A trekker on the track through the red rock Shang valley near Shang Sumdo
Shang Sumdo is a small village in the Shang valley, south east of Leh, reached from Martselang near the Leh to Manali highway. The valley runs into the eastern side of the Hemis National Park area, and its narrow gorge of red and purple rock is the usual end point of the Markha Valley Trek after the crossing of the Kongmaru La.
In winter the Shang valley is snow leopard country. Since October 2026 it is one of the first three areas, along with Rumbak and Ulley, where the official Ladakh Snow Leopard Safari operates, run by the SHAN Society with the UT Forest, Ecology and Environment Department, because snow leopards are frequently sighted here. Bharal (blue sheep) graze the slopes above the village. Facilities are very basic, so most visitors come on a day trip from Leh or with a guide who arranges a homestay.
As elsewhere in Ladakh, sightings are not guaranteed. Indian visitors need the LAHDC Leh environment fee receipt from lahdclehpermit.in and a photo ID; no Inner Line Permit is required. Rest at least 48 hours in Leh before heading out.
- Address: Shang Sumdo, Shang valley, near Martselang, Leh district, Ladakh
- Hours: Village, open year round. Snow leopard season January to March; trekking season roughly June to September.
- How to Reach: From Leh drive south east along the Manali highway towards Karu and turn off at Martselang into the Shang valley. Most visitors come with a guide or an operator from Leh.
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