11-Day Trekking in Tibet from Ganden to Samye

Join our 11-day trek in Tibet from Ganden to Samye. This journey involves traversing two prominent mountain passes: Shug La Pass, at an elevation of 5,200 meters, and Chitu La Pass, at 5,250 meters, all on foot. The expansive ruins of Ganden are a remarkable sight. They are recognized as one of the travelers' favorite Tibetan monasteries, strategically situated on a cliff within a natural amphitheater. Once the tour buses depart, this location transforms into a truly enchanting setting. 

11 Day Trekking in Tibet from Ganden to Samye

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• Group Price & Size
• 4,580 US dollars Per Person
• Minimum 3 People to Max 8 People
• Single room supplement 600 $ hotels

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Day 1: Tibet Travel Begins

Our adventure in Tibet begins with a warm welcome from a knowledgeable local Tibetan tour guide. Whether you arrive at the Lhasa City airport or train station, your guide will greet you and ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel, conveniently located in the heart of Lhasa at an elevation of 3,600 meters. This area is a treasure trove of cultural experiences where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Barkhor Square. Here, you’ll find bustling markets filled with local crafts, unique souvenirs, and the opportunity to observe everyday life. It’s a perfect setting to start appreciating the rich heritage and warm hospitality. Enjoy every moment of your Tibet Travel journey.

In Lhasa City, travelers can choose from three hotel options: the Gold Star Shambhala Palace, known for its Tibetan home ambiance; the 3-star Kyichu Hotel, featuring a garden restaurant; and the 4-star Shambhala Hotel, which offers an oxygen room. All accommodations include breakfast.

Day 2: Lhasa City Sightseeing 

Day 2 begins with a warm welcome from a knowledgeable local Tibetan tour guide. Whether you arrive at the Lhasa City airport or the train station, your guide will greet you and ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel, conveniently located in the heart of Lhasa. With an elevation of 3,600 meters, it’s important to acclimate gently, so take your time to settle in.

Once you’ve had a chance to rest and adjust, you can begin exploring the enchanting Old Town of Lhasa. This area is a treasure trove of cultural experiences where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Barkhor Square. Here, you’ll find bustling markets filled with local crafts, unique souvenirs, and the opportunity to observe everyday life. It’s a perfect setting to start appreciating the rich heritage and warm hospitality. Enjoy every moment of your Tibet Travel journey.

In Lhasa City, travelers can choose from three hotel options: the Gold Star Shambhala Palace, known for its Tibetan home ambiance; the 3-star Kyichu Hotel, featuring a garden restaurant; and the 4-star Shambhala Hotel, which offers an oxygen room. All accommodations include breakfast.

Day 3: Lhasa City Sightseeing 

Day 3 of the Tibet travel journey begins with a warm pickup from the Tibetan tour guide at the hotel. We will walk to Barkhor Street and visit the Jokhang Temple, where you’ll witness the devotion of thousands of pilgrims who travel vast distances—sometimes over a thousand kilometers on foot—to pay their respects at this sacred site. The temple itself, with its rich history dating back 1,400 years to the 7th century, houses the precious statue of Buddha Shakyamuni at the age of 12, adding to its spiritual and historical allure.

After experiencing the spiritual ambiance of Jokhang and enjoying a lunch break, you will proceed to the magnificent monastery complex of Sera. Renowned for its architectural splendor, Sera has existed for six centuries and is famous for the lively, engaging philosophical debates among the monks. Observing these debates provides a dynamic insight into Buddhist teachings and practices, underscoring the monks’ profound understanding and vibrant intellect. Following our visit to Sera, we shall return to the hotel for rest. You may explore the streets and markets of Lhasa at your leisure. 

In Lhasa City, travelers can choose from three hotel options: the Gold Star Shambhala Palace, known for its Tibetan home ambiance; the 3-star Kyichu Hotel, featuring a garden restaurant; and the 4-star Shambhala Hotel, which offers an oxygen room. All accommodations include breakfast.

Day 4: Lhasa City Sightseeing

We will visit Drepung Monastery, located in the western part of the city. Drepung Monastery is esteemed as one of the largest Buddhist institutions in Tibet, offering a profound array of cultural and spiritual importance. The highlight of our visit will undeniably be the magnificent statue of the future Buddha, a genuinely worthwhile experience. Significantly, the monastery tends to have fewer tourists, rendering it an ideal setting for a tranquil and contemplative visit. En route, we will also visit Nechung Nunnery to observe the largest statue of Guru Padmasambhava in Lhasa. This serene environment offers an excellent opportunity for us to seek blessings for our upcoming trekking adventure the following day. 

After our visit, we will enjoy a half-day of free time to explore the vibrant city at our own pace. This time will allow us to immerse ourselves in the local culture, discover hidden gems, and prepare mentally and physically for the exciting trek that lies ahead. Overall, this day promises to be both enriching and inspiring as we blend spiritual exploration with preparation for our adventure.

In Lhasa City, travelers can choose from three hotel options: the Gold Star Shambhala Palace, known for its Tibetan home ambiance; the 3-star Kyichu Hotel, featuring a garden restaurant; and the 4-star Shambhala Hotel, which offers an oxygen room. All accommodations include breakfast.

Day 5: Ganden Trek To Yama Do

Today, we are embarking on an exciting morning journey of 55 kilometers from Lhasa to the picturesque Ganden Monastery. Ganden Monastery, founded in the 15th century, holds great significance and is renowned as one of the most famous monasteries in Tibet. It attracts visitors with its rich history and stunning architecture.

After taking in the serene atmosphere of Ganden, we will set off on a trek to the lush meadows of Yama Do, located at an elevation of 4,456 meters. This 17-kilometer trek is expected to take approximately 5 to 6 hours, offering ample opportunity to immerse ourselves in the breathtaking landscapes and Tibetan culture along the way. Prepare for an unforgettable adventure that blends history, spirituality, and natural beauty!

Camping with meals 

Day 6: Trek To Tsotup Chu Valley

In the early hours of the morning, we begin our ascent from the serene valley floor, embarking on a journey through a steep gully that emerges sharply from the banks of a meandering stream. As we continue our trek, we face the challenging climb up the formidable Shug La Pass, which towers at an impressive altitude of 5200 meters. This segment of our expedition requires us to navigate through treacherous boulder fields, where each step demands careful consideration and steady footing.

Following this strenuous ascent, we will cross the Tsotup Chu, a large, winding stream that gracefully flows across the valley floor, reflecting the beauty of our surroundings. Finally, as the day winds down, a comfortable camp will be established in one of the lush header fields nearby, providing us with a cozy refuge for the night. This segment of our adventure will take approximately 5 to 6 hours, covering around 10 kilometers and featuring awe-inspiring landscapes and physical challenges that will create lasting memories.

Camping with meals

Day 7: Trek To Herder's Camp

Follow the Tsotup Chu as it gracefully meanders through its tributary, guiding us towards the majestic Chitu La Pass, which stands proudly at an elevation of 5250 meters. Upon reaching the rocky heights of this formidable pass, we will embark on a swift descent, leading us to a stunningly picturesque area where we can set up camp amid the lush fields bordering the gentle stream below.

During our journey, we will leisurely wander through serene herder camps, allowing us to appreciate the local culture and landscape as we make our way to our campsite, a nearly hour-long walk. As the sun begins to set, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, we will conclude another beautiful day of our trek, filled with adventure and breathtaking sights! This segment of our journey will take approximately 5 to 6 hours and cover a distance of 14 kilometers, making it an enriching experience for all involved.

Camping with meals

Day 8: Trek To Yamalung

Throughout the 39-km journey, you’ll trek approximately 15 km, with the remaining 24 km offering a scenic ride in a tour vehicle. The trail becomes more expansive and easier to navigate as we pass through the scrub forests of the Central Valley. Enchanting streams and vibrant forests will surround you during our walk. The next few hours are considered the most captivating segment of our trek. You will be delighted by over 15 species of scrub trees, flowering rhododendrons, and expansive meadows at every turn!

After exploring this stunning landscape, we will continue our hike through the Changtang village. Within an hour, participants can opt for a one-hour hike to the Yamalung Hermitage, an ancient and sacred Buddhist meditation site. Afterward, the driver will pick you up at Yamaling and take you to Samye Monastery for the night. (6 Hours, 39 km)

Overnight at Samye Monastery Hotel (B: Breakfast)

Day 9: Meditation Caves

Today marks the culmination of our remarkable trek from Ganden to Samye, an adventure that has taken us through the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Tibet. We set out on our day trip to the meditation caves of Chimpuk, a site of immense historical and spiritual significance, known as a sanctuary where the first Tibetan Yogis sought enlightenment in the 8th Century.

These mystical caves, nestled in the eastern part of the mountains, not only offer tranquility but also attract those seeking to connect deeply with Yogic traditions that still resonate today. As we prepare for this journey, there’s an undeniable anticipation in the air, knowing that our exploration today will deepen our understanding of Tibetan Buddhism and its remarkable history.

Overnight at Samye Monastery Hotel (B: Breakfast)

Day 10: Samye / Lhasa

Samye Monastery is the first monastery ever constructed in Tibet, with its origins dating back to the 8th Century Guru Padmasambhava. This historical site is not just a spiritual sanctuary; it is an exquisite amalgamation of artistry featuring works from Indian, Chinese, and Tibetan artists. The unique blend of these diverse influences makes Samye Monastery stand out among the numerous monasteries scattered throughout Tibet, resulting in a rich cultural tapestry that draws visitors from all over the world.  

After our inspiring visit to Samye, we completed our trek and made our way back to Lhasa. The journey was filled with breathtaking views, particularly of the majestic Yarlung Tsangpo River. We covered approximately 200 kilometers, and it took us about three hours to reach our destination, leaving ample time to soak up the picturesque landscapes along the way.

In Lhasa City, travelers can choose from three hotel options: the Gold Star Shambhala Palace, known for its Tibetan home ambiance; the 3-star Kyichu Hotel, featuring a garden restaurant; and the 4-star Shambhala Hotel, which offers an oxygen room. All accommodations include breakfast.

Day 11: Tibet Travel Conclusion

Today, we share a bittersweet goodbye! To make the most of your last day, we suggest scheduling your flights or train departures for the late afternoon. This way, you can savor a relaxing morning in Lhasa. It’s an excellent chance to explore the lively local market or take a delightful stroll along charming Baker Street. Spending some time soaking in the city’s rich culture in the morning will genuinely enhance your travel experience.

As you prepare for your journey home, please arrive at the airport or train station at least two hours before your scheduled departure. This little bit of extra time will make check-in a breeze! We sincerely hope you enjoy every moment of your Tibet travel adventure. Thank you once again for traveling with us, and we wish you a safe and joyful journey back home!