Ganden to Samye Trek 10 days

Start Point

Kathmandu

End Point

Kathmandu

Duration

9N/10D

Grade

Easy

Max Altitude

5250 meter

Meals

B+L+D

Accomodation

Hotel/Resort

No. of Person

Min. 02 Pax

Highlights

Spiritual Pilgrimage: The trek follows the ancient pilgrimage route between two of Tibet’s most important monasteries, Ganden and Samye. Walking this path is a spiritual journey for many Tibetans and visitors alike.
Ganden Monastery: The trek starts at Ganden Monastery, one of the great Gelugpa monasteries of Tibet. This beautiful complex perched on a hillside offers a glimpse into Tibetan Buddhist practices and architecture.
Scenic Landscapes: The trek takes you through a diverse range of landscapes, including alpine meadows, high mountain passes, valleys, and river crossings. The constantly changing scenery adds to the adventure.
Yama Do: This campsite is known for its picturesque location along a river and its stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a great place to rest and take in the natural beauty.
Shug La Pass: Crossing the Shug La Pass (elevation around 5,250 meters or 17,220 feet) is a challenging but rewarding part of the trek. The pass offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Chitu La Pass: Another high pass on the trek, the Chitu La Pass (elevation around 5,100 meters or 16,730 feet), provides breathtaking vistas and a sense of accomplishment.
Tsamda: This picturesque village is a cultural highlight along the way. It offers a chance to interact with locals and experience their way of life.
Yamalung Hermitage: This ancient meditation retreat, perched on a cliffside, is a unique sight along the route. It’s a testament to the deep spiritual history of the region.
Samye Monastery: The trek concludes at Samye Monastery, one of Tibet’s oldest and most significant monasteries. It’s renowned for its unique architectural layout and spiritual importance.
Cultural Immersion: Along the way, you’ll likely encounter local Tibetan herders, pilgrims, and villages. These interactions offer insights into traditional Tibetan culture and lifestyle.
Sense of Accomplishment: Completing the Ganden to Samye trek is a remarkable achievement, both physically and spiritually. It’s a journey that holds personal significance for many.
Starry Nights: Since much of the trek is in remote areas with minimal light pollution, you’ll have the opportunity to gaze at the clear night sky and appreciate the beauty of the stars.
Photography Opportunities: The diverse landscapes, monasteries, and cultural encounters provide ample opportunities for capturing stunning photographs.

The Ganden to Samye Trek is a moderate trek that takes you through the heart of the Tibetan plateau. The trek begins at the Ganden Monastery, one of the “Three Great Monasteries” of Tibetan Buddhism.

From Ganden, the trail winds its way through a series of valleys and mountains, past villages and monasteries. Trekkers will have the opportunity to see some of the most beautiful scenery in Tibet, including the Yamdrok Lake and the holy Mount Kailash.

The highlight of the trek is the Samye Monastery, which is the oldest and most important monastery in Tibet. Samye Monastery was founded in the 8th century by Padmasambhava, the “Second Buddha”.

The Ganden to Samye Trek is a truly unique and unforgettable experience. It is a perfect way to experience the beauty and culture of Tibet.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01 - Lhasa airport picking up, have a good rest in the afternoon. Overnight at Lhasa.

Day 02 - Lhasa sightseeing

Sightseeing in Lhasa, visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Market. Overnight at Lhasa.

Day 03 - Lhasa sightseeing

Sightseeing in Lhasa, visit Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery. Overnight at Lhasa.

Day 04 - Lhasa / Ganden Monastery

Drive from Lhasa to Ganden, takes about 2 hours, and the altitude will up to 4500m. Today you will be spent acclimatizing further and visiting this wonderful Monastery. Overnight at Ganden monastery guesthouse

Day 05 - Ganden / Hepu / Yama Do, trekking 5-6 hours, 17km

The first day of trekking begins at the highest point on the Ganden Kora. From here walk along a saddle trail. After leaving this trail with wondrous views traverse the west side of the ridge before passing through an ancient Hepu village. Later in the day pass through Ani Pagong, a narrow bottleneck in the trail and former site of a nunnery. You will end the day with an ascent towards Yama Do, where will set up camp.

Day 06 - Yama Do / Tsotup Chu Valley, trekking 5-7hours, 10km

In the morning leave the valley and make our way through a steep gully rising form the stream bank. Finally, we climb over the Shug La (5250m) and begin our climb down through treacherous boulder fields. Later, we cross Tsotup Chu, a large stream winding through the valley floor. A comfortable camp will be set up in one of the many herder fields.

Day 07 - Tsotup-chu Valley / Herders' Camps, trekking 5 hours, 14km

Today follow the Tsotup Chu down through its tributary and head towards the Chitu La pass (5100m). After ascending this rocky pass quickly descend down and find a beautiful place to camp in one of the fields surrounding the stream. Camping.

Day 08 - Herders' Camps / Nyango / Samye Monastery, 5-6 hours trekking,

The trail gets wider and easier as following it through scrub forests in the main valley. Beautiful streams and lush forests surrounded. However, the desert is close by. The next few hours are arguably the most delightful part of the entire trek. More than 15 types of scrub trees, blooming rhododendrons, and vast meadow will amaze you every step of the way! After passing through this wondrous landscape arriving at the first permanent village Changtang since Hepu. From Changtang walking another 1.5 hours to arrive Nyangohere where you can take a tractor to Samye Monastery. Visit Samye Monastery in the afternoon. Overnight at Samye Monastery guesthouse.

Day 09 - Samye Monastery / Yumbulakang Palace & Trandruk Monastery/ Tsedang

Drive from Samye to Tsedang, afternoon visit Yumbulakang Palace and Trandruk Monastery near the town. Overnight at Tsedang.

Day10 - Lhasa airport dropping off, end the trip.

Cost Details

What is Included
Transport: Landcruiser
Accommodation: 4N in hotels with standeroom, 2N dorm beds, 3N camping
Guide: Chinese, English speaking guide available
Entrance tickets
Tibet entry permit
Tibet Travel Permit
Yak and Yak porters for Luggage during trekking
Airfares: Chengdu-Lhasa-Chengdu

What is Excluded
Your international flight
Your own expense
Tips for the guide and driver
Trekking equipment ( Sleeping bag, tent and mattress)
Meals

Quick Inquiry

Fixed Departures Date & Price

Trip Date	Price	Status	Action
July 28, 2024 -August 06, 2024	USD$	Available
July 31, 2024 -August 09, 2024	USD$	Available

Adventure Land Nepal Tours and Travels P. Ltd.

Nepal Jang Treks and Expedition P. Ltd.

Contact Info

Ganden to Samye Trek 10 days