The Ganden to Samye trek route has proved to be one of the most captivating of all Tibetan treks with rich variety of scenery from high snowy passes to lush alpine meadows to the desert like environs of the Samye monastery.
There are secluded valleys inhabited by nomads and yaks. This pilgrimage route is well-used by Tibetans who combine a visit to Ganden, the principal monastery of yellow hat sect with a hard but reasonably direct walk to Samye , the first monastery of Tibet.
Day 01 Arrive Chengdu (1,740 ft.)
Upon arrival in Chengdu, you will be met and transferred to hotel.
Overnight in Chengdu.
Day 02 Fly Chengdu - Lhasa (11,450 ft.)
MEAL: Breakfast
Breakfast at hotel. If time permits, you can take an optional tour of Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Center which is located just 10 km (6 miles) from the city.
Transfer to airport and fly to Lhasa, the exciting capital of Tibet. You will be met at the airport by your local Tibetan guide and transferred to the hotel. Afternoon is at leisure for acclimatization & rest or just take a leisurely walk around the Barkhor Bazar.
Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 03 Full day tour in & around Lhasa.
MEAL: Breakfast
Today will be spent exploring palaces. First on your list will be the Potala Palace. The palace of the Dalai Lama a treasure of Tibetan culture was, till 1965, the seat of both religion and politics in Tibet and quite possibly, the singularly most important building in all Tibet. It was built in the seventh century by Tsongtsen Gampo as a fort and later renovated by the fifth Dalai Lama in the seventeenth century to its present specification.
Your next stop will be Norbulingkha the winter palace of the Dalai Lama which was built in the eighteenth century.
Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 04 Full day tour in & around Lhasa.
MEAL: Breakfast
Today you will visit the Drepung monastery. This is the largest monastery in the world and once housed 10,000 monks and nuns. It was built in 1419 and the second , third and fourth Dalai Lamas lived and were entombed here. A visit to the kitchen of this monastery is a must. Look out for the washing machine in which the monks mix their butter tea!
Your next stop will be the Jokhang Temple. This is the holiest shrine in Tibet and houses a golden statue of the Buddha which was brought to Tibet by the Chinese princess “Wen Chen”. You then stop off at Barkhor Bazaar outside the Jokhang monastery. This is a bustling flea market and is, generally, the place to buy souvenirs and meet other tourists.
Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 05 Drive Lhasa-Ganden, Trek to Shogar La Pass ( 12,560 ft.)
MEAL: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
After breakfast, drive about 70 KM to Ganden with your trekking crew. Visit Ganden Monastery, which is one of major monasteries among three monasteries in Tibet.
Then begin the trek from the Ganden complex. This is also the beginning of the Ganden circuit and you will most likely meet pilgrims on their way to circumambulate the monastery. Continue to bottom of Shogar la pass (Jooker la pass) via Helbu village.
Overnight camping.
Day 06 Trek Shugu La Pass to Shedi Tso (15,022 ft.)
MEAL: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
This morning, climb to Shogar La pass (17,150 ft.), a long walk. Cross the pass, enjoy the spectacular views, and descend to Shedi Tso lake.
Overnight camping.
Day 07 Trek Shedi Tso -Nyango valley
MEAL: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Continue to Nyango Valley.
Overnight camping.
Day 08 Trek Nyango -Yamalong Hermitage, drive to Samye village, - Tsetang
MEAL: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Trek to Yamalong. Your yaks and Yak-man will return to Ganden, and you will continue to Samye village (15 minutes) by local tractor. Visit Samye Monastery.
Later drive to Tsetang.
Overnight Hotel.
Day 09 Tsetang - U.S.or an extension
MEAL: Breakfast
Breakfast at the hotel, transfer to airport and fly to U.S. or extend your trip to Nepal or China.
| Land Cost: US$ |
- Airport transfers
- Chengdu & Lhasa stay with breakfast.
- All meals outside Lhasa.
- Tours with entrance fees as per the itinerary.
- Full service camping trek with guide & cook
- Camping and cooking equipment during trek.
- Yak and Yak-man
- Tibet Travel Permit
- Private Transportation as per the itinerary.
- All applicable current government taxes.
| Holiday Inn | |
| Hotel Yak VIP Building | |
| Yarlong River | |
| Camping |
- Air U.S.-Chengdu-U.S.
- Visa Fee & Travel Insurance
- Lunch & Dinner In Chengdu and Lhasa.
- Excess Baggage, Laundry, Tips, Soda
- Any other expenses that are not specified
- Are the trip and price guaranteed?
The trip is guaranteed even with the sign-up of the minimum of two people. The price shown with departure date is also guaranteed once you send us a trip application form with a deposit of $350.00. Otherwise, it may change until we receive the trip applications form. - What is internal air?
There are flights involved in the trip. Internal Air is the flights between one city/place to another during the trip. Since the airfares keep changing, we do not include this in the land cost. - Can you arrange my flights from/to U.S.?
Yes, we can arrange your flights from/to U.S. You just need to email us your full name as appears on the passport and departure city in U.S. We will then send you a quote for the flight. To issue the ticket, we just need your credit card details. - How soon do I book the trip?
The sooner you book, the better it is, because getting lower airfare from U.S. is higher when you book well in advance. Also, it is hard to get seats on some of the internal flight if it is closer to departure date. You can usually make the international flight reservation nine months prior to your departure date. - Do I need visa, permit & entrance fees?
Yes, you need a visa for China which you must obtain before you leave U.S. In additional to Chinese visa, you also need a Tibet Travel Permit, which we will get that for you. You can get the Nepal visa upon arrival at China-Nepal border or airport in Kathmandu. We will also take care of your Bhutan visa. All the permits and entrance fees are included in the tour. - What about the weather?
May is one of the best time to travel to this region. The weather generally stays nice and sunny, and the the chance of rain is very low during the period. However, it may still be chilly during the nigh while you are on the trek. - When do I need to pay?
At the time of booking, you need to send us $ 350.00 deposit with a trip application form. $ 1000 is due 3 months prior to departure, and balance is due 2 months prior to departure. For the internal flight, you may need to pay about 5-6 months as we need to issue the tickets to secure the flight seats. - How big are the groups?
Our groups are usually small, so you get the personalized services from local guide. There must be minimum of 2 people to run the trip and the maximum is 10 people in the group. - How difficult is the trip?
This is an strenuous trip, as you will be trekking above 14,000 ft and you also need to cross a pass above 17,000 ft. The average altitude in Tibet is 13,000 ft. We recommend you to consult with your physician if you - Do I need travel insurance & where I purchase it?
We strongly recommend you to purchase the travel insurance which protects you, in can if you had to cancel the trip or other reasons like flight delay, flight cancellation, and medical evacuation. Once you book the trip, we can send you a Travel Insurance Quote. You can either buy through the link we send you or from your choice of other insurance companies. - What about accommodations, meals & upgrade?
You will be staying in nice, comfortable accommodation with attached bath in Lhasa, and camping during the trekking . Your breakfast is always included. Lunch and dinner are included outside Lhasa. A decent meal will cost you about $ 10-15 in tourist class restaurant in Lhasa. - What about guide, drivers and travel during the period?
We provide experienced driver and English speaking local guidesin in Tibet. You will be traveling in comfortable private Car or van or mini bus depending on the number of people in the group when you are trekking. During the trek, there will also be Yak and Yakman for your luggage and other supplies. - What should I pack?
We will email you a packing list once you book the trip with us. We mail you the final information packet 2-3 months prior to departure. You will find the all relevant information including confirmed hotels, local contact details, domestic flight info, and packing list as well. - Can I extend my trip?
Yes, you can extend your trip to Nepal or China or other destinations in Asia. You may like to inform this at the time of booking the trip, should you book the international flight with us. - Can we make this as a private trip on our own date?
Yes, we can arrange this trip as a private trip on your own date. However, the price will be higher. - What if I have more questions?
If you have more questions, just fill out the form below, and click "SEND". We will get back to you within same working day.