Shyam Valley Trek
12 Days | Trekking 07 Days
This tour provides a grand introduction to Ladakhi landscape and culture of this picturesque and exotic place. The itinerary incorporates a relatively easy trek with memorable walking experience through the beautiful landscape with stoppages at villages and monasteries en route for closer and better understanding of their people and culture.
Tour Profile
We start the trip with a flight (that puts us into ecstasy with the overhead view of the vast Himalayan Range with snow-capped peaks beckoning us with their glare) from Delhi to Leh (3,500m), the capital of Ladakh, where we spend two days visiting local Buddhist monasteries and exploring local markets and villages - an interesting way to acclimatize ourselves to the altitude. The trek starts from Taru, a small village close to Leh, and crosses Taru La, a pass at 4,200 mtrs and traverses through the deserted plateau. We pass through many Ladakhi Villages where we observe the traditional way of life that has remained unchanged for centuries. This classic trek also takes in the best of the contrasting scenery offered by this part of the ‘Himalayan Land’; lofty snow-clad peaks; wild and barren hillsides and pretty villages in the valleys which spring to life in summer with cultivation of local crops after the long harsh winter.
The last (alternative extension) part of the tour trudges across the mountain roads to Kashmir, with a wonderful two-night stay on a houseboat in Srinagar. This beautiful old city lies in the heart of the Kashmir Valley.
Note:There is an option to drive from Lamayuru to Kargil (day 11) instead of going to Leh (for an overnight stay in a hotel), with the itinerary extended to 14 days. In that case we drive to Srinagar on day 12 and stay in a hotel overnight. Sightseeing on day 13 in Srinagar and departure transfer to Srinagar airport on day 14. Check in at Delhi hotel for use of day facilities and departure transfer to the International Airport at Delhi to catch our flights to our respective destinations.
Tour Highlights
- Likir - famous for its 11th century monastery.
- Thiksey - a yellow hat sect monastery bearing a strong resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa.
- Themisgam - a famous trekking sight.
- Lamayuru - a famous monastery in the Western Ladakh.
- Srinagar (in the alternative extension) - the beautiful capital of neighboring Kashmir Valley.
Tour Itinerary
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Please note: You can use this itinerary as a guide to fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places visited, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have.
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DAY 01 - Delhi
Arrive at the international airport of Delhi at night. Get assistance from local representative to board early morning flight to Leh. Overnight No Hotel
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DAY 02 - Leh
Delhi – Leh (3,500 m). An early flight out of Delhi. Transfer and check into the hotel. Afternoon free to relax and acclimatise for the trek. Late afternoon walk through the local bazaar of Leh. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 03 - Leh
Around Leh: Matho, Thiksey and Hemis. Full day sightseeing comprising visits to Matho, Thiksey and Hemis monasteries. Overnight Hotel
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DAY 04 - Taru
Indus Valley (3,500-3,800 m): Stok Palace, Shanti Stupa and transfer to Taru. Visit Stok Palace and Shanti Stupa in the morning. Afternoon drive to a small village called Taru, the starting point of our trek. Overnight Camp
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DAY 05 - Nimu
Taru – Taru La (4,200m) – Umla – Nimu (3,700m ; 6-7 hrs) We begin our walk towards the first pass, Taru La (4,200m). We pass beautiful village to Nimu village to camp overnight. Overnight Camp
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DAY 06 - Nye
Nimu – Nye (3,800m;4-5 hrs). Trek onto a deserted plateau to reach the green valley of Nye. Afternoon free to explore this beautiful village. Overnight Camp
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DAY 07 - Likir
Nye – Likir (3,400m;approx. 4 hrs) A short ascent early on to reach a dusty road that hardly sees any traffic, leads us ultimately to the village of Likir. After some rest at the camp visit Likir Monastery and explore the village. Overnight Camp
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DAY 08 - Yangtang
Likir – Sumdo – Yangtang (3,600m;4-5 hrs). Walk through Sumdo, a small village all the way to rough jeep-road with barely any traffic. Cross Charatse La (3,700 m) to reach Yangtang. Overnight Camp
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DAY 09 - Hemis Shukpachan
Yangtang – Rizong – Hemis Shukpachan (3,600m;6-7 hrs). Cross river several times (sandals required) to reach Rizong. Visit monastery and continue trekking across Nigutse La (3,950m) and then descend to the village called Hemis. Overnight Camp
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DAY 10 - Themisgam
Hemis Shukpachan – Ang – Themisgam (3,600m;4-5 hrs). Walk to Rongtil La – from where second pass, Meptik La (3,750m) is visible. Gradual descent to a prosperous village, Themisgam. Visit a castle and camp in the middle of this beautiful village. Overnight Camp
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DAY 11 - Leh
Themisgam – Khalsi – Lamayuru – Leh. Ascend to Bong-Bong La (3,650m). Descend to the road-head at Khalsi to finish trek and board vehicles for a drive to Lamayuru. In the afternoon visit Lamayuru monastery. We then drive to Leh for our overnight stay in a hotel. (Trek 4 hrs and drive111 kms / 2.5 hrs). Overnight Hotel
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DAY 12 - Leh
Leh – Delhi – Tour concludes. There is a departure transfer to Leh airport to catch flight to Delhi for onward flights to respective destinations.
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DAY 11 - Kargil
Extended Itinerary to Srinagar (day 11 and 12 being common, the tour is extended to 14 days as below). Lamayuru – Kargil (Trek 4 hrs and drive 153kms / 4-5 hrs). Drive from Lamayuru to Kargil (2676m) over Fotu La (4100m) and Namika La (3700m) . Overnight Hotel
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DAY 12 - Srinagar
Kargil – Srinagar (210 km/7-8 hrs). Drive to Srinagar in Kashmir. Cross Zojila Pass (3,528 m), and Sonamarg town. Arrive in Srinagar and check into hotel. Relax for the rest of the day. Evening optional Shikara ride on Nigeen Lake. Overnight Houseboat
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DAY 13 - Srinagar
Sightseeing in Srinagar Visit the Mughal Gardens and The Shankaracharya Temple located on the summit of the Shankaraharya Hill (300m) overlooking Srinagar. Afternoon visit to the old city. Overnight Houseboat
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DAY 14 - Srinagar
Srinagar – Delhi (flight) and departure. Departure transfer to the airport to board flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, check into hotel and use day rooms to freshen up. Later, departure transfer to the international airport of Delhi.
Send an enquiry
Flexibility Guaranteed! Using the above itinerary as a guide you can fully customise this tour as per your budget and requirements. Flexible options include travel dates and duration, places, activities and experiences, hotel category (star/rating) and any specific requirements that you may have. On receiving your enquiry we will respond with prices and work with you to create a truly personalised holiday experience that is in your budget and personal style.
