Trekking in Shyam Valley

This morning, we fly over the Himalayan range heading towards Leh. We are treated to a breathtaking view of the mountain range, its gigantic glaciers and peaks. We then discover the fertile valleys of Leh, shaped by the imposing Indus river. Upon arrival, we are transferred to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax and acclimatize to the altitude (3500m). In the late afternoon, we will take an orientation walk through the colorful bazaars of Leh, which was an important trading center along the ancient Silk Road from China. The city is dominated by the Namgyal Palace, composed of nine stories, whose faded grandeur has been compared to a mini-version of the Potala Palace in Lhassa. Overnight at the hotel.
Note: The welcome dinner will be organized at a local restaurant, preferably Tibetan Kitchen (or a similar restaurant), a restaurant offering delicious dishes.

Today, we embark on a heritage walk in the old town preserved by the Tibetan Heritage Fund to maintain the old town and its historic buildings. The walk lasts over two hours and is accompanied by an experienced local guide who shares information about important historic buildings restored by the THF. The walks aim to recognize the community that lives here and to illustrate their hopes and aspirations for the revitalization of the old town. The old town continues to bear witness to the grandeur of the artistic heritage and cultural legacy that once characterized Ladakh but are largely forgotten today.

In the afternoon, we visit RAC with a local guide. The REWA organization was founded in 2007 in Leh (Ladakh) by parents of children with disabilities and other citizens of the region who became aware of the dire need of Ladakh's special children. The REWA organization was born from an initiative by the German NGO Ladakh-Hilfe. Every day, the RAC Leh therapist discovers new activities for the children in the afternoon before they return home. It is not easy to find activities that all children can participate in due to their different levels of ability. We will see how RAC staff helps children with disabilities develop their skills. The duration of the visit depends on how long we wish to stay. Generally, 2 hours would be sufficient to complete this visit. After the visit, the rest of the evening is free at leisure.
The heritage walk would start at 10 am and end at 12:30 pm.
Note: This establishment (RAC) can be visited from 10 am to 4 pm.

Transfer to the Phyang bridge from here we walk to this magnificent Phyang monastery. After spending some time at the monastery and admiring the superb view of the local village and its surroundings from the top of the monastery, we continue our route to Likir. We visit the Likir monastery built on an ancient Gompa. It is one of the most important monasteries in Ladakh. Later, we can walk to the village of Likir to spend the night.
Transfer: 1-1 / 2h

Hiking: 1-2 hours

After breakfast, we begin our hike towards Yangtang via a small village of Sumdo (2 to 3 houses only), which provides access to a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains. The walk is on a rough jeep road with barely any traffic. We cross the small Charatse La pass (3,700 m) to reach Yangtang. The village fields are visible from the summit and, before harvest, the entire region looks like an oasis suspended in the air. We reach our camp set up either near the village school or by the riverside.
Maximum altitude: 3752m/ Elevation gain: 600 m/ Descent: 400m/Distance: 10 km/Walking time: 3 - 4h

Today, we follow the trail to the village of Hemis Shukpachen, surrounded by ancient "hedges" of chorten (stupa). Cypress trees, rare in Ladakh, mark the end of the fields. Upon your arrival at Hemis Shukpachen, leave your backpack with a local resident and then take a walk through this beautiful small village that stretches over a vast territory, then attend a cooking demonstration. The locals welcome you warmly to experience the unique hospitality that prevails in the mountains. The interior decoration of the house is extremely beautiful. After observing the complete cooking process, we will taste the delicious dishes prepared.
Maximum altitude: 3913m/Ascent: 385m/Descent: 350m/Distance: 6.18km/Walking: 3h-4h

We leave Hemis to reach Rongtil La - an almost flat walk to the chorten marking the pass. From there, our second col, Meptik La (3 750 m) is visible with its multicolored mountain face. After a short steep descent to the base, Meptek La looks like a wall ahead, but it can be climbed in half an hour by a slow walk. Our hard work pays off with a stunning view of the surrounding mountains from the summit. A gradual 90-minute descent through the village of Ang leads us to Themisgam, a prosperous village, where we visit a castle. Our camp is in the middle of this beautiful village.
Maximum Altitude : 3878m/Ascent : 520m/Descent : 750m/Distance : 12km/Walking : 5-6hrs

This morning after breakfast, we take a short transfer to the village of Tia and begin our hike which takes us to the Chamla Pass (4030 m) where we enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the Himalayan range. Descent to the village of Skindyang where the hike ends and transfer by vehicle to Lamayuru, about one and a half hours drive away, overnight at the Guest House. Evening visit to the monastery.
Maximum altitude: 4079m/Ascent: 875m/Descent: 700 m/Distance: 10 km/Walking: approximately 4 hours

Today, after breakfast, we start our trek from Lamayuru to Wanla via a gentle climb over the small pass of Prinkit La (3750 m). before descending towards the village of Shilla, we will continue for 3 km until Wanla (3250 m). Lunch and visit the monastery / village of Wanla before returning to Leh on the way to visit Alchi Gompa if time permits.
Maximum altitude 3750 m | Ascent: 243 m | descent 500m | Walking: 4 hours and transfer to Leh: 3h .

In the morning, transfer to the airport for the flight taking us back to Delhi. Spectacular views of the Himalayas.