Embark on the mesmerizing Ganden Samye Group trekking adventure, designed for solo adventurers seeking a remarkable journey through the stunning landscapes of Tibet. By joining this tour, you can share the exhilarating experience with fellow travelers, while keeping the costs affordable. Brace yourself for a captivating expedition that unveils a tapestry of wonders, from serene lakes to breathtaking alpine vistas, traditional herders’ camps, and sacred sites. It’s no wonder that this trekking route has gained immense popularity among explorers.
For the ultimate experience, plan your adventure between mid-May and mid-October, when nature adorns the surroundings with vibrant hues. Although the summer months may bring occasional showers, the lush alpine meadows come alive with a dazzling display of wildflowers.
This ten-day trekking tour offers an unforgettable odyssey. However, we highly recommend that you indulge in the enchanting destinations of Shigatse or the Mount Everest Basecamp prior to this adventure, ensuring proper acclimatization for your utmost comfort and safety.
Embarking from the renowned Ganden monastery in Lhasa, your journey will culminate at the revered Samye monastery, another significant bastion of Buddhist heritage. Prepare to immerse yourself in a realm of spiritual serenity and awe-inspiring beauty as you traverse this extraordinary path.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa
Elevation: 3,656m
Upon your arrival at the Lhasa Airport or train station, our team will warmly welcome you. We will then accompany you to your hotel, where it is advisable to take ample rest for proper acclimatization. During this time, we recommend avoiding activities that may cause dehydration, such as taking a bath, and refrain from engaging in strenuous work. Many travelers prefer to take a short nap. In the evening, we will meet you at the hotel to discuss the itinerary and other details. If time permits, we can enjoy a delightful dinner at a Tibetan restaurant.
Day 2: Lhasa Guided Tour
Highlights: Jokhang Temple and Sera Monastery
After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel. Our first destination is the revered Jokhang Temple, the holiest temple in Tibetan Buddhism. Since your hotel is situated in the Tibetan quarter of Lhasa city, we will embark on a leisurely walk to the temple. After exploring the temple, you will have a couple of hours to independently explore the charming Old Lhasa city.
In the afternoon, we will visit the well-preserved Sera Monastery, known for its vibrant monastic life. Here, you can witness the captivating debates among the monks on Buddhist philosophy in the monastery's courtyard. If you wish, your guide can provide you with some free time to immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings of the monastery.
Day 3: Lhasa Guided Tour
Highlights: Potala Palace and Drepung Monastery
In the morning, we will embark on a visit to the magnificent Potala Palace, an iconic landmark of Tibet and a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture. Originally built in the 7th century and expanded in the 17th century, this grand palace served as the residence of the Dalai Lama and the seat of Tibetan government. The ascent up the long stairs may be challenging, but the experience of exploring the spiritual palace of the God of Compassion is truly rewarding. After the visit, we will descend from the backside of the palace.
In the afternoon, we will explore the renowned Drepung Monastery, which was once the world's largest monastery and the residence of the Dalai Lama before the construction of the Potala Palace. The monastery's winding lanes will lead us through the monks' living quarters, offering a thrilling glimpse into their daily lives.
Day 4: Drive from Lhasa to Ganden Monastery and Trubshi Village
Highlights: Ganden Monastery and Trubshi Village
We will start the day with a scenic drive to the Ganden Monastery, perched on a mountain overlooking a picturesque valley. The zigzag road will lead us to this renowned monastery, which is the principal monastery of the Gelugpa sect, also known as the Yellow Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Founded by Je Tsongkhapa in 1409, the monastery's main assembly hall is a prime attraction, showcasing Tsongkhapa's golden throne and the Golden Tomb Stupa.
Apart from the monastery, Ganden is also famous for a delightful hike around the monastery hill known as the Kora Path. This one-hour hike will reward you with panoramic views of the beautiful Lhasa Kyichu River valley, where the river meanders toward Lhasa city. Additionally, you can explore the sky burial site located on the northwest side of the hillafter the hike.
Afterward, we will descend to Trubshi Village, where we will set up our camp for the night.
Day 5: Trek from Trubshi (3952m) to Hepu (4240m) and Yama Do (4490m)
Distance: 5.1km, Duration: 4 hours, Ascent: 537m
We will load our supplies onto yaks and begin our trek towards Yama Do, our campsite for the day. The trail will lead us to Hepu village, a picturesque village with around 30 houses. At the edge of the village, you will find a red and yellow masonry structure, which is the shrine of Hepu's Yul Lha, the local protecting deity known as the Divine White Yak. From Hepu, the trail ascends towards the Shuga pass, a three-and-a-half-hour hike away. Along the way, you will encounter diverse wildflowers adorning the surroundings. Ani Pagong, a small nunnery located above the trail, is worth a visit. After a steady uphill climb for an hour through marshy meadows, we will reach Yama Do, where we will set up our camp and spend the night.
Day 6: Trek from Yama Do (4490m) to Shuga La Pass (5250m) and Tsotup Chu (4980m)
Distance: 10km, Duration: 5-7 hours, Ascent: 1000m, Descent: 450m
Today is the most challenging day of the trek as we cross the highest point at Shuga La Pass. The trail follows the left side of the valley, leading us to the basin of the pass. At the top of Shuga La Pass, marked by prayer flags and yak skulls, we can enjoy breathtaking views of the downstream valley. The descent from the pass is steep and narrow, but the mesmerizing scenery makes it worthwhile. We will cross the Chitul Gang and pass by local nomad herders' dwellings before reaching our campsite near Tsotup Chu. Be prepared to cross the river, and we recommend wearing hiking sandals for this part of the journey. Our campsite awaits us after a half-hour walk beyond the river.
Day 7: Trek from Tsotup Chu (4980m) to Chitul La (5210m) and Herder's Camp
Distance: 14km, Duration: 5 hours, Ascent: 300m, Descent: 400m
Today's trek offers remarkable views, starting with the ascent to Palang Tsodue Lake, a 30-minute steep climb to a small hill. A gentle trek through the valley leads us to Chitul La, the highest point of the day. From the basin, we will take the right side of the valley and then climb up the pass. Along the way, we will encounter three small lakes and pass by cairns before reaching a herder's campsite. Continuing for another hour through a scrub willow and rosebush forest, we will reach a larger campsite where numerous herders' tents are set up near the junction of the side valley coming from Gampa Pass. After crossing the stream at an elevation of 4,497m, we will spend the night at the campsite.
Day 8: Trek from Herder's Camp (4460m) to Yamalung Hermitage and Drive to Samye Monastery (3630m)
Distance: 39km, Duration: 10 hours, Descent: 1200m
Our final day involves a long but relatively easier trek. We will traverse the thickening scrub forest for about an hour until wereach the Diwaka Bridge at an elevation of 4,380m. From there, we will take the right side of the valley, leading us through the thickest and tallest scrub forest. This area provides a perfect resting spot as we transition into the desert-like conditions ahead. The locals say that woodcutters used to find 15 different kinds of woods, including juniper trees, in this area. After walking for about an hour and a half, we will cross the Gen Do shrine, dedicated to the protector of the area known as goddess Droji Yudrukma.
Continuing our journey, we will cross the Changtang, a desert area, and pass by the Yamalung Hermitage. This sacred site holds numerous meditation caves that were once used by Dalai Lamas and other revered figures. After walking for six hours, we will reach the village of Sangbu, where the Hepo hill next to Samye Monastery becomes visible in the distance.
Overnight stay in a monastery hotel at Samye Monastery.
Day 9: Drive from Samye Monastery to Tsedang
Distance: 48km, Elevation: 3,568m
In the morning, we will explore the renowned Samye Monastery. As the first monastery in Tibet, it holds more than 1,200 years of history. Its unique mandala-shaped design sets it apart. Located 50km west of Tsetang, the Samye Monastery is an iconic destination that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Tibet. After the visit, we will embark on a drive back to Tsedang, where our memorable trekking adventure concludes.
Note: The itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions, the group's pace, and other factors. Our experienced guides will ensure the best possible experience while prioritizing safety and enjoyment throughout the journey.
Conclusion: Ganden Samye Group Trekking Adventure
The Ganden Samye Group Trekking adventure is an ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers seeking to share the tour cost with fellow explorers. However, it is important to note that joining a group tour is not mandatory for all international visitors to Tibet. According to Tibet travel regulations, you have the flexibility to travel to Tibet with an organized tour. If you prefer a more personalized experience, you can opt for a private tour arrangement. To organize your tour, you will need to hire a local Tibetan tour guide, arrange for a private vehicle, and obtain a Tibet travel permit through a reputable local travel agency in Tibet.
We understand the significance of adhering to English as the primary language for communication during your Tibet adventure. Our knowledgeable guides and travel agency staff will ensure clear and effective communication throughout your journey, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty and cultural richness of Tibet.
Responsible Tourism of Ganden Samye Group Trekking Adventure
At our core, we are a Tibetan-owned and Tibetan-staffed company, dedicated to promoting responsible tourism practices throughout our operations. We believe in supporting the local community and preserving the unique cultural heritage and natural environment of Tibet. Here's how we prioritize responsible tourism on this tour:
- Local Tibetan Guides and Drivers: We take pride in employing local Tibetans as guides and drivers. Our team members have extensive knowledge of the region, its history, and its traditions. By engaging local professionals, we ensure authentic experiences while supporting the local economy and providing employment opportunities to Tibetans.
- Support for Tibetan-Owned Businesses: As part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we prioritize collaborating with Tibetan-owned businesses. During this tour, all the hotels we have selected for your stay in Tibet are locally-owned establishments. By choosing these accommodations, we contribute to the economic growth and sustainability of the local community.
- Culture Preservation: Preserving the rich cultural heritage of Tibet is of utmost importance to us. We strive to create meaningful interactions with local communities, fostering respect for their traditions and ways of life. Through immersive experiences at monasteries, temples, and cultural sites, we promote cultural understanding while encouraging responsible visitor behavior that respects local customs and sensitivities.
- Environmental Protection: We recognize the significance of protecting Tibet's pristine environment. When we are not organizing journeys, we actively engage in eco-tourism and conservation projects in collaboration with local Tibetans. We encourage responsible practices such as minimizing waste generation, conserving water and energy, and respecting the fragile ecosystems we encounter during the tour.
By choosing to travel with us, you are actively contributing to responsible tourism initiatives that empower the local Tibetan community, preserve their cultural heritage, and safeguard the natural wonders of Tibet. Together, we can make a positive impact on the region while creating unforgettable experiences for you as a responsible traveler.
