If Leh is the gateway to Ladakh, Sham Valley is where its history, spirituality, and everyday life unfold at a gentler pace. Stretching west of Leh along the Indus River, the valley is dotted with ancient monasteries, traditional villages, fertile fields, and dramatic landscapes.
Often called the “Apricot Valley” of Ladakh, Sham is one of the few regions where agriculture thrives, thanks to the waters of the Indus. It offers a striking contrast to the barren mountains that Ladakh is known for. Our journey through Sham Valley began from Leh and followed the Leh–Srinagar Highway, with every few kilometres revealing a landmark that reflected a different aspect of Ladakh’s culture, history, and faith.
