Tibet Hightlights Trekking from Ganden to Samye

Upon arrival in Lhasa, you will be met by our tour guide at the airport or train station and transferred to hotel for chick-in. The rest of the day is yours to relax and acclimatize.

Stay overnight in Lhasa

After breakfast, you will visit the splendid Potala Palace. Be ready to do some walking and steep stair climbing to the top levels of the palace, but it never fails to please your eyes. Potala Palace, the worldwide-known cardinal landmark of Tibet, is the highest palace of the world, over 3,700 meters above sea level. Atop the Palace, you will get a bird-view of the whole city.

Proceed to the Jokhang Temple in the afternoon. Situated in the old section of Lhasa, Jokhang Temple is the most sacred and important temple in Tibet, originally built in 647AD. The architectural style of the temple features a mixture of Indian vihara design, Chinese Tang Dynasty design, and Nepalese design. The circuit around it called Barkhor Street, a shopper's paradise with famous local handmade crafts and souvenirs.

Stay Overnight in Lhasa

Today’s sightseeing begins with the Drak Yerpa Monastery, the holiest cave retreat which is described as the “life tree” or spiritual axis of Lhasa. It is built on a hillside of the mountain at the altitude of 4885 meters, with peaks covered by white clouds accompanied by huge number of colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze.

Afterwards, continue to the magnificent Sera Monastery. The hill behind the monastery was covered with wild roses in boom when built originally and Sera means wild rose in Tibet language, hence the name. There are Buddhist Scriptures written in gold powder, fine statues, scent cloths and unparalleled murals.

Stay overnight in Lhasa

Today you will be immersed in the Ganden Monastery all day. Ganden is about an hour and a half from Lhasa. The drive to Ganden Monastery takes you pass farms, greenhouses and villages then along a magnificent valley. There are lots of photo opportunities.

Ganden Monastery stands at an altitude of 3,800 meters (12,467 feet) above sea level and is among the earliest and largest Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. Every year, one of the grandest of Buddhist activities - Buddha Painting Unfolding Festival - is conducted in the monastery, attracting thousands of visitors and disciples.

Stay overnight near Ganden Monastery

Trekking Route:  Ganden Monastery to Yama Do (5 hours, 17 kilometers)
From the highest point of the Ganden Monastery, you’ll trek along an ancient trail and with ultimate scenic views on the way. Walk along a ridge of reach the ancient Hubu Village. In the afternoon, keep hiking through Ani Pagong, a narrow part of the trail which was once home to a nunnery. Later, ascend to Yama Do.

Camping in Yama Do

Travel Tips
1.There are stores standing near the entrance of the Ganden Monastery. It’s wise to prepare some food for the upcoming hiking.
2.You are able to roam the ancient Circumambulation Road behind the Ganden Monastery, with a sky-burial site.

Trekking Route: Yama Do to Tsotup-chu Valley (4-5 hours, 10 kilometers)
Early this morning, you will start hiking from Yama Do through a steep gully to the banks of a stream. Then, climb to Shug-La Pass which stands 5250 meters (17,224ft) and descend from there through treacherous fields of glacial boulders. Tsotup-chu is actually a large stream flowing through the valley. Our goal today is to cross this stream.

Camping in Tsotup-chu valley.

Trekking Route: Tsotup-chu Valley to Herders Camp (6-7hours, 14 kilometers)
Today you will hike up to the Chitu-La Pass, standing 5100m (16,732ft). It is very interesting to see the sceneries of unusual beauty atop the Pass.Then descend to the exquisitely camping grounds and fields around the tributary of Tsotup-chu, walking through the picturesque Herders Camp along the way. You can know much about the culture of the villagers.

Camping in Herders Camp.

Trekking Route: Herders Camps to Nyango (6 hours, 15 kilometers)
On this day, you will trek from Herders Camp to Nyango. The trail widens and the trekking becomes easier. You are accompanied by beautiful rivulets and fertile forests along the trekking. There are many sorts of trees, scrub, rhododendrons in full bloom, and vistas of meadows that will take your breath away.

Along the way, you will pass the village of Changtang, and you can choose to hike to the holy Buddhist meditation site of Yamalung Hermitage. Eventually, the trail goes to Samye valley along a beautiful stream.

Camping in Nyango

Travel Tips
Tibet People in this area live on animal husbandry and usually give guests a cordial reception. Colorful flags decorate their stone-built houses, flapping in the wind. 

Trekking Route: Nyago to Samye Monastery (14 kilometers)
Drive from Samye Monastery-Tsetang

Trek to Samye Monastery from the camp site, with the spectacular view from Pisha and the vista of Samye Valley along the way. Further down the trail is Dragmar – a ridge spur. On the summit is the pritially rebuilt palace where King Trisong Detsen is said to have been born. Formerly a lavish temple it now stands empty. The trial goes on with many temples and ruins of temples until the oldest and holiest Buddhist sites – Samye Monastery. Then drive to Tsetang.

Stay overnight in Tsetang.

Travel Tips
There are several Tibet restaurants and Sichuan restaurants near the east gate of Samye Monastery. You can taste the flavors on your own.

Legend says that the Yumbu Lakang was the first building in Tibet and the palace of Nyastri Tsenpo, the first Tibetan King. Yumbu Lakang Palace sits atop a small hill east of the Yarlong River and faces west. Therefore from the palace you will also enjoy a bird's eye view of the beautiful Yarlung Valley.

The Trandruk Monastery is waiting for your check after the Yumbu Lakang Palace, one of the "Three Holy Monasteries in Shannan Area". It has an unpretentious exterior. Do not skip the most precious item, 800-year-old Thangka scroll painting. It is a painting on silk with embroidery, made of 29 thousand pearls and precious stones.

Then drive to Lhasa and stay overnight in Lhasa

See-off at the airport/train station of Lhasa for your next destination. Hope you have enjoyed your memorable Tibet Trekking Tour!