Explore This Trek In Details
Version: Standard 7D/6N
7 Days / 6 Nights Moderate Minimum Altitude: 3500m Maximum Altitude: 4950m Starts At: Leh Ends At: Leh
Route
Leh → Chemo Monastery → Shanti Stupa → Leh → Shey Palace → Thiksey Monastery → Shang Village → Shang La (pass crossing) → Gangpoche → Matho La (pass crossing) → Monkormo → Stok Village → Leh
Terrain
Meadowsrockysnow field
3 Trekking Days
2 Camping | 4 Hotel | 1 Homestay Nights
1 Acclimatization Days | 2 Driving Days | 2 Pass Crossings
22 Km Trekking Distance | 70 Km Driving Distance
Trekking avg 3.50 hrs
Suitable For
Everyone,Above 10 only
▲ Day 1 From Delhi to LehTrek Day
From Delhi (216m / 709 ft ) To Leh (3500m / 11483 ft ) - 2 Hrs. 2 Kms
Overnight In: Leh (3500m / 11483 ft )
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dessert, Dinner, Evening Tea Snacks, Hot Drinks, Morning Tea, Soup
Quick Tips For The Day:
Today, we fly from Delhi to reach Leh by afternoon, and checkin to our hotel. All of a sudden when you take in the cool dry air of Ladakh, your body won't not conform to the new changed environment, that too in only couple of hours !!
Staying hydrated is the key to a successful trek in Ladakh. Drink enough water from the previous night itself, and not after landing on Ladakh. Likewise, have a Vaseline convenient to apply to your nostrils to keep it moist, else you will feel the air is excessively dry and cold making it difficult to inhale comfortably.
We rest for the rest of the day and meet in the evening for a light Snacks and a formal Team Introduction where we share few important information on the trek preparation and planning.
Time for Dinner to catch some more sleep.
- Day 1
- 220 - Delhi
- Day 1
- 3500 - Leh
2Km, 2hrs.▲ Day 2 Acclimatize At LehAcclimatization Day - Trek or Rest
Rest and acclimatize at Leh (3500m / 11483 ft ) - 4-5 Hrs. 5 Kms
Overnight In: Leh (3500m / 11483 ft )
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dessert, Dinner, Morning Tea, Soup
Terrain To Tackle Today: Stone StepsArid Mountains
Efforts on Demand: Easy DayGradual AscentGradual DescentAcclimatization Hike
Views Promised: Mountain PanoramaGlacier ViewsValley ViewsAlpine MeadowsArid Mountains
Quick Tips For The Day:
Today we spend our day visiting places around Leh and acclimatizing further. Leh is at very high altitude and this day is very important for us. We visit places like Leh Palace, Chemo Monastery, Shanti Stupa, etc.
Each of these places can be hiked to and its the best for us to do, if we are not feeling exhausted. If we do, we need to take some light walks in the town itself for some window shopping. Leh has some good shops selling trekking gears. So you can do some last moment purchases.
Evening we will visit the monastery of Shanti Stupa to seek some peaceful aura around it.
Tomorrow we start the trek. Hence we recheck that we are all set for it. Do the last moment purchases, repack our bag according to the trek requirement, have dinner and sleep early.
- Day 2
- 3500 - Leh
- Day 2
- 3600 - Chemo Monastery
- Day 2
- 3600 - Shanti Stupa
- Day 2
- 3500 - Leh
5Km, 4 - 5hrs.▲ Day 3 From Leh to Shang VillageDriving Day
From Leh (3500m / 11483 ft ) To Shang Village (3900m / 12795 ft ) Via Shey Palace (3415m / 11204 ft ), Thiksey Monastery (3600m / 11811 ft ) - 4-5 Hrs. 70 Kms
Overnight In: Shang Village (3900m / 12795 ft )
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dessert, Dinner, Hot Drinks, Lunch, Morning Tea, Soup
Terrain To Tackle Today: Scree ZoneLoose GravelArid Mountains
Efforts on Demand: Easy DayGradual AscentAcclimatization Hike
Views Promised: Mountain PanoramaValley ViewsRiver or StreamLake & LakesideSunrise MagicSunset DramaStargazingBeautiful CampsiteVillages & Local LifeMonasteries & TemplesWildlife SpottingAlpine FlowersRiver GorgeSparse JungleArid Mountains
Quick Tips For The Day:
- After breakfast drive to Lamayuru 125kms 03hrs , visit moon land and Lamayuru monastery.Later drive back towards Leh . Lunch at Khaltsi, after lunch drive Alchi, visit the most famous monastery Alchi Choskor (Religious Enclave). The 1000 year old gompa was built by a great monk & translator Lotsava Rinchen Zansgpo. The gompa is famous for rare fresco paintings and Kashmiri style woods carvings. Reach Leh and have tea and snacks. Later drive 1 and half hr to Shangsumdo for overnight in Camp enroute visit Thiksey , Takthok and Hemis monasteries. Meet your other trekking crews. Sumdo means meeting place of three ways. The village consists of about 7 houses which takes you to ancient way of living and peace of mind.
- Day 3
- 3500 - Leh
- Day 3
- 3415 - Shey Palace
- Day 3
- 3600 - Thiksey Monastery
- Day 3
- 3900 - Shang Village
70Km, 4 - 5hrs.▲ Day 4 Cross Shang LaPass Crossing Day
Cross Shang La And Reach Gangpoche (4428m / 14528 ft ) - 6-8 Hrs. 17 Kms
08:00 Hrs. - 16:00 Hrs.
Overnight In: Gangpoche (4428m / 14528 ft )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dessert, Dinner, Evening Tea Snacks, Hot Drinks, Lunch, Morning Tea, Soup
Terrain To Tackle Today: River CrossingAlpine ZoneScree ZoneMeadow TrailRiverbed WalkLoose GravelAbove Tree lineArid Mountains
Efforts on Demand: Moderate DaySteep AscentSteep DescentRolling / UndulatingLong DayContinuous ClimbContinuous DescentPass Crossing Day
Views Promised: Mountain PanoramaRidge Walk ViewsValley ViewsRiver or StreamAlpine MeadowsSunrise MagicSunset DramaStargazingBeautiful CampsiteWildlife SpottingAlpine FlowersRiver GorgeSparse JungleArid Mountains
Quick Tips For The Day:
- The day is long and strenuous with over 6 hrs. walking. The first three hrs.is gradually steep up to shang pass through couple of zigzag trail. The area declares as snow leopard area by forest Dept, where every year about 30 to 40 pet animals has been killed by snow leopards. The killing actions by snow leopards normally done night time but some time you can see them on high mountain cliff. Animals like blue sheep, marmots and brown eagle can find everywhere in that area. When you reach shang pass the view from there puts you in beauty of nature, the mountain wall of Matho kangri 5800 to 5900 m will refresh your mind. As you descend from the left hill side, the undulating slope makes your way more interesting and beautiful. Gangpoche( high plateau)is most wonderful place for camping.
- Day 4
- 3900 - Shang Village
- Day 4
- 4950 - Shang La
- Day 4
- 4430 - Gangpoche
17Km, 6 - 8hrs.▲ Day 5 Cross Matho LaPass Crossing Day
Cross Matho La And Reach Monkormo (4450m / 14600 ft ) - 5-6 Hrs. 10 Kms
Overnight In: Monkormo (4450m / 14600 ft )
Accommodation: Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dessert, Dinner, Evening Tea Snacks, Hot Drinks, Lunch, Morning Tea, Soup
Terrain To Tackle Today: River CrossingAlpine ZoneScree ZoneRidge WalkRiverbed WalkAbove Tree lineArid Mountains
Efforts on Demand: Moderate DaySteep AscentSteep DescentRolling / UndulatingLong DayContinuous ClimbContinuous DescentPass Crossing Day
Views Promised: Mountain PanoramaClose-up PeaksGlacier ViewsRidge Walk ViewsValley ViewsRiver or StreamSunrise MagicSunset DramaStargazingBeautiful CampsiteWildlife SpottingAlpine FlowersArid Mountains
Quick Tips For The Day:
- Today the trail steadily ascends to a series of grassy slopes, Yak herders from the nearby villages live in stone settlement at the foot of the pass and the view from the pass is absolute amazing , the popular Stok kangri peak makes you statue for a while. If weather clear you can able to see Karakuram mountains. The route from the pass follows 3 km gradual descend towards Mankarmo campsite
- Day 5
- 4430 - Gangpoche
- Day 5
- 4950 - Matho La
- Day 5
- 4450 - Monkormo
10Km, 5 - 6hrs.▲ Day 6 From Monkormo to LehDrive & Trek Day
From Monkormo (4450m / 14600 ft ) To Leh (3500m / 11483 ft ) Via Stok Village (3600m / 11811 ft ) - 5.00 Hrs. 10.00 Kms
Overnight In: Leh (3500m / 11483 ft )
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dessert, Dinner, Evening Tea Snacks, Hot Drinks, Lunch, Morning Tea, Soup
Terrain To Tackle Today: Boulder ZoneRiver CrossingAlpine ZoneScree ZoneRiverbed WalkLoose GravelArid Mountains
Efforts on Demand: Easy DayGradual DescentContinuous Descent
Views Promised: Mountain PanoramaValley ViewsRiver or StreamAlpine MeadowsSunrise MagicSunset DramaStargazingVillages & Local LifeMonasteries & TemplesWildlife SpottingAlpine FlowersRiver GorgeArid Mountains
Quick Tips For The Day:
- Descent along with the stream through rocky trails. This is a delightful long walk and amazing geographical structure of the mountain. We reach Stok village where transport meets us to take you back to hotel in Leh, enroute visit Stok Palace museum
- Day 6
- 4450 - Monkormo
- Day 6
- 3600 - Stok Village
- Day 6
- 3500 - Leh
10.00Km, 5.00hrs.▲ Day 7 Departure and onward journeyDeparture Day
Departure and onward journey
Cost Of Transport Included: YES (only to Leh airport)
Views Promised: Mountain PanoramaClose-up PeaksGlacier Views
- Day 7
- 3500 - Leh
- Day 7
- 290 - Delhi
2Km, 1hrs.
Other Customizable Variations of the Shang La - Matho La Trek
Version: 5 Passes Via Shang La - Matho La
16 Days / 15 Nights Strenuous Minimum Altitude: 3500m Maximum Altitude: 5250m
10 Trekking Days
11 Camping | 3 Hotel | 1 Homestay Nights
1 Acclimatization Days | 3 Driving Days | 5 Pass Crossings
120 Km Trekking Distance | 150 Km Driving Distance
Suitable For
Everyone,Above 18 only
We are not limited to just these options. These are simply some of the most commonly requested and well planned customizations.
If you have a different requirement, talk to us.
We only organize lesser done, uncrowded, customizable and personalized, small-group private trekking tours in the Himalayas with full safety protocol in place. All customizations will be guided by this principle only.
Photos From The Shang La - Matho La Trek
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Shang La - Matho La Trek - A Detailed Overview
Walk the old Indus Valley Civilization. Witness the traditions and monasteries of the Ancient Tibetan Buddhism in the Little Tibet of India - Ladakh. Be mesmerized by the majestic peaks, beautiful valleys, and the lovely people of Ladakh. Oh, there are villages too!! For all those who love not just the beautiful mountains, but also its people, culture, traditions, flora and fauna.. Ladakh will love you back.
In this trek, you venture into the snow Leopard's winter home. If lucky, you might well sight the elegant and elusive cat. The trek takes you through 2 high altitude passes Shang La and Matho La, and the beautiful pasture lands of Shang Phu and Gangpoche to exit via Stok Village.
If you are yet ready for climbing Stok Kangri peak or Kang Yatse, or if you are for the first time in Ladakh and want to get introduced to trekking in this high altitude cold desert, the Shang La - Matho La trek is the best choice for you.

Top Reasons to Choose the Shang La - Matho La Trek
- The magical landscape of Ladakh: If you have not witnessed the magic which the mountains of Ladakh does to your heart, you have lost on so many things in life. Being an Indian if you have not visited Ladakh, GO !!! What Are You Doing ??
- Ancient Buddhist Monasteries and Culture: There is a reason why people call it 'Little Tibet'. It is said the the most raw and ancient practices of the Tibetan Buddhism can in found in India ( Ladakh and Sikkim ) and not in Tibet.
- Moonland scape of Lamayuru. The unique and very famous moonland-scape of Lamayuru can be seen on this trek.
- River crossings . Its very exciting to cross a Himalayan river, and on this trek you do that several times. Sometimes you need to take precautions and extra care though!!
- People of Ladakh, their culture and way of life. This trek give you a lot of options to interact with the locals and know their way of life.
- Peaks of Nubra, Shayok and Zanskar. The views of the snow covered peaks seen from the pass tops are marvelous.
Altitude and Acclimatization Profile For The Shang La - Matho La Trek
- Day 1
- D1Delhi
- Day 2
- D2Leh
- Day 2
- Chemo Monastery
- Day 2
- Shanti Stupa
- Day 3
- D3Leh
- Day 3
- Shey Palace
- Day 3
- Thiksey Monastery
- Day 4
- D4Shang Village
- Day 4
- Shang La
- Day 5
- D5Gangpoche
- Day 5
- Matho La
- Day 6
- D6Monkormo
- Day 6
- Stok Village
- Day 7
- D7Leh
- Day 8
- Delhi
Route Map For Shang La - Matho La Trek

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to do the Shang La - Matho La Trek?
Best months: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Is mobile network available on the Shang La - Matho La Trek?
Quick answer: BSNL postpaids
Is internet available on the Shang La - Matho La Trek?
Quick answer: yes, when there is network.
What type of trek is this?
Return Type Trek
In this type of trek, the entry point and exit point is same. You trek to a particular destination and return back to the same point
What is the accommodation type on this trek?
Camping
Camping treks are those where nights are spent in tents pitched at designated campsites. Camps are chosen for safety and practicality (stable ground, water availability, weather exposure, and minimal ecological impact). This style offers the most raw mountain experience and flexible route planning, but comfort depends on terrain and conditions.
What kind of toilet facilities can I expect on this trek?
Toilet tents are used at campsites (dry-pit / cat-hole system as per terrain and local regulations). Some camps may have basic fixed toilets near village camps, but do not expect permanent facilities.
How is food served during the trek?
Fresh meals are cooked by the trek staff at camp. Food is served hot in a common dining setup (dining tent or open area). Meals are generally simple, nutritious, and high-energy; menu depends on package and logistics.
How is human waste managed on this trek?
Human waste is handled using toilet tents and designated pits/cat-holes at safe distance from water sources. Sites are selected and managed to reduce contamination; toilet paper and hygiene waste are carried out where feasible or disposed as per local guidelines.
How is food waste managed on this trek?
Food waste is minimized through planned portions. Biodegradable waste is disposed responsibly away from water sources or carried down where required. Leftovers are avoided; nothing is dumped into streams.
How is plastic waste handled on this trek?
Plastic waste is segregated and carried back to the roadhead for proper disposal. Trekkers are encouraged to use refillable bottles; single-use plastics are discouraged/controlled.
How do you follow Leave No Trace principles on this trek?
Camps are left cleaner than found. Waste is segregated and carried out, trails are respected, water sources are protected, and noise is kept low. No littering, no washing with soap near streams, and no disturbance to wildlife or local culture.
What type of terrain can I expect on the Shang La - Matho La Trek?
Meadows, rocky, snow field
Is cloakroom / luggage storage available for the Shang La - Matho La Trek?
Yes. Basic luggage storage is available.
Please note that this is not a secured locker facility.
Do not leave valuables, cash, jewelry, fragile items, or important documents.
Luggage is usually kept on a trust basis at the same hotel, homestay, or with known local contacts where we stay before and after the trek.
What kind of food is served on the Shang La - Matho La Trek?
Indian, Tibetan, Ladakhi
We serve a mix of continental-style trek meals as well as simple, freshly cooked home-style food.
The exact menu and style of meals may vary depending on the trek itinerary, region, and the package you are booked on.
Meal inclusions typically cover:
- Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner (BLD)
- Two tea breaks daily (morning and evening)
- Soup in the evening
- Fresh salads where feasible
- Dessert on select days
- Hot night beverage / tonic before sleeping
Please note that detailed, day-wise meal information is mentioned in the respective day’s itinerary wherever applicable.
Where does the Shang La - Matho La Trek start?
Where does the Shang La - Matho La Trek end?
What is the grade / difficulty of the Shang La - Matho La Trek?
Moderate
The trek duration each day may span from 4 - 5 hours, but on some days, it may push up to 8 - 9 days. The trail might involve steep ascents or descents on occasions This kind of treks demand good fitness, and trekkers must involve themselves in cardio exercises regularly to do these treks comfortably. Sleeping altitude are below 4000 meters or little above it, but the trail might go as high as 4500 - 5000 meters. The trek is bit remote and evacuation might be possible from almost all, but not all campsites
What is the duration of the Shang La - Matho La Trek?
7 days/ 6 nights, Leh to Leh
Is the Shang La - Matho La Trek inside or near a national park?
Saturday, April 4, 2026 9:06:42 PM