98510 22507 (Mahendra)
About Tibet Tour with Ganden-Samye Trek
To undertake the Ganden to Samye trek in Tibet, first we fly to Lhasa from the mainland China or Kathmandu/Nepal and follow major sightseeing program for 2 full days. By that 3 full days stay in Lhasa may offer a good rest and acclimatization. Then, on the 3rd day, we proceed to Ganden Monastery and rest and acclimatize there with an exploration of Ganden Monastery for the whole day. From the 5th day, we start our trek from Ganden to Samye for 4 days.
For the trek lovers who do not have much time, but are keen in undertaking a shor
t trek in Tibet, Ganden to Samye trek offers the 4-day short and sweet hike. This is one of the most popular trekking routes in Tibet connecting two of Tibet’s most important monasteries Ganden & Samye. The trek begins from the Ganden Monastery and ends at Samye Monastery crossing over 2 high passes of Shug-La (5,250 m) and Chitu-La (5,100 m).
Although the trekking area is so close from Lhasa, it is so pristine that the route passes through the beautiful holy lakes with blue water, high mountains with snowy passes and lush green alpine meadows. Your sporadic encounter with the nomads with herds of their yaks and sheep impels you to wonder what a life the Tibetan nomads are living in this present day world. No internet, no connection with rest of the world, and no worries and no tension about the future! Their happiness is incomparable!
While continuing your solitary walk for a long time, sometimes the tranquil villages with playful children around and men & women in the traditional Tibetan costumes make you feel yourself that you are never alone even in such a remote area.
Besides its trekking charm, this route is also a century old pilgrimage trail for the Tibetans which combines Ganden Monastery (home of Gelugpa sect) and Samye Monastery (home of Nyigmapa sect) especially in those days when motor transport facility was not available.
Your last day downhill walk enters a desert-like landscape in your final approach to Samye Monastery. Believe us, if you are a true trek lover and can spare some days, this trekking route is always recommendable.
Before you undertake this trek, kindly familiarize with some the important information about this trekking route. There is no doubt that it is a very beautiful trek. But, some people underestimate the trek and face much difficulty in completing the trek. The average total walking time of this trek is 4 to 5 days; but strong people can complete it in 3½ days. The best time for trekking in this region is from late April to mid-October. Snow is a possibility any time of the year. So, the knitted gloves, a wool cap and a good rain gear are the recommended equipments even in summer.
Although it is a 4-day short trek, please be reminded that it starts from the height of 4,100 m of Ganden Monastery and passes through the high pass of Shogu-La (5,250 m) and Chitu-La (5,100 m) and ends at Samye Monastery at a height of 3,550 m. In other words, please make sure that only the experienced trekkers with full camping support must attempt this trek as we gain much altitude beyond expectation and sadly, there are no tea houses and medical facilities at all en route.
Trip Highlights
- An hour long trans-Himalayan flight exposing you to the mighty Himalayan range including Mt Everest, the highest peak of the world
- Half day visit to the majestic Potala Palace of 13 floors with more than 1,000 rooms and 10,000 steps where one can enjoy the photo session wearing the Tibetan costumes on its top floor with the impressive view of the Lhasa city on its back drop.
- Half day visit to the Drepung Monastery located to the north west of Lhasa city on the foothill
- Half day visit to Jokhang Temple (central Buddhist cathedral) in the middle of the Lhasa city at Barkhor Bazaar
- Evening private exploration of the Barkhor Bazaar (downtown bazaar) with the hustles and bustles featuring the locals and people from around Tibet in their ethnic costumes,
- Eating out in the Barkhor Bazaar is enjoyable with choices of restaurants and food varieties.
- Half day visit to Sera Monastery, another equally fabulous monastic centre where one can witness live debate among the competing monks from the various monasteries of Tibet every afternoon.
- On the 4th day, scenic drive to Ganden Monastery to start your beautiful 4-day trek to Samye Monastery
- A half day exploration of Samye Monastery in mandala shape beautifully located on the isolated bank of the Brahmaputra river
- Full exploration of the Yarlung Valley civilization with a visit to Yumbulakhang, Thandruk Monastery and Tombs of the Ancients Tibetan Kings (Chongye)
