like Yangthang, Hemis Shukpachen, and Temisgam. You’ll cross modest passes like Tsermangchen La and Mebtak La, offering panoramic views without challenging climbs.

With comfortable homestay accommodations, warm Ladakhi hospitality, and no extreme altitude, this trek is a great introduction to trekking in Ladakh — short, scenic, and rich in local culture.

 

  • Best Season: April to October (especially pleasant from May to September)

  • Trek Distance: ~30–32 km total

  • Maximum Altitude: ~3,870 m (Tsermangchen La)

  • Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate – suitable for beginners and families

  • Trek Duration: 3 trekking days (excluding Leh acclimatization)

  • Accommodation: Local homestays in villages (Yangthang, Hemis Shukpachen, Temisgam)

  • Permits Required: No special permits required for Indian nationals; foreign nationals require inner line permits (can be arranged in Leh)

  • Guides & Support: Trek can be done self-guided due to marked trails, but hiring a local guide enhances the cultural experience

  • What to Carry:

    • Comfortable hiking shoes

    • Light down or fleece jacket (nights can be cold)

    • Daypack with water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, and cap

    • Personal medication and basic first-aid

  • Mobile Connectivity: Limited to no signal in most villages during the trek

  • Attractions Along the Way:

    • Likir Monastery

    • Tsermangchen La and Mebtak La passes

    • Charming traditional villages with apricot orchards

    • Homestay experience with local Ladakhi families

    • Temisgam Castle and village monastery

6 Nights 7 Days Available on request Likir
Inclusions/Exclusions
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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Leh

  • Travel Mode: Arrival by flight
  • Drive Distance: Airport to Hotel ~5 km
  • Time Taken: 15–20 minutes
  • Altitude: Leh – 3,500 m / 11,500 ft

Your journey begins as you land in Leh, the high-altitude capital of Ladakh. With clear skies and a dramatic mountain backdrop, Leh makes a striking first impression. Due to the sudden gain in altitude, it’s essential to rest and allow your body to acclimatize. Spend the day relaxing at your hotel, staying hydrated, and taking in the peaceful surroundings of this Himalayan town.


Day 2: Acclimatization & Monastery Tour by Jeep

  • Travel Mode: Jeep tour
  • Drive Distance: ~80 km round trip
  • Time Taken: 4–5 hours including visits
  • Altitude: Shey – 3,500 m | Thiksey – 3,600 m | Hemis – 3,650 m

Today you’ll go on a light jeep tour to visit some of Ladakh’s most iconic monasteries. Start with Shey Palace, once the summer retreat of Ladakhi kings, then head to Thiksey Monastery, which resembles a mini Potala Palace. End the day at Hemis Monastery, one of the largest and richest monasteries in Ladakh, nestled in a quiet valley. The day’s activities help you acclimatize gradually while giving you a taste of the region’s rich cultural heritage.


Day 3: Local Leh Sightseeing & Additional Acclimatization

  • Travel Mode: Jeep + short walks
  • Drive Distance: ~30–40 km total
  • Time Taken: 3–4 hours
  • Altitude: Leh Palace – 3,550 m | Shanti Stupa – 3,610 m

Enjoy a relaxed morning exploring the cultural gems of Leh. Visit the Leh Palace, offering views over the old town and surrounding mountains. Later, head to Shanti Stupa, especially beautiful around sunset when the stupa and sky are lit in golden hues. Use the rest of the day to walk through local bazaars, try Ladakhi food, or simply rest at your hotel. This extra day of acclimatization is crucial for preparing your body for the trekking days ahead.

 

Day 4: Likir to Yangthang

  • Trek Distance: ~9 km
  • Time Taken: 4–5 hours
  • Altitude: Likir – 3,650 m | Yangthang – 3,800 m

After breakfast, you’ll drive from Leh to Likir, a scenic journey of about 1.5 hours. Likir is known for its ancient monastery perched on a hilltop, featuring a striking statue of Maitreya Buddha and offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

From here, your trek begins. The trail starts with a gradual climb over a small pass, offering your first real taste of Ladakh’s rugged terrain. After crossing the pass, you’ll descend into a peaceful valley before making a gentle ascent toward Yangthang, a charming village nestled among barley fields and poplar trees.

Tonight, you’ll stay in a local homestay — a great opportunity to experience traditional Ladakhi hospitality and village life.


Day 5: Yangthang to Hemis Shukpachen via Tsermangchen La

  • Trek Distance: ~10 km
  • Time Taken: 5–6 hours
  • Altitude: Tsermangchen La – 3,870 m | Hemis Shukpachen – 3,650 m

Today you cross the scenic Tsermangchen La, a gentle mountain pass offering wide views of the surrounding landscape. After the pass, the trail descends gradually through rocky terrain and small water streams, finally reaching the beautiful village of Hemis Shukpachen, named after the fragrant juniper trees (Shukpa) that grow in the area. The village is one of the most charming and greenest in the Sham Valley.


Day 6: Hemis Shukpachen to Temisgam via Mebtak La

  • Trek Distance: ~10 km
  • Time Taken: 5–6 hours
  • Altitude: Mebtak La – 3,750 m | Temisgam – 3,200 m

The final leg of your trek begins with a steady ascent to Mebtak La, a scenic pass decorated with colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind. From the top, enjoy wide views of the surrounding valleys before descending through narrow gorges, terraced fields, and Ladakhi hamlets toward Temisgam, a historic village known for its ancient monastery and castle ruins.

After a short break in the village, you’ll begin your drive back to Leh.

  • Drive Distance: ~125 km
  • Time Taken: 4–5 hours by jeep

The road back winds through traditional villages and mountain landscapes, eventually reconnecting with the Srinagar–Leh highway. Arrive in Leh by late afternoon or evening.

Day 7: Airport Transfer – Goodbye, Ladakh

After breakfast, we’ll drop you off at Leh Airport for your flight home. As you leave the mountains behind, carry with you the memories of snow peaks, starry skies, and the warmth of Ladakhi hospitality.

 

 

Pickup point
Directions.
76V8+72H Likir, 194107 View on Map