Likir to Yangthang village walk
We start at Likir after a visit to the monastery, following a trail that climbs gently above the village to the first of two low passes, at around 3,600 m. The path is clear and well walked, through open hills covered with scrub and wildflowers in early summer. Behind you, Likir monastery and its golden Maitreya stand above the fields. The trail is clear and well used. Wildflowers bloom in June.
Between the passes, the trail drops into a small valley with a stream, where we stop for a picnic lunch. After the second pass, the trail descends to Yangthang, a village of stone houses, barley fields and willows. Families often invite walkers in for butter tea, and your guide will make introductions. Accept the tea; it is part of the walk. The village is a good place to rest before the next stage.
The walk takes four to five hours at an easy pace, with about 400 m of climbing in total. Vehicles carry luggage and meet you at Yangthang. Guests can stay at a village homestay or return to Nimmu House for the night, and continue to Hemis Shukpachan the next day. Carry water, sun protection and a light warm layer. A walking pole helps on descents, and good shoes are essential.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
How hard is the Likir to Yangthang walk?
It is one of the easiest classic walks in Ladakh, with about 400 m of climbing over four to five hours and two low passes around 3,600 m. Good general fitness and some acclimatisation are enough. Children from about eight upwards who enjoy walking usually manage well.
Do we need a guide for the Sham walk?
We always walk with a local guide, who knows the trail, the villages and the families. The path is clear, but a guide adds context, arranges tea stops and handles any problems. Vehicles carry luggage and can collect anyone who wants to stop.
Can we stay in homestays on the Sham walk?
Yes, villages such as Yangthang and Hemis Shukpachan have homestays that offer simple rooms and home-cooked meals. Comfort is basic, often with shared bathrooms. Many of our guests prefer to walk by day and return to Nimmu House each night.
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