The Sham Valley Trek, commonly nicknamed the baby trek of Ladakh owing to its relatively shorter duration, dips into the lower region of Ladakh, the Sham region. If you want something only three days long and not overly taxing, this trek is your perfect choice, as it is the ideal introduction to high-altitude trekking in Ladakh. The best part about the trek is that it can be done throughout the year, even during winters when several treks become inaccessible in Ladakh, but don’t let the short duration fool you into thinking this is an easy trek!
When To Do The Sham Valley Trek
Although this trek can be done throughout the year, even during winters when several treks become inaccessible, like any trekking experience in Ladakh, firstly, you should aim to do this trek in the summer season. The primary trekking season in this remote region runs from June until September. However, because this specific trail isn’t overly high, you could still explore it in May or late into October, depending on the snowfall measure.
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Accommodations
Besides the trail, one of the trek’s major highlights is the homestays you get to stay in along the excursion. Since you won’t find any fancy hotels along the way that will gate in your bubble, you don’t have an option except to stay in a homestay. They are usually straightforward and reflective of the locale but very comfortable, with varying quality standards throughout the villages. But, trust me, this way you will get to know much more about the area, the scenery and the culture. Though you can’t pre-book the homestays, once you reach the village you wish to spend the night in, there are plenty of choices to wing it and arrange it for arrival.
Food, Water And Navigation
It would be foolish to expect any eateries around you while trekking on a remote trail. No restaurants or shops are along the trail once you embark on the trek. However, the homestays provide all you may need for survival. The price for your room generally includes three meals: dinner, breakfast and a packed lunch. If you are a frequent hiker, you’ll know that navigation is not always straightforward. There are no official markers or signposts to follow, so being aware of your surroundings and using common sense are your best options. Asking the locals for directions does help a lot.
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Phone Network And Signal
One downside of trekking in such breathtaking yet remote locations is the struggle you would have to face to get any signal on your device. The only network that might catch signals at those heights would be BSNL, which most tourists don’t have, so choose not to rely on any connection to the outside world and build a connection with yourself and your surroundings. It will undoubtedly be an excellent digital detox and an exceptional soul-searching!
How To Reach Leh- Starting Point Of Sham Valley Trek
Sham Valley is called the Apricot Valley, dotted with various flowers. This trek guides you through some of the remotest villages of Ladakh and paints a stunning portrayal of life for you in those rustic hamlets. The trail follows beautiful mountain passes, pristine forests, gurgling streams, swaying fields, and the Ladakhi hamlets.
By Air:
Standing at a staggering elevation of 11,150 feet, Leh is one of the highest cities in India. Thus, Leh’s Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport is the highest in India. You can get daily flights to Leh from the most prominent cities in India. This airport has frequent flights to and from metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Kolkata. But it would be best if you were very careful about sudden changes in atmospheric pressure when you land in Leh.
By Rail:
The rail connectivity is not at its best in the Ladakh region. Even the nearest central railway station is 800km away in Jammu – the Jammu Tawi railway station, which directly connects major cities in India, such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata, and many more. It is the most convenient stop, from where frequent buses and cabs to various remote locations are available.
By Road:
The best way to reach Leh is undoubtedly by road. Since the city is situated at a high elevation, a road journey allows you to adapt to the changes in atmospheric pressure smoothly. If you drive to Leh, you can travel by Manali-Leh highway or Srinagar-Leh highway. However, the Srinagar-Leh highway is generally preferred over the Manali-Leh highway owing to better connectivity and developed infrastructure along the journey.
Further Read: Best Trekking Places In India
Now that you have a list of things to remember for your next excursion to embark on the Sham Valley Trek, plan your trip to Ladakh as soon as possible for this fabulous destination and the experience of a lifetime. Don’t miss such excellent opportunities, and book your tickets now!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sham Valley Trek
Can this trek be done without any guide?
Yes! If you want to, then the Sham Valley Trek can be done independently without the help of a guide. The fact that most villages and homestays on the trail are conveniently spaced makes it entirely possible just to carry a small backpack and walk between villages. However, it’s ideal if you have some hiking experience, as the navigation through this trail is not as straightforward as you might expect, with no signposts or markers.
Is the Sham Valley Trek Easy?
The Sham Valley Trek is often called the Baby Trek compared to the longer and higher Markha Valley Trek. However, that’s a bit deceiving as the Sham Valley Trek may be of a shorter duration, but not easy. The Sham Valley Trek consists of many more ups and downs than most treks in Leh, including climbing up hills that can tire you. So, while it’s achievable, it’s not that easy! Moderate is an excellent way to describe it.
Is the Sham Valley Trek Worth Doing?
Popular opinion has that it is worth doing the Sham Valley Trek if you want something that is only three days and not overly taxing (it’s still not easy, though). It can be summed up as the perfect introduction to high-altitude trekking in Ladakh. Another reason is that this trek does not follow the road; instead, there are local trails to follow, which are more direct and take you over unique terrain.
Which mobile network functions the best in Ladakh?
One downside of trekking in such breathtaking yet remote locations is the struggle to get any signal on your device. The only network that might catch a signal at those heights would be BSNL, but it doesn't rely on any connection to the outside world. It will be an excellent instance for a digital detox and some soul-searching!
What is the best way to reach Leh?
The best way to reach Leh is undoubtedly by road. Since the city is situated on a high elevation, a road journey allows you to adapt to the changes in atmospheric pressure smoothly. You can also opt for the aerial route, but you need to be very careful about the sudden change in the atmospheric pressure when you land in Leh.
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