Remote Villages, High Passes & an Ancient Monastery Trail Through the Sham Valley
A 7-day high-altitude trek through Ladakh's remote Sham Valley, linking a string of small, traditional villages rarely visited by travellers who stick to the Leh-Nubra-Pangong circuit — a genuinely off-the-beaten-path way to experience Ladakhi mountain culture and landscape.
After a first day in Leh to acclimatise to the altitude, the trek begins at Lamayuru, where the region's oldest monastery overlooks a dramatic, eroded 'moonland' landscape. From here, the route climbs over Prinkti La (3,750m) and descends through Shilla village to Wanla, the first of several remote overnight stops.
The following days trace a demanding but rewarding trail through Tarla Base Camp, over the high point near Tar village (around 5,250m, with extraordinary Himalayan mountain views), and on to the village of Mang Gyu, where an ancient monastery and traditional Ladakhi houses offer a window into rural mountain life largely unchanged for generations.
The trek concludes with a descent through a valley lined with wild rosebushes to the village of Gera, where vehicles meet the group for the drive back to Leh — taking in the UNESCO-listed Alchi Monastery, Likir Monastery, the Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, and the Hall of Fame war memorial along the way.
What makes this journey special
Your journey, unfolded
Arrive at Leh Airport and transfer to your hotel, with a welcome drink on arrival. Relax for the rest of the day to allow yourself to acclimatise to the rarefied air at this high altitude (3,524m) — this rest day is essential before the trekking begins. Lunch and dinner at the hotel.
Drive to Lamayuru through the Sham Valley alongside the Indus River. On arrival, visit Lamayuru Monastery, one of the oldest in Ladakh, set within a dramatically eroded 'moonland' landscape. Pack your backpacks and begin the first day's trek — follow the stream and climb up to Prinkti La (3,750m). From the pass, walk down to Shilla village and continue to Wanla, where you'll spend the night.
Start the trek by following the left bank of the river and reach Phenjilla (3,410m). Continue along the left side of the valley for around an hour and reach the village of Ursi. Walk on to the campsite at Tarla Base Camp.
From Tarla Base Camp, the trail is clear but genuinely challenging, with several ascents and descents required to reach the high point near Tarla (approximately 5,250m). From here, the views of the surrounding Himalayan mountain range are extraordinary. Climb back down for a further three hours to reach the campsite at Tar village.
An easier day — descend gently to Mang Gyu village along the mountainside. On arrival, visit the village's ancient monastery and a traditional Ladakhi house, offering a genuine glimpse into rural mountain life in this remote part of the Sham Valley.
Walk downward into a beautiful valley lined with wild rosebushes along the trail, arriving at the village of Gera, where your vehicles will be waiting. Board the vehicle and drive back toward Leh, visiting en route the UNESCO-listed Alchi Monastery (renowned for its 11th-century frescoes) and Likir Monastery, along with the Gurudwara Pathar Sahib and the Hall of Fame war memorial museum. Arrive in Leh for your final night.
After an early breakfast, transfer to Leh Airport to board your flight for your onward journey. Tour concludes.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included ✓
- ✓ 6 nights accommodation on twin/triple-share basis (hotel in Leh, camps/guesthouses on trek)
- ✓ Buffet meals as specified in the itinerary
- ✓ Private chauffeur-driven AC vehicle for all road transfers
- ✓ 1 bottle of mineral water per person per day
- ✓ All applicable Indian GST
Not Included ✗
- ✗ International/domestic airfare or train fare to/from Leh
- ✗ Travel insurance (strongly recommended for high-altitude trekking)
- ✗ Trekking guide, porter & pony/mule fees (available locally on request)
- ✗ Camping equipment if not provided by your operator (confirm at booking)
- ✗ Inner Line Permits for restricted areas (arranged by us, fees payable locally)
- ✗ Entrance fees / camera charges at monasteries and attractions
- ✗ Tipping — an entirely personal gesture
- ✗ Laundry, drinks, and items of a personal nature
Your questions, answered
This is a genuinely demanding high-altitude trek, particularly Day 4's ascent to around 5,250m, which involves repeated climbing and descending over several hours. We recommend this itinerary only for travellers with prior trekking experience and good general fitness. Proper acclimatisation (the Day 1 rest in Leh) is essential, and we strongly advise consulting your doctor about altitude sickness prevention (including Diamox) before travel.
Yes — for a multi-day high-altitude trek through this remote section of the Sham Valley, an experienced local trekking guide is essential, and most groups also arrange porters or pack animals to carry tents, food, and equipment. These are arranged locally and are not included in this package's base price; let us know your group size and preferences when booking so we can arrange suitable support.
Some sections of this route pass through areas requiring an Inner Line Permit, which we arrange on your behalf as part of the booking process (the permit fee itself is payable locally). Please provide passport copies (for foreign nationals) or ID details well in advance of your trek dates.
June to September offers the most reliable trekking conditions, once the high passes are clear of snow and before the early winter cold sets in. July and August are generally the most popular months, coinciding with the most stable weather windows in this part of Ladakh.
October to March is ideal — comfortable temperatures (15–28°C), clear skies, and the best conditions for sightseeing, fort treks, and wildlife safaris. April–June brings intense heat (up to 45°C); July–September is monsoon, with some relief from the heat but reduced safari access in the tiger reserves.
Absolutely. Every Discover India tour is fully private and built around your preferences. We can adjust the duration, swap destinations, change hotel categories, or add extensions. Submit an enquiry and our specialists will redesign the itinerary for you at no obligation.
We include carefully selected 4-star and 5-star hotels throughout — heritage havelis, palace hotels, and well-appointed properties near the wildlife reserves, all personally vetted by our team. Upgrades to palace hotels or luxury tented camps are available on request.
Most nationalities can apply for an Indian e-Visa online at indianvisaonline.gov.in. Processing typically takes 3–5 business days and costs $25–$80 USD depending on your nationality. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel.
Cancellations 60+ days before departure receive a full refund minus a small admin fee. 30–59 days: 75% refund. 15–29 days: 50% refund. Under 15 days: no refund. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance.
