Ganden to Samye trekking explores Central and south Tibet including the Yarlung Tsangpo Valley, the cradle  of Tibetan civilization. Additionally it includes a short 5 days trek. Ganden to Samye trekking is a 5 days trek that connects two most important monasteries of Ganden and Samye. It offers fantastic walking, superb scenery, and interaction with Tibetan villagers and highland nomads. It is a fairly demanding trek and crosses two passes over 5000 meters. Participants must be physically strong and in good health. This trip is for those who have limited time to have experience both trekking and sightseeing tour while you are in Lhasa. This trip is one of the best option to take trekking arround Lhasa. And also it completes sightseeing in Tsedang and Lhasa valley.

Itinerary

If you have more time and want to take a slower pace to enjoy the landscapes and culture along the Ganden to Samye Trek, here’s a 12-day itinerary:

Day1: Arrival in Lhasa

  • Arrive in Lhasa and spend the day acclimatizing to the high altitude.
  • Explore Lhasa’s famous sites like the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple.

Day2: Lhasa Sightseeing

  • Continue sightseeing in Lhasa, visiting places like Sera Monastery and Norbulingka Palace.

Day3: Lhasa – Ganden Monastery

  • Drive to Ganden Monastery.
  • Explore the monastery and its surroundings to aid in acclimatization.

Day4: Ganden Monastery – Yama Do

  • Start the trek from Ganden Monastery.
  • Hike to Yama Do campsite.
  • Trekking Time: 5-7 hours

Day5: Yama Do – Tsotup Chu Valley

  • Continue trekking through scenic landscapes.
  • Reach the Tsotup Chu Valley campsite.
  • Trekking Time: 5-6 hours

Day6: Tsotup Chu Valley – Herder’s Camp

  • Trek through meadows and small streams.
  • Camp near a herder’s settlement.
  • Trekking Time: 5-6 hours

Day7: Herder’s Camp – Wango

  • Hike towards Wango.
  • Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.
  • Trekking Time: 4-5 hours

Day8: Wango – Lungsang

  • Trek through lush valleys and meadows.
  • Reach the campsite at Lungsang.
  • Trekking Time: 5-6 hours

Day9: Lungsang – Lhamo La Tso

  • Ascend to Lhamo La Pass (5,150 meters).
  • Descend to the holy Lhamo La Tso Lake.
  • Camp by the lake.
  • Trekking Time: 6-7 hours

Day10: Lhamo La Tso – Jarok Donchen

  • Continue trekking through varied terrain.
  • Camp at Jarok Donchen.
  • Trekking Time: 5-6 hours

Day11: Jarok Donchen – Samye Monastery

  • Trek towards Samye Monastery.
  • Reach the monastery, the endpoint of your trek.
  • Explore Samye Monastery.
  • Trekking Time: 4-5 hours

Day12: Samye Monastery – Samye Village – Departure

  • Visit Samye Monastery in the morning.
  • Walk to Samye Village.
  • Depart from Samye Village to Lhasa or your next destination.

This extended itinerary allows for a more leisurely exploration of the landscapes, monasteries, and cultural sites along the Ganden to Samye Trek. It’s important to remember that altitude acclimatization is crucial for your safety and comfort during the trek. Adjust the itinerary based on your own preferences, pace, and acclimatization needs. Always ensure you have the necessary permits and make arrangements through a reliable tour operator for a successful and enjoyable trekking experience.