We drive for about 2 hours from Leh to Likir which is the starting point of the trek. The trek starts off from Likir Gompa (monastery). Likir village is the village of traditional potters, at present however only one family remains that still carries out this long family art. We gradually descent from the monastery and trek through mountain-tops crossing two passes Phobe La (3580m) and Chagatse La (3630m) until you reach your old traditional homestay in Yangthang. Yangthang is a small typical village with only a few families.
Overnight in homestay in Yangthang.
We trek via a visit to Rizong gompa. Another pass awaits us today, this is however comparitively easier with gentle ascent and descent. The pass Tsermangchen La (3750m) displays the myriad hues of the Himalayan mountain range. We rest and lunch by a stream and then continue trek to the village of juniper: Hemis Shukpachan ("Shukpachan" is for "the one with Juniper").
Overnight in Hemis Shukpachan.
Today we ascent Mebtak La (3750m) which is marked by strings of colorful prayer flags and we trek down to a beautiful gorge. We cross the village Ang, which is a small charming village with plenty of apricot orchards. Continue trek downhill till Temisgam. Overnight in Temisgam.
Today is the last day of the Sham valley trek. The trek is short and ends at Balukhar which is marked by rock and sand formations that looks like the ruins of an ancient castle.From Balukhar, we drive to Lamayuru (the unusual landscape in Lamayuru makes it comparable to the surface of the moon.) Overnight in Lamayuru.
We drive back to Leh today. Rest and rejuvenate in Leh.
