Sham Valley, Ladakh

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April - September
11,480 Ft
From Leh: 70 Km

Leh City

Sham Valley, also known as Lower Ladakh and the Apricot Valley, is a scenic region located in the western part of Ladakh, in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is known for its picturesque landscape, ancient Buddhist monasteries, and traditional villages. One of the popular destinations in Sham Valley is the Alchi Monastery.

The valley is home to several small villages, including Likir, Basgo, and Alchi, which are famous for their monasteries and historic sites. The Basgo Palace, which was built in the 16th century, is a popular tourist destination and is known for its unique blend of Tibetan and Indian architectural styles. The Likir Monastery, which was built in the 11th century, is another popular attraction in the valley and is known for its ancient scriptures and murals.

Apart from its historic sites, the Sham Valley is also known for its stunning natural beauty. The valley is surrounded by towering mountains, lush green fields, and fruit orchards, and is especially famous for its apricots. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities in the valley, including hiking, mountain biking, and river rafting. There are several interesting places to see in Sham Valley. Some of them are:

Tourist Attractions

Gurudwara Sri Pathar Sahib

It is a famous Sikh pilgrimage site located about 25 kilometers from Leh town. The gurudwara is built to commemorate the visit of Guru Nanak Dev to this place. According to local legend, Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, once visited this spot and defeated a demon who was causing havoc in the area. The gurudwara was later built here in his honor. It is a popular pilgrimage site for Sikhs and is also visited by tourists of all faiths.

Magnatic Hill

Magnetic Hill is a gravity hill located on the Leh-Kargil-Baltic National Highway. It is called Magnetic Hill because of a natural phenomenon that makes it look like cars and other objects are rolling uphill, even when they are actually rolling downhill. The hill is believed to have magnetic properties that attract vehicles towards it. It is a popular spot for tourists to visit and experience this unique phenomenon

Confluence of Indus Zanskar River (Sangam)

It is a picturesque spot located about 35 kilometers from Leh and about 4 km from Nimmu village, on the Leh-Srinagar highway. This is the spot where the Indus River and the Zanskar River meet and flow together. The confluence is a popular tourist spot due to the stark difference in the color of the two rivers - the Indus is a pale blue while the Zanskar is a deep shade of green. Visitors can also go for rafting on the Zanskar River at this spot.

Likir Monastery

Likir Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located in Likir village in the Sham Valley of Ladakh. It is one of the oldest and largest monasteries in Ladakh and is a popular tourist destination. The monastery was founded in the 11th century and has since been renovated and expanded several times. The monastery is famous for its rich collection of Buddhist artifacts, including ancient murals, thangkas, and manuscripts. The Likir Monastery is also renowned for its 23-metre tall Maitreya Buddha statue, which is one of the largest in Ladakh. The statue is made of clay and gold and is said to have been built to commemorate the victory of the Ladakhi forces over the Kashmiri forces in the 15th century.

Alchi Village & Monastery

It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 67 kilometers from Leh town. The monastery is known for its ancient Buddhist art and architecture. Alchi Monastery is a 10th-century Buddhist monastery located in the Alchi village of the Sham Valley region. It is famous for its ancient murals and wood carvings, which are considered some of the oldest surviving examples of Indo-Tibetan art. The monastery complex consists of four separate temples, each with its unique artwork and architectural style. The main temple, called the Sumtsek, is a three-story structure built in a mix of Indian and Tibetan architectural styles.

Basgo Monastery

It is a historical palace located about 40 kilometers from Leh town. The palace was built in the 16th century and is known for its blend of Tibetan and Indian architectural styles. It was built in the 16th century by King Tashi Namgyal of the Namgyal dynasty, who ruled Ladakh from 1555 to 1575. The palace served as the residence of the Namgyal rulers for several centuries and was an important center of political and cultural activity in the region.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Sham Valley and Alchi is during the summer months from May to September, as the weather is pleasant and the roads are generally open. However, visitors should be prepared for the high altitude and carry warm clothing, as temperatures can drop sharply at night.

How to Reach

Sham Valley is easily accessible from Leh, the main town in Ladakh. Visitors can travel to Sham Valley by road, either by hiring a private taxi or by taking a shared taxi or bus from Leh. The road journey from Leh to Sham Valley is very scenic and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and rivers.