Ganden to Samye Trek - 9 Days

Day 1 Arrival in Lhasa

Your journey begins with your arrival in Lhasa at an altitude of 3,650 meters, where a friendly Tibetan guide will warmly welcome you with a traditional white Hada scarf. After meeting your guide, you will be transferred to your hotel in the city where you will receive a short briefing about the tour and useful advice on acclimatizing to the high altitude. The rest of the day is kept free for rest and relaxation so that your body can gradually adjust to the thin mountain air before beginning the exploration of Tibet.

Day 2 Lhasa Tour - Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery (B)

Today you will explore two of Tibet’s most important monasteries. In the morning, you will visit Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in Tibet and home to more than 10,000 monks. Walking through its grand halls and temples, you will learn about Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and the lives of monks. Later in the afternoon, you will visit Sera Monastery, famous for its lively monk debates held in the monastery courtyard. Watching monks debate Buddhist philosophy is a fascinating cultural experience and offers insight into the intellectual traditions of Tibetan monastic life.

Day 3 Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street (B)

After breakfast, you will visit the magnificent Potala Palace, the historic residence of the Dalai Lamas and one of Tibet’s most iconic landmarks. While exploring its sacred chambers, shrines, and galleries, you will discover the history and spiritual significance of Tibetan Buddhism. Later, you will continue to Jokhang Temple, the most sacred temple in Tibet, where pilgrims gather from across the region to pray. Surrounding the temple is Barkhor Street, a lively market filled with traditional shops, prayer items, handicrafts, and local culture.

Day 4 Lhasa to Ganden Monastery, and Trek to Yama-do (Trek 2-3 hrs., 7km) (B)

Today you will drive from Lhasa to the historic Ganden Monastery, the oldest monastery of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Perched high on a mountain ridge, the monastery offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. After exploring the monastery, you will continue to Tsubshi Village where your trekking journey begins. From here, you will hike through scenic valleys and mountain paths for a few hours until reaching Yama-do Village, where you will spend the night camping under the Tibetan sky.

Day 5 Trek to Tsotup Chu Valley (Trek 5-6 hrs., 10km)

After breakfast, the trek continues deeper into the Himalayan landscape. The trail gradually climbs through steep mountain gullies and rocky terrain until reaching the high Shug La Pass at around 5,250 meters. From here you will descend through boulder fields and mountain streams before reaching the peaceful Tsotup Chu Valley. This beautiful valley is known for its wide grasslands and summer grazing pastures used by local Tibetan herders. Tonight you will camp beside the river in this serene high-altitude environment.

Day 6 Trek to Herders’ Camp (Trek 5-6 hrs, 14km)

Today’s trek follows the Tsotup Chu River through dramatic landscapes toward the high Chitu La Pass at 5,225 meters. After crossing the rocky pass, the trail descends into a scenic basin with several small lakes surrounded by mountains. Continuing along the route, you will reach a seasonal herders’ camp used by nomadic Tibetan families during grazing months. After a short additional hike, you will arrive at a comfortable campsite area where trekkers usually stay overnight.

Day 7 Trek to Samye via Changtang Village and Yamalung Hermitage (Trek 6 hrs., 15km)

This is the final trekking day and one of the most scenic parts of the journey. The trail leads through forests, streams, and beautiful alpine landscapes filled with blooming rhododendrons and grassy meadows. Along the way, you will pass through Changtang Village and reach Yamalung Hermitage, a sacred meditation cave where the great master Padmasambhava is believed to have meditated. After completing the trek, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to Samye Town for an overnight stay.

Day 8 Visit Samye Monastery and Return to Lhasa

In the morning, you will visit Samye Monastery, the first Buddhist monastery ever built in Tibet and an important spiritual landmark. The monastery is designed in a unique mandala layout symbolizing the Buddhist universe and houses important religious artifacts and temples. After exploring the monastery, you will drive back to Lhasa and enjoy the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the city at your own pace.

Day 9 Depart from Lhasa (B)

Today marks the end of your unforgettable Tibet adventure. After breakfast, your guide will assist you with the transfer to the airport or railway station for your onward journey. As you depart from Lhasa, you will carry with you lasting memories of Tibet’s sacred monasteries, breathtaking mountain landscapes, and unique cultural experiences.