Day 1: Arrive in Leh
- *Altitude:* ~3,500 meters (11,483 feet)
- *Activities:* Arrive in Leh by flight (from Delhi) or road (from Manali/Srinagar). Check into a guesthouse or hotel. Rest and acclimatize to the high altitude—essential for the trek. Explore Leh’s market, Shanti Stupa, or Leh Palace if energy permits. Meet the trekking team for a briefing and gear check.
- *Overnight:* Guesthouse/hotel in Leh.
Day 2: Leh to Lamayuru
- *Altitude:* ~3,510 meters (11,516 feet)
- *Distance/Duration:* ~125 km drive, 4–5 hours
- *Activities:* Drive from Leh to Lamayuru along the Srinagar-Leh Highway (NH1), passing through dramatic landscapes, including the confluence of the Indus and Zanskar Rivers and the “Moonland” rock formations near Lamayuru. Visit the Lamayuru Monastery, one of Ladakh’s oldest, dating back to the 11th century. Rest and prepare for the trek.
- *Overnight:* Guesthouse/camp in Lamayuru.
Day 3: Lamayuru to Wanla via Prinkiti La
- *Altitude:* Prinkiti La ~3,750 meters (12,303 feet), Wanla ~3,250 meters (10,663 feet)
- *Distance/Duration:* ~10 km, 4–5 hours trek
- *Activities:* Begin trekking from Lamayuru, ascending steadily to Prinkiti La, a moderate pass with views of the surrounding barren peaks and valleys. Descend through a narrow gorge to Wanla village, home to a small 11th-century monastery. The trail passes barley fields and traditional Ladakhi homes.
- *Overnight:* Tents or homestay in Wanla.
Day 4: Wanla to Hinju
- *Altitude:* ~3,300 meters (10,827 feet)
- *Distance/Duration:* ~12 km, 5–6 hours trek
- *Activities:* Trek along the Yapola River through a mix of rocky trails and flat valley floors. Pass through remote villages like Phanji (or Fanjila), with its small gompa, and enjoy views of snow-capped peaks in the distance. Reach Hinju, a quiet village surrounded by fields and mountains.
- *Overnight:* Tents or homestay in Hinju.
Day 5: Hinju to Sumda Chenmo via Konzke La
- *Altitude:* Konzke La ~3,900 meters (12,795 feet), Sumda Chenmo ~3,400 meters (11,155 feet)
- *Distance/Duration:* ~14 km, 6–7 hours trek
- *Activities:* Ascend to Konzke La (or Kongskil La), the highest pass on this route, offering panoramic views of the Sham Valley and distant ranges. The climb is steady but manageable. Descend to Sumda Chenmo, a picturesque village with an ancient monastery (Sumda Monastery, a 2–3 km detour if time allows). Camp near the village.
- *Overnight:* Tents or homestay in Sumda Chenmo.
Day 6: Sumda Chenmo to Alchi to Leh
- *Altitude:* Alchi ~3,100 meters (10,171 feet), Leh ~3,500 meters (11,483 feet)
- *Distance/Duration:* ~12 km trek, 4–5 hours; ~70 km drive, 2–3 hours
- *Activities:* Trek downhill through the Sham Valley, passing fields and streams, to Alchi village. Visit the Alchi Monastery, a UNESCO-listed site famous for its 11th-century murals and architecture. After exploration, drive back to Leh along the Indus River, arriving by afternoon. Rest and celebrate the trek’s completion.
- *Overnight:* Guesthouse/hotel in Leh (or depart if preferred).
Key Notes
- *Best Season:* June to September (summer months offer clear weather and accessible trails). July–August may see light rain; September offers crisp, clear days.
- *Difficulty:* Moderate; suitable for trekkers with basic high-altitude experience. The passes are not overly technical, but acclimatization is key.
- *Gear:* Operators provide tents, meals, and basic support (e.g., mules). Bring personal items like warm layers (nights are cold), a sleeping bag, trekking poles, and sunglasses (for glare).
- *Permits:* No special permits are required for this route, as it stays within accessible areas of Ladakh, but confirm with your operator.
- *Highlights:* Lamayuru and Alchi Monasteries, Prinkiti La and Konzke La passes, traditional Ladakhi villages, and the moon-like landscapes of the region.
### Alternative Lamayuru Treks
If this isn’t the trek you had in mind, here are other options starting from or involving Lamayuru:
1. *Lamayuru to Chilling (Baby Trek):* 3–4 days, a shorter version of the Sham Valley Trek, ending at Chilling village (famous for metalwork).
2. *Lamayuru to Padum:* 10–12 days, a strenuous trek into Zanskar Valley over passes like Singge La (4,950 meters) and Sirsir La (4,850 meters).
3. *Lamayuru to Stok (Markha Valley Extension):* 8–10 days, combining Sham Valley with the Markha Valley Trek, crossing Kongmaru La (5,260 meters).
This itinerary assumes a Leh-based start and end for accessibility, as Lamayuru is typically reached via Leh. Let me know if you’d like a different Lamayuru trek itinerary or more details on this one!