Visit Likir monastery before start the trek.Follow the trail that leads to the Phobe La beyond the pass lies Sumdo Village.The trail goes steadily upword to th Chgastse La and then down hill to the village Yaangthang. O/N stay in private home stay.
This easy trek (also known as “baby trek”) goes through the Sham region, the lower part of Ladakh. The trek can be done throughout the year; it is a great opportunity to discover the villages and the everyday life of Ladakhis during your homestays. There are options to extend this trek to 4 or 5 days by hiking to Rizong monastery from Yangthang and/or walking from Temisgam to Khaltse.
Visit Likir monastery before start the trek.Follow the trail that leads to the Phobe La beyond the pass lies Sumdo Village.The trail goes steadily upword to th Chgastse La and then down hill to the village Yaangthang. O/N stay in private home stay.
Today we cross the Tsemangchen La which can be seen right from the village of Yaangthang. Enjoy the panoramic landscape from the pass. After the charming village of Hemis Shukpachen. O/N in private home stay.
After crossing the Mebtek La and walk down to the village of Ang. Follow the trail to Temisgam visit the palace and Monastery built on a hillock. O/N stay in private home stay.
Weather Information
The weather in Ladakh is generally dry and sunny. During the summer, the average temperature goes up to 25 or 30 degrees Celsius in the day while the nights are cooler depending on the altitude (it can reach the freezing point at Nimaling in September). However, the weather in the mountain can change quickly and outbreaks of rain can occur; you should be prepared for this possibility. The sun is strong in Ladakh and some days can be really hot during the Markha valley trek, especially in the valleys at lower altitude.
Ladakh is a high-altitude desert and portion of Tibetan plateau extends in the northern plains of the Changthang region. The high mountains stop the rain clouds so Ladakh is not affected by the monsoon. However, some light to moderate showers can be experienced occasionally. All mountains trekkings and activities are planned according to the good weather but one should remember that in any mountain area weather is not predictable and you should be prepared and fully equipped to deal with weather.
How to reach Markha Valley
The transport from Leh to Chilling (at the beginning of the Markha valley trek) and from Hemis to Leh (at the end of the trek) will be arranged by car. The distance between Leh and Chilling is 60 km. The distance between Hemis and Leh is 40 km.
Sham Valley Trek is an easy trek, suitable for beginners and families. It has gentle ascents and well-marked trails, making it perfect for those new to trekking.
The trek typically takes 3 to 4 days, covering around 30–40 km in total.
The best time for this trek is from May to September, when the weather is pleasant, and the trails are clear.
The highest point on this trek is around 4,000 meters (13,123 feet), which makes it a great acclimatization trek for higher-altitude expeditions.
No, prior experience is not necessary. The trek is beginner-friendly and does not involve technical climbing.
No special permits are required for Indian nationals. However, foreign travelers may need an Inner Line Permit for trekking in Ladakh.