Sham Valley Trek (Nye to Khalsi) also known as Apricot Valley Trek
Season: MAY to MID OCTOBER
Duration: 13 Days
Arrival Leh airport and transfer to Hotel Rest evening explore the Market O/n Hotel
Visit Shey, Thikshey and Hemis Monasteries for the full day with picnic lunch. Over night in Hotel.
Leave Leh drive for 3 hours to Basgo, enroute visit Spituk and Phyang Monastery. In Basgo on a hill of clay, visit the small monastery with sacred copper gilt image of Maitrerya Buddha two storeys in height, nice view from the Palace (Fortress). Walk from Basgo to Nye about 01 hours to camp site (3780 Mts).
Walk for about 4 hours through an arid sandy platue surrounded by Rocky Mountains and desert flowers, arriving in the oasis of Likir. In the afternoon visit Likir Monastery which is dominated by a huge outdoor statue of Buddha. Overnight in camp (3600 Mts).
Trek for about 4 to 5 hours, come across two low passes Pobu La at 3660 Mts and Charetse La at 3700 Mts to reach Yangthang village. Overnight in camp (3650 Mts).
Optional visit to the Ringzom Monastery which takes about 4 1/2 Hours to and fro. Overnight in camp (3600 Mts).
Walk for 2 1/2 Hours crossing Tsermangchan La and descend to the village of Hemis Shukpachan. Overnight in camp (3600 Mts)
Walk for 4 to 5 hours, crossing two passes Rongttil La (3660 Mts) and Meptak La (3720 Mts) where the trail is along the base of rocky mountain, descend to arrive at Ang then to Temisgam .Afternoon free to visit village and Temisgam Monastery .Overnight in camp (3050 Mts).
Walk for about 7 to 8 hours, this is the longest walk, crossing a pass at 4150 Mts. Arrive at Skyndiyang and overnight in camp (3600 Mts).
Downhill walk following the stream for about 2 and 1/2 hours. From Khalsi road transfer to Wanla after visiting Lamayuru Monastery. Camp at Wanla Overnight in camp
(3303 Mts).
In the morning visit the old Monastery then drive towards Leh, enroute visiting the highly acclaimed and famous Monastery of Alchi Chhoskor. Overnight in in Leh Hotel.
A free day in Leh, possibilities of making an extra tour by way of rafting on the Indus or a day trip to Khardung La, the highest motor able road at 5602 Mts.
Transfer to Airport and fly back to Delhi.
What to bring for the trek
Good Warm internal clothing (woolen and fleece, thermals), water proof and wind proof clothing, Comfortable hiking boots with good resistance against the snow and water with a good grip, haversack, sandals, walking sticks, gaiters, woolen/tennis socks (quite a few pairs) and stocking, gloves, cap, sunglasses (very important), Sunscreen lotion, day sack, camera and binocular (OPTIONAL), water bottle, torch and batteries, though the water is very clean and pure and we do provide boiled water once you are in trek still in order to be extra careful you can get few chlorine pills as mountain water is supposed to be hard.
Climate
Day temperature in the sun is pleasant but windy but nights are cold. The temp at night in rain and snow can really go down; sometimes below zero so you have to be well prepared.
Trek logistics/Services provided during the trek
Accommodation in two men tent (high altitude alpine tents of good quality), heavy foam pad mattress, sleeping bags, Breakfast/tea, all meals (good quality food), services of experienced guide and cook, all the camping equipment, utensils and crockery, kitchen tent, and toilet tent, ponies or porters, adequate medical kit, Transportation during the Trek.
Note
It is also possible that a route change may become necessary due to weather, inaccessibility through the mountain passes due to heavy snow, condition of the trail and physical fitness of the clients.