Ganden to Samye Trek 06 nights and 07 Days
A journey shaped by the landscapes, people and experiences of Nepal.
Offered by Journey DMC
NEPAL · TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
Discover the journey
The Ganden to Samye Trek is a legendary and spiritually significant pilgrimage route in Tibet, stretching approximately 80 kilometers. Commencing at the Ganden Monastery, it traverses diverse landscapes, from high mountain passes to lush valleys. The trek offers not only a physical challenge but also an opportunity to delve into Tibetan culture and spirituality. Hikers pass through remote villages, and ancient hermitages, and encounter nomadic communities, immersing themselves in the rich tapestry of Tibetan life. A highlight of the journey is the dramatic Tsogala Pass, granting awe-inspiring vistas. Culminating at the Samye Monastery, one of Tibet's oldest, this trek embodies a profound spiritual and physical odyssey amid breathtaking natural beauty.
The memorable moments
OUTLINE ITINERARY: DAYS Activities Accommodation Meal DAY 01 Arrival at Lhasa Hotel -/-/D DAY 02 Transfer to Ganden Monastery and start trekking (4200m) Simple Guest House B/-/D DAY 03 Trek and camp before Shuga-la pass; usually in Yama Do (4500m). Camping B/-/D DAY 04 Trekking and camping in the valley after Shuga-la 5260m pass (5000-5100m). Camping B/-/D DAY 05 Trekking and camp near herders camp after Chitu-la 5220m pass (4500m). Camping B/-/D DAY 06 Trekking to Yamalung (4-5h / 11 Km). End of trek and transfer to Samye (3580m) Camping B/-/D DAY 07 Final Departure B/-/-
Journey at a glance
Day Day:1: Arrival in Lhasa [3650m]. — Upon arrival in Lhasa, Your English-speaking Tibetan guide and driver will give you a warm welcome and accompany you to your hotel. Lhasa, one of the world's highest cities, is a place of unique beauty and rich culture. Tibet's high altitude can challenge visitors. We prioritize acclimatization, providing support for your well-being and safety. Remember to stay well-hydrated and get plenty of rest to minimize any symptoms of altitude sickness. Get ready to experience this once-in-a-lifetime adventure! You'll spend the night in Lhasa, preparing for the incredible journey ahead. Overnight in Lhasa. [-/-D] Day Day2:: Ganden Monastery and start trekking to Samye Monastery (4200m) — On the second day, the day commences with a visit to the revered Ganden Monastery, located 50 kilometers from Lhasa. As the primary seat of the Gelug Sect, this sacred institution was established by Tsongkhapa in 1409. Perched atop a hill in the Kyichu valley, the monastery provides a serene and spiritually charged setting. You can partake in the kora, a meditative circumambulation around the monastery while reveling in stunning views of the original Tibetan landscape. Following a satisfying lunch, your adventure begins at the highest point of the Ganden kora, from where you'll embark on a trek along an ancient trail, treating you to panoramic vistas of the surrounding terrain. Following the trail along a ridge, you'll eventually arrive at the historic Hepu village, where you'll spend the night in a dormitory-style room with a local Tibetan family at the Tibetan Family Guesthouse. This immersive experience offers a deeper connection to the rich Tibetan culture and landscape. Overnight at simple guesthouse. [B/-D] Day Day3:: Trek and camp before Shuga-la pass; usually in Yama Do (4500m). — On the third day, the journey takes you on an ascent towards Yama Do, a trek that gradually introduces the effects of oxygen depletion as you traverse Tibetan nomadic communities. The challenges of the high altitude are accompanied by the rewards of an awe-inspiring landscape and a unique cultural experience. By afternoon, you'll find yourself at an elevation of 4,500 meters, where you can relish the tranquil surroundings, appreciating the serenity that the Himalayan foothills offer to intrepid travelers. Overnight a Tent in the camping area. [B/-D] Day 04: Trekking and camping in the valley after Shuga-la 5260m pass (5000-5100m). — On the fourth day, the morning poses a challenging endeavor as you undertake the crossing of the highest pass on the route, the formidable Shuga-La pass, which stands tall at an altitude of 5,260 meters. This portion of the trail offers a spectacular and demanding ascent, but it rewards you with incredible panoramic views of the encompassing mountains and the picturesque valley below, complete with a meandering stream. Once you conquer the summit of the pass, your descent will lead you through expansive fields of glacial boulders as you make your way toward the valley floor. Ultimately, you'll reach our chosen campsite, a well-deserved respite amid this breathtaking natural setting. Overnight a Tent in the camping area. [B/-D] Day Day5:: Trekking and camp near herders camp after Chitu-la 5220m pass (4500m). — On the fifth day, we will continue our journey and soon spot the rocky mountain pass of Chitu La in the distance. Upon descending from the pass, you'll be welcomed by the breathtakingly beautiful camping grounds and verdant fields. During this leg of the trek, you'll encounter three picturesque lakes, and to cross them, you'll hop from stone to stone along the right side (west). Once you've left these lakes behind, a swift descent will begin, following the natural course of a river through a gorge. This path will guide you back into the traditional territory of the drop, Tibetan nomads, with a more gradual terrain where their herds graze peacefully, creating a serene and pastoral atmosphere. Overnight a Tent in the camping area. [B/-D] Day Day6:: Trekking to Yamalung (4-5h. End of the trek and transfer to Samye (3580m). — On the sixth day, the final leg of our journey towards Yamalung at an elevation of 3,985 meters is a relatively straightforward endeavor. The trail gradually widens, making walking more manageable, with the primary challenge being the potential need to cross various streams. The path meanders through scenic waterways and lush forests, where a diverse array of trees, shrubs, and vibrant rhododendrons thrive. The sweeping meadows you'll encounter are nothing short of breathtaking, offering a striking contrast to the arid, desert-like landscapes nearby. Upon reaching the culmination of our trek, you have the option to embark on a hike to the ancient and sacred Buddhist meditation site of Yamalung. Our journey then takes us to Samye, crossing charming villages along the way, where we'll visit the renowned Samye Monastery, dating back to the 8th century. It holds the distinction of being the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet, boasting unique architecture that forms a colossal mandala, reflecting the structure of the universe according to Buddhist cosmology. We'll spend the night camping in this spiritually rich and culturally significant location. Overnight a Tent in the camping area. [B/-D] Day Day7:: Final Departure (B) — On the seventh day, you can explore the same on your own until you wait for your transfer to the Airport.
What's included in your experience
Included
- Arrival and departure will be by private vehicle.
- Reception and support by our representative at the airport
- 1 Night’s accommodation at Lhasa on a double / twin sharing basis on MAP Basis.
- 5 Nights’ accommodation on camp while trekking on MAP Basis.
- All entrance and monument fees as indicated in the program.
- All the sightseeing tours in Tibet will be provided as per the program with a local English-speaking Tibetan guide.
- All transfers indicated as per the above program by private vehicle.
- One-time Entrance fees for those who are mentioned in the above program.
- Tibet Permit
Not included
- International airfare and airport taxes [As quoted separately and is subject to change if revised]
- Chinese visa [Quoted separately]
- Personal items such as bar bills, alcoholic beverages, laundry, telephone, personal tips such as extra mileage, tips for tour guides, porters, drivers, etc.
- Personal Insurance – Comprehensive travel insurance covers travel and flight cancellations, loss of valuables, theft, illness, accidents, and hospitalization. And above all, emergency evacuation by helicopter.
- Expenses incurred due to diversion, adverse weather conditions, floods, famine, political instability, strikes, riots, or other disturbances.
- Items, meals, and services are not included in the price.
Essential trip information
Fitness & eligibility
3
Meeting point
Lhasa
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