Sham Valley Winter Trek

Sham Valley is a moderate level trek i.e. it requires more strength and endurance than easy level treks. It is recommended that you first gain an experience of trekking to altitudes higher than 3000 metres, and then move one level up with this trek. However, if you are a beginner but committed to prepare, then you need at least 2-3 months to prepare physically & mentally for this trek.

You must have done a small trek of 2-3 days before and hiked to an altitude of more than 3000 meters.

Jog/Run for 4 Kms in 35-40 mins or Walk continuously for 8 Kms (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better) Hold your breath for 25-30 seconds

This trek is recommended for beginners who want to explore Ladakh's monasteries, religion and culture in an easy trek.

This trek can be done throughout the year.

Here is your checklist for this trek. Make sure you pack all these items for a comfortable trekking experience. Trekking Gear A rucksack with rain cover A water bottle or a hydration pack A Hand/Head Torch with spare batteries UV protection Sunglasses Clothing Quick Dry Warm lower or Track Pants- 1 Full sleeves T-shirts/ Sweatshirts- 1 or max 2 Thermal Bodywarmer Upper & Lower- 1 Fleece jacket- 1 Full sleeves sweater- 1 Rainwear (Jacket & Pants) -1 Woolen sock - 1 pair Cotton Socks- 1 or 2 pairs Undergarments - 1 for every day 3 days of trekking Pair of Warm Gloves - 1 Woolen cap - 1 Sun cap or Biker Scarf for protection from sun- 1 Footwear Non-skid deep trod hiking shoes (Preferably ankle high) - 1 pair Lightweight Slipper/Sandals - 1 pair Toiletries Sunscreen lotion, lip balm, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, toilet roll, cold cream, small towel. Anti-fungal cream: Carry an antifungal cream if you are sensitive to sweating and prone to skin irritations around genitals or groin area due to lack of bathing. For women: Tampons or sanitary napkins, 2-3 zip pouches to dispose of non-biodegradable waste Vaginal wash to avoid any irritation due to lack of bathing. Utensils A small size, lightweight, leak-proof lunch box - preferably aluminum A plate and a spoon A mug - preferably aluminum Miscellaneous Camera (optional) Personal medicine kit. Though our trek leaders carry a fully equipped first-aid kit, make sure you consult your doctor before the trek in case you have any special ailment. Epi-Pen - If you are allergic to a common ingredient and have a history of reaction, then please inform us. Carrying an EpiPen helps in case of any accidental intakes. Dry fruits, energy bars

The trek begins from Leh in Ladakh. The best travel option around Leh is by air. By air:?Jet Airways, GoAir, and Air India provide daily flights from New Delhi to Leh. It is recommended that you make your flight bookings well in advance not only to save on the price but also for a confirmed seat. You can also take an alternate flight route to Srinagar. Fly to Srinagar from Delhi and then drive to Leh from Srinagar. The 10 hour road journey from Srinagar to Leh can be covered by hiring a shared taxi which will cost you around INR 3000-4000. The drive route from Srinagar to Leh is scenic. For coming back, you can either take a direct flight from Leh to New Delhi. Or take the same route via Srinagar. Flights from Srinagar to Delhi are cheaper than Leh-Delhi. By road:?You can take the route from Manali to Leh. Travel from Delhi to Manali by a HRTC Volvo bus. From Manali get a seat in a shared taxi (INR 2500-3500). If you are on a tight budget, There is also a bus from New Delhi to Leh (via Manali) with one side fare of INR 1365. The bus journey begins at 2:30 pm from Delhi ISBT reaching Keylong next day at 1:30 pm. After an overnight halt at Keylong, it reaches Leh the next day. The another route to Leh can be taken through Srinagar. There are shared taxis from Srinagar to Leh available at cost of INR 3000-4000. If you are an ardent biker, you wouldn?t mind taking a bike trip from Delhi to Leh and back.

BSNL has the best connectivity in Leh-Ladakh region followed by Airtel. However, all the mobile networks like Idea and Vodafone also work in Leh. Please note that only postpaid numbers work in J&K state, prepaid connections will cease to work as soon as you enter Ladakh region. On & Off network coverage is available throughout this trek (BSNL mostly) .

There are so many enchanting places to visit in Leh-Ladakh. During your acclimatization period, you can roam around the town and visit the monasteries; Diskit Gompa, and Lamayuru Monastery. Drive up to the Magnetic Hill and experience the crazy magnetic phenomenon on the hill. The picturesque Nubra Valley will take your breath away. The green oasis villages, the monasteries, the ruined palaces- Turtuk and Bordang; there is a whole different culture in this place. It is 150 km away from Leh. You can take a shared taxi to this route. How can you leave Ladakh without seeing Pangong Lake, the sapphire blue lake? Also, visit Gurdwara Pathar Sahib and Leh Royal Palace.