Visit the village of Juniper trees!
Visit the village of Juniper trees!
Exploring Sham Valley: A Journey Through History, Trekking and local Art
Why this experience is unique?
Embark on a soulful journey through the heart of Ladakh with this immersive one-day trek from the serene village of Hemisshukpachan to the picturesque Tingmosgang. Starting from the sacred groves of ancient juniper trees—carefully protected by the villagers of Hemisshukpachan after their disappearance elsewhere, the trail is a tribute to Ladakh’s deep-rooted spiritual and environmental values.
The trek ascends to the majestic Mebtak La Pass (3,750 meters), the highest point on the route, offering sweeping views of rugged Himalayan landscapes. As you descend into the fertile valley of Tingmosgang, you’ll be welcomed by a vibrant blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.
This experience goes beyond trekking—it’s a walk through time. Visit Tingmosgang Monastery, explore remote villages and on your return, meet the last traditional potters of Ladakh, preserving a fading heritage.
A perfect fusion of wilderness, heritage, nature and local culture, this trek is ideal for travelers seeking depth, meaning and authentic connection in Ladakh.
You’ll embark on an early morning flight from New Delhi to Leh. Nestled between the majestic Himalayas and the formidable Karakoram ranges, Leh boasts an altitude of 3500m. Upon landing, the GHE team leader will welcome you at the airport, presenting you with the traditional Ladakhi silk scarf called “Khatak.” Subsequently, you’ll be transferred to your hotel where you’ll be based for the next two days. The remainder of your arrival day is dedicated to acclimatizing to the altitude. You’ll spend the night at a hotel in Leh.
Today kicks off with an exploration of Leh City, delving into its rich historical heritage. We’ll embark on a guided tour of Leh Fort, Tsemo Castle, & the Old City, immersing ourselves in ancient lore. A visit to Leh market offers insight into its vibrant trading history along the Silk Route & its strategic location on the banks of the Indus River, once the heartland of the Indus Valley Civilization. As dusk sets in, enjoy an enchanting stargazing session at over 11,000 feet, followed by a visit to the venerable 800-year-old Phyang Monastery. Conclude the day with a delectable feast of Ladakhi cuisine. Rest comfortably overnight at a Leh hotel.
After breakfast, we’ll commence a two-hour journey to Hemishukhpachun from Leh, our starting point for the trek. Setting out from the village, we’ll traverse Mebtak La pass (3750m) enroute to Tingmosgang Village. The path ascends between two hillocks west of the village, offering scenic vistas along the way. Upon reaching Tingmosgang, you’ll be greeted by picturesque apricot orchards. This moderate trek spans 11.3 kilometres and approximately 5 hours. Rest for the night in Tingmosgang, where you can unwind amidst the tranquillity of the village.
Today, our team will journey from Tingmosgang to Likir village to experience the pottery session in the home of the last pottery family. Get your hands dirty while making the clay models with the potter and enjoy traditional lunch with the family.Following this, we’ll drive back to Leh for an overnight stay at the hotel, reflecting on the trip’s meaningful contribution to the community. Rest of the day offers a leisurely opportunity for one to explore the vibrant Leh market and collect souvenirs, such as Pashmina, Apricot-based delicacies and local handicrafts.
As our journey amidst the majestic Himalayas draws to a close, it’s time to bid adieu and head back to the airport for our early morning flight to Delhi. Rest assured, our Team Leader will be there to assist you and ensure your safe departure.
Guests like to eat our Ladakhi food. They say it is delicious, even when it is prepared by an elderly ama (mother) like me. I always make sure I serve them the cleanest and healthiest food. My husband is a copper artist. When guests leave us, they say ‘Julley’, and hug us. It makes us feel happy.
I became a Mountain Homestay Host in 2018, and I have hosted many travellers since then. Running a homestay has helped me and my family a lot. Not only is the solar set up in our house useful for us, but even travellers prefer to stay in our homestay because of it.
The training we got in astronomy turned out to be a life-changing experience for our village. I felt happy and proud while mapping the position of the planets and sharing the secrets of the universe with the tourists. Tourists told me that even they didn’t know so much about the dark skies!
