Sham Valley, nicknamed the "Apricot Valley", is a Himalayan valley along the Indus River and NH1 - Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway in the Sham district of the Indian Union Territory of Ladakh. The valley is located around 170 kilometres from Kargil and 180 kilometres from the Ladakh's capital Leh. The nearest airport is Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh.
The valley, which starts from Spituk and also includes area till Lamayouro, is well known amongst trekkers. The valley is 32 km long and it takes 4-5 days to complete the trek. The maximum elevation is 3874 metres. Likir village located in the valley is famous for its Buddhist Monastery.
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. The district includes the sham valley and Aryan valley.
Economy
Apricot is region's main crop. For this reason the valley is called as 'Apricot valley'.
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
References