Garden Samye trekking

Ganden to Samye monastery is one of the most well known and popular rutes in Utsang region Tibet. While you trek through , you will pass beautiful lakes, forest and meadows, as welll as two of the biggest monastery in Tibet. You will be acompany by our guide, cook and we will have yaks to carry our camping gears.

Trekking Route; Ganden monastery- Yama Do- Chitul Gang- Herders Camp- Samye monastery.

Day 1 : Arrive Lhasa

Pick up from the airport/ train station and drop to the hotel and rest for the day in the hotel. During meal time meet the organizers.

Day 2 : Lhasa City sightseeing, visit Drepung, Sera Monasteries

In the morning we visit Drepung monastery and afternoon visit Sera monastery. Both monasteries are Gelugpa sect, Drepung monastery was once the world largest monastery in the history with 10,000 monks from all over Tibet’s different monasteries. One of the most famous Buddhism philosophical debate center in Tibet (Sera monastery) where you will see many monks debating in the afternoons.

Day 3 : Lhasa sightseeing, visit Potola Palace & Jokhang Temple

Jokhang temple is the most scared shrine in Tibet which was built in 7th century and located at the heart of old town in Lhasa, the circuit around it called Barkhor street, which is a good place to purchase souvenirs. Potala Palace,worldwide known cardinal landmark of Tibet and residence of the Dalai Lama lineages (reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara)

Day 4 : Ganden Monastery [4,500m] (60km, 2hrs drive

In the morning we drive about 60 km eastwards to Ganden Monastery, which ranks the first among the six largest monasteries of Gelugpa. In addition to its magnificent architecture and religious importance, there is a extremely fabulous view on top of the Ganden Wangpo Hill, and Kichu valley is behind Ganden monastery, it is strongly suggested to hiking around the monastery and take a bird's-eye view of the valley. Today you will spend time at Ganden to acclimatize further, you guide will prepare for the trekking in the afternoon. Stay overnight at Ganden monastery guesthouse or camping at nearby villages.

Day 5: Ganden / Hepu / Yama Do, trekking 5-6 hours, 17km

The first day of trekking begins at the highest point of the Ganden Kora. From here we walk along a saddle trail. After leaving these trails with wondrous views traverse the west side of the ridge before passing through an ancient Hepu village. Later in the day pass through Ani Pagong, a narrow bottleneck in the trail and former site of a nunnery. You will end the day with an ascent towards Yama Do, a few nomads families used to dwel their tents in this area for whole summer time, set up camp. o/n camping

Day 6: Yama Do / Tsotup Chu Valley / Chitul Gang, trekking 5-7hours, 10km

In the morning leave the valley and make our way through a steep gully rising form the stream bank. Finally, we climb over the Shug La [5,250m] and begin our climb down through treacherous boulder fields. Later, we cross Tsotup Chu, a large stream winding through the valley floor. Notice that the Tibetan mastiffs of the namad family on the other shore of the river is little aggressive. A comfortable camp will be set up in one of the many herder fields. camping.

Day 7: Chitul Gang / Herders' Camps, trekking 5 hours, 14km

Today follow the Tsotup Chu down through its tributary and head towards the Chitu La pass [5100m], then trek through the rocks along a beautiful lake just after the pass. After ascending this rocky part quickly descend down through several twisted curves in the valley, and encounters some nomads settlements within the valley, find a beautiful place to camp in one of the fields surrounding the stream. camping.

Day 8:Herders' Camps / Yarmalung / Samye Monastery / Tsedang [3,515m] , 4-5 hours trekking

The trail gets wider and easier as we go through scrub forests in the main valley where beautiful streams and lush forests surrounded. However, the desert is close by. The next few hours are arguably the most delightful part of the entire trek. More than 15 types of scrub trees, blooming rhododendrons, and vast meadow will amaze you every step of the way. After passing through the wondrous landscape, we will arrive at the first permanent village Changtang since Hepu. From Changtang walking another 1.5 hour to Yarmalung Heritage, where you can take a tractor or your land cruiser will pick you up to Samye Monastery. After visiting Samye Monastery, drive to Tsedang along Yarlung Tsangpo River for overnight.

Day 9:Tsedang [3,515m]

Tsedang is the ancient capital of Tibet prior to Lhasa and fertile valley of Yarlung is the cradle of Tibetan civilization. In the morning you will visit Yumbulakang Palace, the first palace in Tibet. Afternoon visit the cave inside of Gongburi Mountain, it is told that this cave was the living place of Tibetan ancestors.Overnight at Tsedang.