Ganden Samye Trek

9 - 12 Days

Ganden Samye Trek

Ganden Samye Trek is among the most popular and challenging Trek in Tibet. It offers panoramic Himalayan views including Mount Everest, Kailash.

Trip Code
AMT - TIBET - 201
Best Season

Spring & Autumn

Trip Grade

⭐⭐

Max Altitude

N/A

Accomodation

Teahouses/Lodges

Transportation

Flight/Jeep or Bus

Meals

BB/Full Board

Group Size

Any

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Introduction

Ganden Samye Trek is one of the popular trekking tour routes for travelers in Tibet. The complete trail allows you to cross a few of the beautiful alpine trees, lakes, 2 mountain passes and gives you a glimpse of nomad life.

The trek commences by traveling about 32 kilometers from Lhasa to reach the Garden Monastery of 4180m height via road and above the nearby Kyichu River, while it ends at another famous Samye Monastery. Here, you will find a temple named Utse at Samye that represents Mount Meru, while forms the center of the entire Universe.

Ganden Samye  Trek's initial 2 days will allow experiencing sightseeing in Lhasa. Here, you will be able to explore major highlighted tourist spots, which include the traditional Bharkhor Market of Tibet, Dalai Lama’s summer Place named Norbulinka, Sera Monastery, Potala Place, and Jokhang Temple.

Ganden Samye Trek Highlights

  • Tourists will get a memorable trekking experience while they follow
    the famous route commencing from Ganden Monastery to up to Samye
    Monastery.
  • You will explore countless beautiful landscapes while moving towards
    the high plateau region and many peaceful local yet rural villages
    during your entire trek.
  • Tourists will be able to view sacred sights of Lhasa, the holy city
    of Tibet (roof of the world). These include Jokhang Temple, Potala
    Palace and many more.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival at Lhasa.

We welcome our tourists to the capital city Lhasa in Tibet, the roof of the world. Our local tour guide will meet you at the airport and take you to the nearby hotel for overnight stay.

Day 02: Exploration of the Lhasa City.

Today we will allow our tourists to explore the entire city of Lhasa by visiting its few landmarks. Firstly, we will take you to the Potala Palace recognized as a beautiful architectural building worldwide. Tourists may climb the palace by following zig-zag paths of stone with red and white-colored walls at its top, from where you may view the exotic architecture in Tibetan style. On the other side, walking in its inner region lets us find many stately chapels and acquire knowledge about the history of Potala Palace. We will continue with our exploration to reach the Jokhang Temple, recognized as a spiritual temple of Buddhists in Tibet. Local area people also called this temple the Buddha House, because you will find precious Jowo Rinpoche inside it, which is of 5 feet and highlights the image of the learned Shakyamuni when he was of only 12 years. Lastly, we will explore the renowned Barkhor Street on our second-day tour. This is a wide and circular street encircling the entire Jokhang Temple. The street has large numbers of shops associated with selling varieties of traditional goods belonging to Tibetan culture, religious items, and exclusive handicrafts.

Day 03: Second Day Exploration of the Lhasa City.

We will visit Norbulingka, the previous summer palace of Tibetan Dalai Lamas during the ancient period. Norbulingka is famous for its private palaces, Potrang, and for highlighting the grandiose style and architecture of Tibet. Later on, we will go for a drive towards the western outskirt region of Lhasa and enjoy a visit to the Drepung Monastery. History reveals that large numbers of famous leaders of Tibet and most of the Dalai Lamas studied at this monastery, so Tibetans respectfully call it the “Mother School of Dalai Lamas”. During the afternoon time, we will reach the second well-known Sera Monastery, which is famous for the unique Buddhism Debating. Finally, we will return to the city for rest and acclimation.

Day 04: Trek to the Ganden Monastery from Lhasa (45km).

Today, we will have a short drive of about 45km from the city of Lhasa to the Ganden Monastery located at the height of about 4,500meters. Here, we will explore various attractions nearby and within the Ganden town that constitutes the home for various early monasteries belonging to the Gelugpa sect of Tibet’s Buddhists.

Day 05: Trek to Yama Do (17km).

Our team will start with today’s trek from the Ganden’s highest point across an ancient trail and capture scenic beauties of nature. By walking across the ridge of Hepu village and via Ani Pagong, we will ascend towards Yama Do.

Day 06: Trek to the Tsotup Valley (10km).

We will start with our trek in the early morning from Yama Do and pass through a steep gully towards the river banks. We will climb to the famous Shug La Pass and start with our descent via glacial boulder fields. Tsotup Chup constitutes a large stream flowing from the valley, while we will cross it to the end of our trek.

Day 07: Trek to the Herder Camp via Chitu La Pass.

Today, we will start our trek from Tsotup Chu to travel through the rocky Chitu La mountain pass. Later on, we will walk across the Herder camp and go for an overnight stay.

Day 08: Trek to Wango and to Samye Valley (25km).

On this day, you will experience a 6hours trek to reach Wango by following a trail consisting of water rivulets and fertile forests, shrubs, trees, blossoms, rhododendron forests, and meadow vistas. Along your way, you will be able to pass from Changtang village and opt to hike towards a sacred meditation site of Buddhists named Yamalung, while eventually, the trek will take you to Samye valley across a beautiful stream.

Day 09: Trek to Samye Monastery and Tsetang.

Starting from the site of the camp, we will experience a trek of two hours to reach the Samye Monastery and get spectacular views of Pisha as well as the vista of the famous Samye valley along our way. Later on, we will drive towards the third biggest Tibetan city i.e. to Tsetang..

Day 10: Sightseeing Tour at Tsetang and back to Lhasa.

Tsetang has obtained its name as the cradle of the famous Tibetan Civilization. Here, you will be able to visit two famous monasteries named Trundruk and Yumbulakang monasteries. Later on, we will return to Lhasa.

 

Remember:

Our travel planner can customize the itinerary outline as per your duration of stay, purpose of holiday and your preference. Cost of the package also depends upon level of service (deluxe, standard & budget) and as per the group size. You can easily CONTACT US at any time for any queries.

Cost & Dates

N/A

TOUR MAP

Additional Information

What is the best time for trekking Tibet ?

The prime time for trekking Tibet is during Spring(March, April and May) and Autumn (October and November). During these seasons the weather will be clear, flowers will bloom on the way, the charm of the atmosphere can be felt by the heart, magnificent views of the Himalayas can be seen and mostly you can explore the wilderness of Tibet freely.

 

What about altitude Sickness ?

Normally, Within 12-24 hours after ascending a certain height(1,500 to 2,500 meter above sea level) altitude sickness symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, loss of appetite, sleep problems, loss of energy, and shortness of breath are seen. In case of any altitude sickness symptoms we will apply medication and descend immediately for acclimatization.

   

Can you go to Tibet without a visa ?

Flying to Tibet directly from international aircraft is not possible. There are two ways to enter the land of Tibet either from Nepal or China. Hence, to visit Tibet we need a special trekking permit for Tibet and Visa of Nepal or China. If you are traveling with us we will manage a Travel Permit to Tibet.

 

How about the weather and traveling seasons in Tibet ?

Tibet is an inland country and is extremely dry for 9 months of the year. It has continental climate usually with warm days and cool nights. Annual temperature variation is significant. Summers are warm and winters are cold. During Autumn and Spring seasons the temperature will be moderate and you will experience little rain which makes these seasons favorable to explore the wilderness of Tibet.

 

Do I need travel insurance to travel to Tibet ?

Yes!! It is recommended to have travel insurance during the trek. It is uncertain that you will not feel sick or get into any accidents during the trek. So, for medical emergencies or as precaution against risks and financial losses that could happen while traveling, insurance is best.

 

What about altitude Sickness ?

Normally, Within 12-24 hours after ascending a certain height(1,500 to 2,500 meter above sea level) altitude sickness symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, loss of appetite, sleep problems, loss of energy, and shortness of breath are seen. In case of any altitude sickness symptoms we will apply medication and descend immediately for acclimatization.

 

What is the food like ?

While traveling to Tibet you will get to taste a lot of Tibetan cuisine, Sichuan cuisine and western style dishes. Tibetan food is mostly made by using meat and less vegetables. If you are a meat lover then it is a great opportunity for you to explore different cuisines. Some of the famous foods are Yak Butter, Tibetan Mo:Mo, Tibetan Sausage, and Dry Meat.

 

Can we travel individually to Tibet ?

Due to restrictions put in place by the Chinese government in its provinces It is not allowed to travel to Tibet as an individual tourist.

Quick Enquiry

    EXCELLENT rating
    Based on 57 reviews
    Great Trip We had a great time in Nepal thanks to Pradip and his team! From landing to take off we were thoroughly looked after. We were greeted at the airport and the same person helped us in Katmandu both sides of the trek, picking us up from our domestic flight and again taking us to the airport at the end. He was always early and received a sweet momento on arrival and departure. Due to weather we unfortunately had to make a last minute decision to change our route; Pradip and the guide See Wa were very accommodating and we easily changed from ACT to Poon Hill and ABC. He quickly sent us a new itinerary and we were picked up the following morning. We were given options as to how we wanted to get to Pokhara and Pradip made this seamless for us. Many trekkers also had to change their route to ABC rather than other routes like ACT and EBC which meant the tea houses were very busy. Our guide ensured that we always had a room to stay in and was flexible with our itinerary if we wanted to walk further/fit in a visit to the hot spring. At times it was a bit difficult to communicate with the guide due to the language barrier and we found we were fitter so would often be walking ahead with one of the porters but over all we had a good experience and would recommend.
    Eleanor H
    Eleanor H
    2022-10-21
    Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek In Summer The whole trek went very smoothly.It was a 4 day trek.Guide and the porter both were very polite & professional no doubt.I didn't find anything negative in the service.Mr.Pradip helped us via telephone whenever we needed him.
    Deep Chakraborty
    Deep Chakraborty
    2022-07-11
    Trip of a lifetime The best part of being with this team is their ability and willingness to help in every way possible, at times even going out of their way to help. The professional approach to every aspect of a trip means the best deal will always be put on the table☺️.
    Papai B
    Papai B
    2022-07-06
    Excellent service provided by Mr.Pradip the founder Mr. Pradip the founder of the adventure mountain treks is very generous and very polite. He helped in all the ways possible. I have been pestering with questions regarding my packing list. He was so polite and answered all my queries without seeing the time. A very genuine person to do the trek and a very well organised person and the trek was perfect.
    adityanaravind
    adityanaravind
    2022-06-25
    May 2022 great EBC trekking experience Mr. TikkaThank you for organizing a great 14 day trek in May 2022.I want to thank our guide Dinesh and two great porters Anu and Prem for their effort in making our trek most enjoyable. All three gentlemen went above and beyond their duty to make us comfortable on our trek and giving us encouragement every step of the way.
    sham p
    sham p
    2022-06-03
    16 day tour to Gokyo Ri & EBC My girlfriend and I went on a 16 day tour to Gokyo Ri and Everest Base Camp and were in Nepal for almost 4 weeks. All I can say is that Pradip is an outstanding person. He took care of us from day one in Kathmandu, was extremely helpful and did everything so that we felt good and secure, not just on the trekking trail but also at every place we stayed in Nepal. Unforgettable experience which I highly recommend all of you share !
    Franck
    Franck
    2022-05-20
    3 Pass Trek with EBC well organized Dear Pradip,thanks for the Organisation of my 3 Pass Trek. It was soo komfortable for me to come to Nepal and the whole Trip was perfectly arranged. After 1 Organization Day in Kathmandu we Start the Trek in Luka for 18 Days. I can only say ! Good work had you done. I am Back in Germany and had perfect organized Trekking Thanks Adventure Mountain Nepal Trecking ! And also my Guide Padam Hendrik
    Henny B
    Henny B
    2022-04-18
    Best Agency for Travel and Trekking Experiences... I and my friends did a trekking experience with Adventure Mountain Nepal. I would like to thank the entire team for providing us a hospitable manner, professional service, and affordable package rate. Will recommend this company to all who’re going to Nepal for a trekking adventure.
    Unsaved Memo
    Unsaved Memo
    2022-02-03
    Gokyo Ri & Everest Base Camp Trek - January 2022 Cet agence touristique est réellement à l'écoute des besoins de ses clients et tente toujours de répondre à toutes leurs questions. J'ai pu tout organiser à distance avec Pradip Sharma qui a été très transparent sur les tarifs pratiqués et m'a accompagné dans la préparation de cette aventure, notamment en me guidant dans mes derniers achats à Katmandou et en m'évitant les arnaques.Pendant la randonnée, mon guide Mane s'est montré très professionnel lorsque la haute altitude est venue altérer ma condition physique. Son soutien et ses conseils ont été indispensables. Il est préférable d'organiser cette marche au printemps ou à l'automne pour éviter le froid pouvant aller jusqu'à -18°C...Il faut une dizaine de jours soit pour Gokyo Ri, soit pour EBC. Pour boucler les deux en un coup, il faut 15 jours.L'expérience est intense et parfois difficile mais reste inoubliable.
    Abdelhakc
    Abdelhakc
    2022-01-20
    私の旅行は楽しくて良かったです🥰❤️👍 私がこの会社から遊びできましたとてもいい会社です。もし誰かがネパールに旅行したいなら私が障害することもできます。この会社の値段も安いしサービスもとても良かった👍です。こちらのオーナーと他の社会人もとても親切とまじめ❤️です。 こんども私が旅行するときこの会社何回もら選びます。みんなさんネパールへ行ってみましょうネパールはとても美しい国💕です。よろしくお願いします🙏
    シマ
    シマ
    2021-12-29