Overview

Spend the first few days of your journey exploring some of Lhasa’s most famous sites. Visit the majestic Potala Palace, observe monks in debate at Sera Monastery, wander through the various temples and prayer halls at Drepung Monastery, and take a stroll around the bustling Barkhor market. Drive on to Ganden Monastery, where you can embark on a trek that will take you across mountain passes offering phenomenal views and down into valleys filled with wildflowers. Here, nomads make their home among the slopes of vast mountains. Make sure to pause along the Samye River for tea with some nuns at a humble shrine, before finally coming upon the towering golden spires of Samye Monastery.

Hilights

Sightseeing in Lhasa
The cradle of Tibetan civilization
Beautiful natural views of the countryside
Share cups of tea with Tibetan nomads

Day 1 :

Arrive in Lhasa by Air or Train (Max. Alt: 3650)

Your guide will welcome you when you reach Lhasa, be it by plane or train. Along the way, you can view the Yarlung Tsangpo River (the longest and widest river in Tibet) and Lhasa River.At Potala Square, you can capture mesmerizing photos of the area, with the fountains of several colors adding an extra charm to the spot. New visitors in Tibet are advised to take it easy and let their body adjust to the high altitude before exploring more of Lhasa City. A good rest in your hotel is surely recommended. Accommodation: Ganggyen Hotel (4 Star)

Day 2 :

Lhasa Tour: Potala, Johkang Temple, and Barkhor Street

This tour will first take you to the Potala Palace, the winter palace of the Dalai lama since the 7th century. It houses invaluable collections such as gilded burial stupas and a meditation Cave.Following lunch, visitors can explore Jokhang Temple which dates back to when it was constructed by the 33rd king of Tibet. Inside is a statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at twelve years old and outside pilgrims prostrate before it. Surrounding the temple one finds Barkhor street, where one can take part in kora with others, as well as an old market. Accommodation: Ganggyen Hotel (4 Star)

Day 3 :

Lhasa Tour: Drepung and Sera Monasteries

In the morning, you'll be headed to Drepung Monastery, one of the "great three" Gelug monasteries located in Tibet, founded back in 1416 by Jamyang choge, one of Tsongkhapa’s main disciples. Besides visiting the largest kitchen inside the monastery, you'll get to experience Buddhist Sculpture Carving workshop near Drepung.A hot attraction at Sera Monastery is the Monks debate at around 3 - 5 in the afternoon. It is another of the “great three” Gelug monasteries of Tibet. You can also visit the Tibetan religious scripture printing house, which has three sand Mandalas and colorful Rock Paintings of Buddha inside the monastery. Accommodation: Ganggyen Hotel (4 Star)

Day 4 :

Drive Ganden Monastery 4200m, Distance 60km = 1.5hrs.

Visit the stunning Ganden Monastery, one of the three most famous monasteries in Lhasa along with Sera and Drepung. Explore its prayer halls and then embark on an adventure around its backside — a short hike will reward you with gorgeous views over the valley bellow. If you're feeling adventurous, take on the longer kora and make your way to the top of a mountain ridge to fly some prayer flags! Guides can even arrange yaks for you upon request. Spend the night at either the Guesthouse or camp nearby.

Day 5 :

Trek to Yama Do, Distance 17km = 5-6hrs.

The first day of trekking starts at the peak of Ganden Kora. Draw your senses in as you follow a trail along the saddle, ending with spectacular sights. After passing through an old Hepu village you will come across Ani Pagong, a narrow pathway that was once home to a nunnery. Following this is an hour's journey past marshy meadows to Yama Do. Here, the river divides into three tributaries and you'll end the day making your way up towards Yama Do, where some nomadic families often spend entire summers in their tents, before setting up camp and overnighting there.

Day 6 :

Trek to Do-Tsotup Chu Valley, Distance 10km = 5-7hrs.

Leaving Yama Do in the morning, we pass through the narrow stream bank and climb the Shug La (5250m) before beginning our descent through treacherous boulder fields. Our next stop is Tsotup Chu, a large stream winding through the valley floor. The Tibetan mastiffs of the Namad family on the other side of the river are a little aggressive. One of the many herder fields will be set up as a comfortable camping area.

Day 7 :

Trek to Herders’ Camp, Distance 14km = 5-6hrs.

Through the Tsotup Chu's tributary, you will cross the Chitu La pass (5100m) before trekking along a beautiful lake through the rocks. After ascending this rocky part quickly descend through several twisted curves in the valley, and encounter some nomad settlements within the valley, find a beautiful place to camp in one of the fields surrounding the stream. Camp over night.

Day 8 :

Trek to Yama-lung Hermitage Temple- Samye Monastery[3680m], 10 hours, 39km

As we traverse through woodlands in the main valley, surrounded by exquisite streams and verdant forests, the path becomes wider and simpler. For the next few hours, prepare to be enthralled with an array of more than 15 species of shrubs, flourishing rhododendrons, and extensive meadows. Upon reaching Changtang village - which is named after the northern Tibetan Changtang Plateau - we can view the mountain range on the far side of Yarlung Tsangpo Valley from the south. From there, it will take us nearly an hour to ascend towards Yamalung Hermitage, where Guru Rinpoche is purported to have been empowered by Tsepame (Amitayus). Inside you can find several small temples which used to house meditators, a sacred spring and an antique relief carving of Guru Rinpoche along with King Trisong Detsen and Indian scholar Shantarakshita. Within lies a cave that has been enshrined within Drupug Mara Titsang Temple; footprints and a handprint of Guru Rinpoche said to have been created when he magically expanded its size. Overall it takes about 40-50 minutes of trekking along motorable tracks

Day 9 :

Drive to Yumbu Lakang, Trandruk Monastery and Tsedang

Drive to Tsedang, crossing the Yulung Tsangpo River by bridge or boat to get a glimpse of the ancient capital of Tibet prior to Lhasa. The land known as the cradle of Tibetan civilization of Yarlung is home to Yumbulakang Palace and Trandruk Temple. According to legend, Yumbulhakang Palace was built as the first palace of Nyatri Tsenpo, the first Tibetan king. Located on a hill, one can either ride a horse up there or opt for a leisurely walk up to the temple in order to explore it. Afterward, an overnight stay in Tsethang will be ideal.

Day 10 :

Tsedang to Lhasa Airport or Train Station, Driving 2-3hrs.

We will drive you to the airport today. You will see the vast valley and the expanded Yurlung Tsangpo River. Upon arrival at the Lhasa Gongga airport, our guide will assist you to check in.You can arrive in Lhasa on the night of Day 9 and go to the train station on Day 10.

FAQs

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What is the duration of Ganden to Samye Trek?

The Ganden to Samye Trek is a classic trek in the Tibetan region and takes around 8-10 days. It offers spectacular views of snow-covered mountains, unique cultural experiences and the chance to explore some of Tibet’s most famous monasteries. This trek offers an unforgettable opportunity to get close to nature in an area that has been isolated for centuries. So why not embark on this adventurous journey and experience the beauty of Tibet?

Can beginners or non-experienced trekkers join this trek?

Absolutely! Our Ganden to Samye Trek is a great adventure for first-time trekkers, and it’s perfect for those who are looking to explore the Tibetan Plateau. We have experienced guides that will make sure everyone stays safe and comfortable throughout the journey. So don’t worry if you’re not an experienced trekker, just come and join us on our incredible journey!

What are the highlights of Ganden to Samye Trek and what can we expect to see along the way?

The Ganden to Samye Trek is an amazing experience as it offers a unique insight into the cultural and spiritual heart of Tibet. Along the way, you will be able to visit some of the most iconic sites in Tibet such as the Potala Palace, Norbulingka, Drak Yerpa, and Sera Monastery. This trek also gives you the opportunity to explore some stunning mountain landscapes and high-altitude lakes. You will also have fun interactions with local people who live there and learn about their culture. All in all, this trek is an unforgettable journey that we promise you won’t forget!

How physically demanding is this trek and what level of fitness is required for participants?

The Ganden to Samye trek is of moderate difficulty and requires a basic level of fitness. You should be able to walk 8-9 hours per day in different terrain, some days with inclines. As long as you have a basic fitness level and are willing to take on the challenge, this trek could be your perfect adventure!