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Sham Valley, often called the Apricot Valley, is Ladakh's gentlest and most rewarding day circuit from Leh. Winding west along the Indus, it strings together the Magnetic Hill, the Sangam confluence and the great monasteries of Likir and Alchi. Because it sits at a lower altitude, it is the perfect place to explore while your body acclimatises. Our Sham Valley tours make the most of this scenic, culture-rich stretch of Ladakh.

Top things to see & do

Magnetic Hill — Ladakh
Magnetic HillA famous optical illusion where vehicles appear to roll uphill against gravity on the Leh-Kargil road.
Sangam (Indus-Zanskar confluence) — Ladakh
Sangam (Indus-Zanskar confluence)The dramatic meeting point where the muddy Zanskar joins the clear blue Indus below Nimmu.
Alchi Monastery — Ladakh
Alchi MonasteryA thousand-year-old gompa famed for its exquisite early Indo-Tibetan wall paintings and woodwork.
Likir Monastery — Ladakh
Likir MonasteryA hillside monastery crowned by a towering golden Maitreya Buddha statue overlooking terraced fields.
Basgo — Ladakh
BasgoA crumbling royal citadel and temple complex with atmospheric mud-brick ruins and Buddha statues.
Gurudwara Pathar Sahib — Ladakh
Gurudwara Pathar SahibA revered Sikh shrine near Leh, cared for by the army and open to all travellers.
The Indus and Zanskar rivers meeting at the Sangam confluence in Sham Valley Ladakh

Suggested itinerary

Day 1
Arrive in Leh

Land at Leh and rest to acclimatise, with a gentle evening stroll through the old-town bazaar.

Day 2
Leh highlights

Visit Shanti Stupa, Leh Palace and Namgyal Tsemo for sweeping views over the town.

Day 3
Sham Valley circuit

Drive to Magnetic Hill, Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, the Sangam confluence and Alchi Monastery.

Day 4
Likir and Basgo

Explore Likir's golden Buddha and the ancient citadel of Basgo before returning to Leh.

Day 5
Departure

Transfer to Leh airport for your onward flight.

Indicative Ladakh package prices (per person on twin-sharing; land package):

Trip DurationIndicative Price (per person)
3 Nights / 4 Daysfrom ₹16,999
4 Nights / 5 Daysfrom ₹18,999
5 Nights / 6 Daysfrom ₹23,999
6 Nights / 7 Daysfrom ₹26,999
7 Nights / 8 Daysfrom ₹31,999

Indicative starting prices from our current Ladakh packages — your final quote depends on hotels, season and travel. Share your dates for an exact, itemised quote.

Why Sham Valley

Sham Valley is Ladakh's ideal first outing. At a lower altitude than Leh's high passes, it lets you sightsee comfortably while acclimatising. The circuit packs monasteries, river confluences and quirky roadside wonders into an easy, scenic day.

Top places to see

The valley's highlights include:

  • The gravity-defying Magnetic Hill
  • The Indus-Zanskar Sangam confluence
  • The ancient murals of Alchi Monastery
  • Likir's giant golden Maitreya Buddha

How to reach

Sham Valley begins just west of Leh along the Leh-Kargil highway, with the furthest point, Alchi, around 70km away. It is comfortably covered as a day trip by car, and we provide a private vehicle with an experienced local driver.

Best time to visit

May to September is ideal, when apricot orchards bloom and roads are clear. The valley is accessible for much of the year thanks to its lower altitude, though winters are cold and best planned with local advice.

Where to stay

Most guests base themselves in Leh, with a good range of guesthouses and hotels, and explore Sham Valley on day trips. Homestays in villages like Alchi and Nurla are also available for a slower, more immersive stay.

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Start your Ladakh journey in the gentle Sham Valley

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