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Tibet » Central Tibet Trips » Lhasa and Ganden to Samye Trek - 9 Days
This trip explores Central and south Tibet including the Yarlung Tsangpo Valley, the craganden to samyedle of Tibetan civilization.
Additionally it includes a short 5 days trek. Ganden-Samye trek is a 5 days trek that connects two of Tibet's most important monasteries of Ganden and Samye.
It offers fantastic walking, superb scenery, and interaction with Tibetan villagers and highland nomads.
It is a fairly demanding trek and crosses two passes over 5000 meters. Participants must be physically strong and in good health.
This trip is for those who have limited time to have experience both trekking and sightseeing tour. This trip completes 5 days wonderful trip near Lhasa and it is the only option to take trekking arround Lhasa. And also it completes sightseeing in Tsedang and Lhasa valley.
- Short Itinerary
- Cost Include/Exclude
- Customize Trip
- Book This Trip
Short Itinerary
DAY 01: LHASA ARRIVAL
Arrive in Lhasa Gonggar Airport. Meet and transfer to hotel in Lhasa.
DAY 02: LHASA SIGHTSEEING
We will have two full days in Lhasa to make excursions to the following places:
The Jokhang - The Jokhang is the principal and holiest Buddhist temple in Lhasa, as well as all of Tibet. It is the focus of devotion of hundreds of Tibetans from near and far who circle it to gain spiritual merit. The Jokhang was first constructed in the 7th century and has a large gold image of Sakyamuni Buddha or Jowo Rinpoche.
Norbulingka - The Norbulingka, a richly decorated complex located in a beautiful garden setting, is the traditional summer palace of the Dalai Lamas.
Drepung and Nechung Monastery - Drepung is the biggest monastic university of Tibet housing 7-8000 monks prior to the Cultural Revolution. Adjoining to Drepung Monastery is the Nechung Monastery, residence of Tibet's state oracle.
Potala Palace - Potala is the winter palace of the Dalai Lama and is believed to contain 1,000 rooms. Potala was rated as one of the wonders of the world in the early 14th century.
Barkhor Street - We will also visit the Barkor bazaar in Lhasa, a colorful congregating place for Tibetan merchants.
DAY 03: GANDEN-HEPU - (5.5 HRS)
Early morning drive to Ganden, one of the 3 monastic universities of Tibet. Our trek begins from Ganden. The trail gradually ascends for 1.5 hrs before reaching a saddle marked by a cairn with views of Kyichu valley to Lhasa. Traversing the west side of the ridge from the saddle, the trail reaches a spur surmounted by a cairn, a spring and then the village of Hepu in 2 hrs. 1 hr from Hepu reach Ani Pangong, a small nunnery. The trail climbs steadily for 1 hour through marshy meadows to Yama Do.
DAY 04: YAMA DO- TSODUP CHU VALLEY (4-5 HRS)
In 2 hrs past Yama Do we ascend Shug-la pass (5250 m). It takes atleast 1.5 hrs from the basin negotiating boulders and lumpy ground along the final steep climb to the pass. The route continues over the Shug-la pass following the cairned trail descending gradually and reaching the valley in 1.5 hrs from the pass. Cross the Tsotup Chu. Nomad herders with their herd of yaks, goat and sheep can be found here.
DAY 05: TSOTUP CHU-HERDERS'S CAMP (5 HRS)
From the Tsotup Chu valley, follow a small tributary entering from the south-west. The route follows steeply upwards for 30 mins until you reach a large basin. The terrain is not particularly difficult to reach Chitu-la pass (5100 m) which is marked by several cairns. A short steep descent will bring you into a basin with three small lakes. The trail at many points is not clearly marked and goes past several seasonal camping sites before it reaches the valley floor.
DAY 06: HERDER'S CAMP-YAMALUNG (5-6 HRS)
The trail is now wide and easy to follow and goes through forest of shrubs and rhododendrons for 3 hrs. The trail winds through a series of meadows before reaching Gen Do, a place with a ruined stone structure. The forest thins rapidly and we reach the first permanent village of Chantan (4020 m) after leaving Hebu.. In 30-40 mins we arrive at the turn off at Yamalung Valley. Yamalung Hermitage is another 1 hour steep climb from the valley floor.
DAY 07: YAMLUNG-SAMYE (4 HRS)
From Yamalung Valley it 3.5 - 4 hrs to Samye. We go past the villages of Nyango, Wango and Pisha. From Pisha the entire lower valley of Samye and the golden spires of Samye Monastery can be seen. En route there are several nice meadows for camping.
DAY 08: TSEDANG SIGHTSEEING, VISIT SAMYE and YUMBULHAKHANG PALACE
Visit Samye Monastery, the first monastic institute built by King Trisong Detsen under the spiritual guidance of Padma Sambawa in early 8th century, and Yumbulakhang, the first castle built for Tibet's first recorded king Nyatri Tsenpo. O/N Snowpigeon Hotel.
DAY 09: DRIVE TO LHASA FOR DEPARTURE
Drive back for departure either toward airport or train station as per your time schedule
Trip Facts
- Total Duration: 8 Nights / 9 Days
- Mode of Transport:Land Cruiser
- Accommodation: Hotel / Guesthouses
- Trip Grade: Moderate
- Max. Height: 5250m
- Start From:Ganden
- End To: Samye
- Best Season: Spring / Automn / Summer
Trip Map
Cost Include
- Tibet travel permit and Ganden Samye Trekking Permit
- All camping equipment
- All cooking equipment
- Well trained western cook with kitchen helper
- Sherpa supporter
- English speaking Local Tibetan Guide
- All sightseeing tours wherever required
- All monastery entrance fees
- Full board food during 5 days trekking
- Yak and Yak man for Baggage, food, equipment and fuel supply.
- Transportation by 4500 CC Toyota Land Cruiser
- And Experience local Tibetan Driver
- Hotel with daily breakfast while touring
Cost Exclude
- Lunch & Dinner while in Tour
- Any flight and train fare
- Travel Insurance
- Personal expenses
- Extra bar bill
- Evacuation cost in case of immergency
- Pony hiring cost
- Others which is not mentioned on the above included items
Trip Facts
- Total Duration: 8 Nights / 9 Days
- Mode of Transport:Land Cruiser
- Accommodation: Hotel / Guesthouses
- Trip Grade: Moderate
- Max. Height: 5250m
- Start From:Ganden
- End To: Samye
- Best Season: Spring / Automn / Summer
Trip Map
Customize Trip
Trip Facts
- Total Duration: 8 Nights / 9 Days
- Mode of Transport:Land Cruiser
- Accommodation: Hotel / Guesthouses
- Trip Grade: Moderate
- Max. Height: 5250m
- Start From:Ganden
- End To: Samye
- Best Season: Spring / Automn / Summer
Trip Map
Book This Trip
Trip Facts
- Total Duration: 8 Nights / 9 Days
- Mode of Transport:Land Cruiser
- Accommodation: Hotel / Guesthouses
- Trip Grade: Moderate
- Max. Height: 5250m
- Start From:Ganden
- End To: Samye
- Best Season: Spring / Automn / Summer
Trip Map
