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9 Days Ganden to Samye Trekking

Tour Route: Lhasa - Ganden Monastery - Samye Monastery - Lhasa

Trip Overview:

Ganden to Samye Trek is richly varied and has much to offer, sacred lakes, high snow mountains, beautiful alpine landscapes, magnificent monasteries, nomad camps, villages and sacred sites. The trekking route connects two of Tibet’s greatest monasteries together: Ganden monastery and Samye Monastery, which is known as one of the most popular trek routes in Tibet. Although it is famous and has lots to experience, you are suggested not to underestimate the difficulty of doing this trek. Located at high-elevation wildernesses, it would be better for those with high elevation trek experience. The best time for Ganden-Samye trek is from mid-May to Mid-October. Summer can be wet and rainy but mountains are at their greenest and you can see lots of wildflowers.

  • Tour Code: TTO-TT-08

  • Trip Level:

  • Tour Type: Private tour with private guide and vehicle

  • Time to Visit:

Highlights:

  • Pay a visit to Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, and then follow pilgrims around the Barkhor Street, Lhasa’s fascinating medieval pilgrim circuit.
  • Take in a prayer meeting or some monk debating at Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery, two of the largest and most intact of Tibet’s great monasteries.
  • Experience once-in-a-lifetime Ganden to Samye trek.
  • Soak up the fabulous location and spectacular circular complex of Samye Monastery, Tibet’s first monastery.
  • Pass through gorges, forested slopes, alpine meadows, Changtang village and Yamalung Hermitage.

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa, get the first impression of Tibetan daily life

Welcome to the roof of the world. Your Tibet journey starts with a warm Tibetan style greeting from your local tour guide who will present you with Hada (traditional Tibetan scarves). Then be escorted to your hotel in Lhasa city at the comfort of your own private vehicle. 

For most of the way, you follow the Kyichu River, you could see Tibetan homes with their trapezoid shaped windows and fluttering prayer flags, and Tibetans walking beside the roads wearing their distinctive national costumes. Do have a comfort stop near Nietang Buddha where a giant statue of Buddha has been carved out of a stone cliff-face centuries ago. One of the first buildings you could see as you enter the city is the Potala Palace, sitting majestically on a hill dominating Lhasa.

Stay at the hotel after arrival for adapting to the high attitude. It is helpful to take things easy for the first few days, and try to drink some water just and now.

Day 2: Lhasa highlights escorted tour

After breakfast, we go to the Potala Palace, a golden feather upon the roof of the world, which Tibetans proudly claim to be the prime miracle since the creation of this world. It is visible from any distance, with the golden roof shinning in the sun, spend one hour wondering around the inside of this magnificent building exploring the rooms previously used by the Dalai Lama and the many Buddhist icons within.

In the afternoon we go inside of the Jokhang Temple. The Jokhang, like most of the larger temple structures have numerous individual temples within it dedicated to specific enlightened beings, protectors, high lamas, or saints. Images, both sculpted and painted, are everywhere. Every inch of wall and ceiling is brightly painted with images of clouds, beings, mandalas, or decorative patterns. Colorful silk banners, three stories high, hang in various places. Color, pattern, and images crowd in around you. The central image inside the building is a 30-foot high gilded image of Maitreya Buddha.

Then stroll around the back alleys of the Barkhor area of Old Lhasa. The streets smelled of yak butter and incense while hordes of pilgrims shuffled along the main Kora (circumambulations) around Jokhang Temple. If someone just walked at a normal pace, one kora would take about 15-20 minutes.

Day 3: Drepung and Sera Monastery

In the morning have a tour for Drepung Monastery, the ever largest monastery with more than 10 thousand monks, Buddhist debates often occur there. Seen from afar, its grand, white construction gives the monastery the appearance of a heap of rice. As such, it was given its name which, in the Tibetan language, means Monastery of Collecting-Rice. Learn about the lives of Tibetan monks there.

In the afternoon visit Sera Monastery, have a little hike for the beautiful valley scenery nearby and picnic there. Created in 1419, Sera monastery has always been an important Buddhist seminary. As rose are planted everywhere in the monastery, it is also called “the court of wild rose”. Today still 200 lamas live in there. Catch the famous debate session of the monks before returning back to Lhasa.

In late afternoon drive to Ganden Monastery  to prepare the trek (1.5 hours).

Stay overnight in Ganden Monastery Guest House

Day 4: Lhasa-Ganden-Tsubshi-Yama-do (trekking 2-3 hours)

In the morning, you will drive to Ganden Monastery, which is one of the Three Great Gelugpa Monasteries in Tibet. After visiting Ganden Monastery, you will head to Tsubshi Village, then trek to Yama-do.

Camping

Day 5: Trek to Tsotup Chu Valley (4 to 5hours)

Start from the valley floor in the morning, we would pass through a steep gully rising from the stream bank. After ascending Shug La, Ganden-Samye trek goes down through boulder fields. And then we would trek cross Tsotup Chu, a large stream winding through the valley floor. Finally we would put up a comfortable campin the herder field. What's a wonderful Ganden-Samye trek in Tibet!

Camping

Day 6: Trek to Herder's Camp (5 hours)

Following down the tributary of Tsotup Chu, we head towards the Chitu La pass. Ascending over this rocky pass, we would trek down to our destination. Wandering through Tibetan herder camps for nearly an hour, we would finally find our campsite along the stream. What a beautiful trekking day it is!

Camping

Day 7: Trek to Samye (6 hours):Changtang village,Yamalung Hermitage

Trekking over scrub forests in the main valley, the way towards Samye Gompa from Ganden Gompa becomes much wider and easier. Beautiful streams and lush forests always accompany us on the trekking to Sayme Monastery. However, the desert is near by.

The following few hours are arguably the most interesting part of Ganden-Samye trek. More than 15 kinds of scrub trees, blooming rhododendrons, and illimitable meadow will feast your eyes and amaze your every step of the Ganden-Samye trail! WOW moments always happen on the trekking to Samye from Ganden.

Passing over this stunning landscape, we would trek through the Changtang village. Whether to make the one-hour hike to Yamalung Hermitage totally depends on you. Less than an hour away, Yamalung is an ancient and holy Buddhist meditation site. Finally join the Samye valley along the clear tributary stream.  You can enjoy another cozy night in the  campsite, not far from Samye.

Camping

Day 8: Explore the Yarlung Valley and Samye Monastery, back to Lhasa

Samye Monastery is the first temple built in Tibet. What's more, it is also the first one containing the three Buddhist jewels of Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. Due to these unique features, Samye Gompa has become an attraction for visitors from all over the world.

After visiting Samye monastery, we finish the trek and go back to Lhasa. You can also choose to take ferry to cross Yarlungzongpo River to the opposite side of the river and then catch the minivan to Lhasa.

Day 9: Drive to Airport, leave Lhasa to your next destination.

Transfer to Lhasa airport (about 1.5 hours driving), tour services end and Tibet welcome you back forever.

What’s included?

1.Tibet Entry Permit

2. Comfortable, clean and safe vehicle depending on your group size with reliable local driver;

3. Admission fees of tourist sites listed in the itinerary;

4. Professional English speaking tour guide;

5. Accommodations depend on your preference. Please tell us your preferred accommodation class when submitting the enquiry, and we will arrange the best-value hotels for you.

6.All measl listed in the itinerary;

7.Tourist Accident/Casualty Insurance

What’s not included?

1. International flight to and out of China;

2. Chinese Visa

3. Domestic flight / train not listed in the itinerary (If you need ticket booking service, please leave your requirements in the Online Inruiry form.)

4.Meals not specified in the itinerary;

5.Tips to driver and tour guide, Tip as you wish

6.Personal expenses, such as laundry, phone call, optional tour activities and so on.

Trip Notes

  • 1. How to Get the Tibet Travel Permit?

    The Tibet Travel Permit is essential for any Tibet tour. We help to obtain this permit free of charge when you book your Tibet tour through us. Simply send us copies of your passport and China visa at least 20 days in advance. Once we receive your documents, we will promptly process the permit application with the Tibet Tourism Bureau. After obtaining your permit, we will notify you and send it to your hotel in mainland China.

    In exceptional cases, our staff can personally deliver the permit to you at the airport or railway station. With years of experience in handling Tibet Travel Permit, we assure you a smooth visit to Tibet by ensuring the acquisition of your permit.

  • 2. Where to Stay in Tibet?

    Accommodation facilities and services in Tibet might not match those found in the coastal and central parts of China. However, there's a diverse range of hotel options available. However, you can choose from a wide range of hotel options. In big cities like Lhasa and Shigatse, from cheap and clean youth hostels to distinct Tibetan-style 3-star and international 5-star luxury hotels, you will find one that suits your interests and budget.

    As you travel to remote areas of Tibet, such as EBC and the Mount Kailash region, the accommodations tend to be more basic. Some may have air-conditioning in the hotel, while others may only offer electric blankets in the guesthouses. Nonetheless, we always handpick cozy and safe accommodations for you along your itinerary in Tibet, ensuring a pleasant night's stay for your Tibet tour.

  • 3. How about the Guiding and Tipping in Tibet?

    Our English-speaking guides are natives of Tibet with good knowledge of Tibetan culture, history, and Buddhism. Most are trained to offer Western-standard service. Throughout your stay in Tibet, we will monitor your health and provide prompt assistance to you. If you encounter any trouble, please do not hesitate to contact them or our customer service manager.

    Travelers' tipping to Tibetan guides and drivers is seen as extra gratitude for their excellent service, much like what you do in the West. Normally, a tipping amount of 7 USD per day is acceptable. The basic principle is rewarding good service with fair pay.

  • 4. How are the Toilets in Tibet?

    Undoubtedly, for many Western tourists, using toilets in Tibet can be a challenging experience. Therefore, it's advisable to moderate your expectations. If you travel to Lhasa by Tibet train, both western-style and squat toilets are available onboard. Staying in hotels rated above 3 stars in cities like Lhasa and Shigatse ensures access to standard Western flush toilets, eliminating any discomfort.

    However, when visiting attractions like Yamdrok or Namtso or outdoor sites like EBC, you're likely to encounter smelly and unclean pit toilets. It's recommended to carry sufficient toilet paper for such occasions.

  • 5. How is the Weather in Tibet? What to Pack for Visiting Tibet?

    One of the notable weather features on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is the significant temperature fluctuation between day and night. In Lhasa, the annual temperatures range from -2℃ to 12℃ (spring), 9℃ to 22℃ (summer), 7℃ to 19℃ (fall), and -7℃ to 9℃ (winter). Ensure proper clothing, such as thermal tops, a fleece jacket, breathable underwear, a down jacket, jeans, a beanie, and other essentials.

    Moreover, essentials like sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses are crucial to shield yourself from the intense, blinding sunlight of the plateau. Staying hydrated by drinking more water and including vegetables in your diet is advisable to prevent dehydration during your travels in Tibet.

  • 6. How to Prevent from Altitude Sickness in Tibet?

    For first-time visitors to Tibet, whether arriving by flight or train, allowing ample rest is crucial for quick acclimation to the high altitude in Lhasa. Avoid rushing to explore the streets or attractions independently. Walk at a slower pace and refrain from exerting yourself by running or jumping. Spending at least two days in Lhasa before venturing to places like Shigatse or Namtso allows for better acclimatization. If you experience any discomfort, inform your guide, and they will assist you.

  • 7. Are There some Dos and Don'ts while Touring Tibet?

    Photography is generally prohibited in monasteries. If you wish to capture images of Tibetan pilgrims, kindly seek their permission or maintain a considerable distance while taking photos. Swimming and fishing are prohibited in the sacred lakes of Tibet. Avoid discussing sensitive topics like politics. According to policy, international tourists are not permitted to travel alone in Tibet.

    While navigating Barkhor Street, adhere to the custom of walking clockwise. Refrain from exploring unfamiliar trails. Take proactive steps to preserve Tibet's delicate ecosystem.

    Given that Tibetan Buddhism profoundly influences the lives of Tibetans, always show reverence and respect for their unique customs. If uncertain about any practice, it's advisable to seek guidance from your tour guide before proceeding.

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