Sham Valley

Sham Valley, nicknamed the "Apricot Valley",^[1] is a Himalayan valley along the Indus River and NH1 - Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway^[2][3][4] in the Leh district^[5] of the Indian Union Territory of Ladakh.^[6] The valley is located around 170 kilometres from Kargil and 180 kilometres from the Ladakh's capital Leh.^[7] The nearest airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh.

The confluence of the Zanskar River (from top) and the Indus (bottom flowing from left to right), 3 km southeast of Nimmu/Nimu/Nimoo village along NH1 Srinagar-Kargil-Leh Highway in Sham Valley in Ladakh, revered as a sacred prayag in Hinduism and Buddhism is a popular spot for photography, river rafting, etc.

The valley, which starts from Spituk and also includes area till Lamayouro, is well known amongst trekkers.^[6] The valley is 32 km long and it takes 4-5 days to complete the trek. The maximum elevation is 3874 metres.^[7][8] Likir village located in the valley is famous for its Buddhist Monastery.^[6]

History

On 16 August 2024, the Union Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah announced the creation of five new districts in Ladakh including Sham valley.^[5][9]

Economy

Apricot is region's main crop.^[10] For this reason the valley is called as 'Apricot valley'.^[1]

Villages

• Alchi
• Bazgoo
• Giramangu
• Lamayouro
• Likir
• Saspochey
• Suspol
• Hemis Shukpachan
• Tingmosgang
• Uleytokpo
• Yangthang
• Khaltsi
• Tingmosgang
• skurbuchan
• Nurla
• Domkhar
• Wanla
• Takmachik
• Skindiyang
• Rizong
• Henistok

Major tourist attractions

• Gurudwara Pathar Sahib
• Magnetic Hill
• Confluence of Indus River and Zanskar River
• Basgo Monastery
• Likir Monastery
• Alchi Monastery
• Rizong Monastery
• Lamayuru Monastery
• Saspol Caves
• Mangyu temple complex

Images

Indus–Zanskar River confluence

Alchi monastery

Basgo monastery

Wall paintings in Saspol caves

Gurudwara Pathar Sahib

Rizong Gompa

Lamayuru monastery

Mangyu temple complex