Ganden to Samye Trekking Tour

Elevation:3656m

Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Day one of the Ganden to Samye Trekking tour begins with a warm welcome as we greet you at the airport or Lhasa train station. Your journey into the heart of Tibet starts with this friendly reception.

After your arrival, we’ll take you to your comfortable hotel. But here’s a piece of advice for all travelers: it’s crucial to rest well on your first day to acclimatize to the high-altitude environment of Tibet. Your body needs time to adjust to the lower oxygen levels, so take it slow and easy. Many travelers find a short nap quite refreshing.

In the evening, our team will pay you a visit at your hotel. We’ll discuss the itinerary for the upcoming days and any other details you might need to know. If time allows, we’d love to treat you to a delightful dinner at a Tibetan restaurant. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get a taste of the local cuisine and immerse yourself in the rich flavors of Tibet.

So, as you step into this exciting journey, remember to take it easy on day one. The magic of Tibet awaits, and we’re here to ensure you have a fantastic start to your Ganden to Samye adventure. Ready to embark on this extraordinary experience?

Visit Jokhang Temple and Sera monastery.

Welcome to the beginning of your adventure in Tibet with the Ganden to Samye Trekking tour! Today, the journey commences with a fascinating exploration of the heart of Lhasa, the spiritual and cultural center of Tibet.

As the sun rises, and after you’ve enjoyed a hearty breakfast, your friendly guide will meet you at your hotel. What’s remarkable about your location is that you’re already in the heart of the Tibetan quarter of Lhasa city, so you’ll start your day with a leisurely walk to the Jokhang Temple, the holiest temple in Tibetan Buddhism. This serene pilgrimage is the perfect introduction to the spiritual essence of Tibet.

After visiting the Jokhang Temple, you’ll have some free time to meander through the charming streets of Old Lhasa city, exploring the local culture at your own pace. Your guide will then arrange a specific time and place to meet later in the day.

In the afternoon, prepare to be captivated by the Sera Monastery, one of the most well-preserved and culturally significant monasteries in Tibet. Here, you’ll have the unique opportunity to witness monks engaging in lively debates on Buddhist philosophy in the monastery’s peaceful courtyard. It’s a spectacle that many travelers find intriguing and often choose to capture through the lens of their cameras.

If you’re seeking a moment of tranquility or prefer to explore the monastery independently, feel free to discuss this with your guide. Your journey is all about making the most of your experience and immersing yourself in the wonders of Tibet.

So, as you embark on this incredible adventure, remember that each step is an opportunity to discover the beauty and spirituality of Tibet. Are you ready to delve into this extraordinary world?

Visit Potala Palace, and Drepung Monastery

In the morning of day three, we’re about to explore some of the most iconic landmarks in Tibet.

Our day begins with a visit to the majestic Potala Palace, an architectural marvel and a symbol of Tibetan history and spirituality. This magnificent structure, initially constructed by King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and later expanded by the 5th Dalai Lama in the 17th century, has been the residence of the Dalai Lama and his government for centuries. Climbing the long, steep steps to reach the palace may be a physical challenge, but it’s a journey well worth the effort. Your footsteps on this sacred ground contribute to the rich history of the Potala Palace, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1994.

As the morning adventure concludes, we’ll descend from the backside of the palace, offering a different perspective of this awe-inspiring edifice. In the afternoon, we’ll continue our exploration by visiting the Drepung Monastery, once the world’s largest monastery, housing over 10,000 monks. This monastery was the residence of the Dalai Lama before the Potala Palace. Walking through the winding and narrow lanes that wind through the monks’ living quarters is a thrilling experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the monastery’s rich history and culture.

So, as we delve deeper into Tibet’s history and spiritual legacy, get ready for a day filled with wonder and discovery. Are you prepared to embrace the grandeur of the Potala Palace and the serenity of the Drepung Monastery on this extraordinary journey?

Visit Ganden Monastery and Trubshi Village

Prepare for a day of awe-inspiring natural beauty and spiritual exploration as we continue our Ganden to Samye Trekking adventure. In the morning, we embark on a drive to the renowned Ganden Monastery, perched on a mountain overlooking a picturesque valley. The journey to this spiritual haven is an adventure in itself, with winding roads guiding us to an elevation of 3900 meters.

The Ganden Monastery holds a special place in Tibetan Buddhism as the principal monastery of the Gelugpa sect, also known as the Yellow Hat sect. Its history dates back to the year 1409, with Je Tsongkhapa, the founding father of the sect, laying its sacred foundations. The centerpiece of this monastery is the main assembly hall, housing the golden throne of Je Tsongkhapa and the Golden Tomb Stupa, both radiating a sense of profound spirituality.

But the Ganden Monastery has even more to offer. Take a leisurely hour-long hike along the Kora Path, circling the monastery’s hill. During this trek, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Lhasa Kyichu River valley, as it meanders its way towards Lhasa city. On the north-west side of the hill, you’ll also come across the intriguing sky burial site, a testament to the rich tapestry of Tibetan traditions.

After the hike, we’ll make our way down to the tranquil Trubshi Village, where we’ll set up camp for the night. Surrounded by the serene beauty of nature and the echoes of ancient spirituality, this is the perfect way to conclude a day filled with adventure and discovery.

So, as we descend from the heights of the Ganden Monastery to the peaceful embrace of Trubshi Village, are you ready to experience the wonders of Tibet on this incredible journey?

Distance: 5.1km, Duration: 4 hours, Ascent: 537m

Picture this: as we embark on another day of the Ganden to Samye Trekking adventure, the anticipation of the journey ahead fills the air. Our day begins by loading our belongings onto yaks, these sturdy companions that will accompany us on our trek to Yama Do, our next campsite.

The trail we follow is an enchanting one. After just a 45-minute hike, we’ll reach the path to Hepu village, a place where time seems to have stood still. This quaint village, home to around 30 houses, holds a special secret at its edge. Here, a striking red and yellow masonry structure stands tall, housing the shrine of Hepu’s Yul Lha, the Divine White Yak—a local protecting deity that adds an air of mystique to the surroundings.

Our journey from Hepu takes us on a gradual ascent towards the Shuga pass, a three-and-a-half-hour trek away. Along the way, we cross the Tashi-Chu and follow its course, discovering a vibrant display of wildflowers in the lush meadows. An added gem on this route is the Ani Pagong, a small nunnery located just above the trail, offering a peaceful pause for reflection.

As we continue onwards, we’ll steadily climb through marshy meadows for about an hour to finally reach our campsite for the night, Yama Do. This is where the beauty of nature and the tranquility of the Tibetan wilderness embrace you, providing a sense of serenity that’s truly priceless.

So, with the yaks as our trusty companions and the wonders of Tibet unfolding before us, are you ready to experience the magic of Yama Do and beyond on this extraordinary journey?

Distance: 10kms, Duration: 5-7 hours, Ascent: 1000m, Descent: 450m

Today, brace yourself for what may be the most challenging yet exhilarating day of our journey—the ascent to the lofty Shuga La pass. As we forge ahead, we find ourselves navigating the steep valley, with the trail primarily hugging the left side. It’s a test of endurance, but the rewards are well worth it.

After nearly two hours of trekking, we arrive at the basin of the Shuga pass, the pinnacle of our trek marked by a humble collection of weather-beaten prayer flags and intriguing yak skulls perched on rocks. From this vantage point, we’re treated to a breathtaking view of the valley stretching out below, but our descent is no less thrilling. The path ahead winds sharply through narrow rocky terrain, taking us on an unforgettable journey.

Our journey is accompanied by the soothing sound of Chitul Gang, a flowing river, and the occasional sight of local nomad herders’ black tents guarded by vigilant dogs. To reach our campsite, we’ll need to cross this river, and the waters are knee-deep and freezing. So, be prepared to remove your shoes for this refreshing experience. A good hiking sandal is highly recommended for this part of the journey.

Once we’ve successfully crossed the river, our campsite will welcome us just half an hour away. It’s the perfect place to rest and rejuvenate, surrounded by the untouched beauty of nature. This is where the heart of the adventure beats strongest, and where memories are etched into the tapestry of our journey.

So, are you ready to tackle the challenge of Shuga La pass and immerse yourself in the wonders of nature on this remarkable adventure?

Distance: 14km, Duration: 5 hours, Ascent: 300m, Decent: 400m

As we continue our captivating trek, the next gem on our path is the Palang Tsodue Lake, a sight to behold. This enchanting spot is just a 30-minute uphill journey to a small hill, but the effort is more than worthwhile for the breathtaking view that awaits.

Our trail then takes us on a mild adventure within the valley, leading us to the Chitu-la, the highest point of our day. Once we arrive at the basin, our route takes a turn to the right side of the valley. Somewhere near the pass, a trail beckons us to the left, guiding us on a climb to the pass itself.

Near the basin, we’re greeted by the presence of three small lakes and a scattering of cairns, which mark an elevation of 5077 meters. It’s in this vicinity that we stumble upon a herders’ campsite, a testament to the resilience of those who call these high-altitude lands home.

Continuing on our journey, a leisurely hour’s walk through a forest adorned with scrub willow and rosebushes takes us to yet another herder’s campsite. Beyond this camp, a mere 15-minute walk reveals an even larger campsite, where numerous herders’ tents are pitched. This is where the main valley converges with a side valley coming from the Gampa pass, creating a vibrant and communal atmosphere.

Our day concludes as we cross the stream at an elevation of 4497 meters, and here, under the vast Tibetan sky, we’ll spend a peaceful night in our campsite. It’s a moment to revel in the tranquility and natural beauty that envelops us, reminding us that this journey is an unforgettable tapestry of experiences.

So, as we rest under the starlit sky, are you ready to let the wonders of Palang Tsodue Lake and the charm of this highland landscape captivate your spirit on this extraordinary adventure?

Distance: 39km. Duration: 10 hours, Descent: 1200m

As we approach our final day of this remarkable journey, you’ll find that it’s both a lengthy but relatively comfortable trek. Our path leads us through a thickening scrub forest for an hour, and we’ll cross the Diwaka Bridge at an elevation of 4380 meters. Along the way, we’ll keep to the right side of the valley as we venture into the thickest and tallest scrub forest—a perfect spot for trekkers to take a well-deserved rest. The reason is that beyond this point lies a desert-like terrain, though it’s fascinating to learn that locals have once discovered 15 different types of woods here, including the hardy juniper trees.

We continue our journey, walking for about one and a half hours, until we come across the Gen Do shrine. This shrine is dedicated to the protector of the area, known as goddess Droji Yudrukma. Our path then leads us through the Changtang, a desert area where we’ll pass by the Yamalung Hermitage, a sacred place where Guru Rinpoche meditated and received empowerment from the Buddha of longevity. This is a place steeped in spiritual history, and you’ll find various meditation caves associated with Dalai Lamas and other revered figures.

Our six-hour trek eventually brings us to the village of Sangbu, where you’ll catch a distant glimpse of the Hepo hill standing proudly next to the Samye Monastery, a sight that marks the culmination of our incredible journey.

For the night, we’ll rest at the Monastery hotel within the Samye Monastery, providing a serene and fitting end to our adventure. As you prepare to rest in this sacred space, you might reflect on the incredible journey that has brought you through the heart of Tibet, a land of profound spirituality and natural beauty.

So, as you conclude this unforgettable expedition, are you ready to embrace the tranquility of the Samye Monastery and let the memories of your journey linger like a cherished melody?

Distance: 48 kms, Elevation: 3568m

Our journey’s final day kicks off with a visit to the awe-inspiring Samye Monastery. Steeped in history, this remarkable place holds the distinction of being the very first monastery in Tibet, founded during the reign of King Trisong Detsen in the 8th century. Located 50 kilometers to the west of Tsedang, it boasts over 1200 years of history and is designed in a mandala structure, a symbol of deep spiritual significance. During its early days, it was a unique sanctuary, being the sole repository of the three atons of Buddha.

The grandeur of Samye Monastery leaves an indelible mark on all who visit. After our time here, we embark on a journey to Yungbulagang, regarded as the first fort in Tibetan history, where the echoes of a bygone era still resonate. It’s a place where legends were forged and history was written.

As our day draws to a close, we return to Tsedang town for a well-deserved night’s rest, reflecting on the rich tapestry of experiences that this journey through Tibet has provided. The ancient history, spirituality, and natural beauty of this land have left an indelible mark on our souls.

So, as we conclude this incredible adventure, are you ready to embrace the tranquility of Tsedang town and let the memories of this remarkable journey linger like a cherished melody in your heart?