Ganden to Samye Trekking

Ganden to Samye Trekking

Ganden to Samye Tibet trekking route is regarded as one of the best hikes in the world. It is a fulfilling and pleasant pilgrimage trip with much to offer, an overview of Tibetan Buddhism and religious culture, blue holy lakes, high snowy passes and mountains, lush alpine meadows, sporadic herders’ camp, tranquil Tibetan villages, time-honored sacred sites, finally culminating at the barren, desert-like surroundings near the Samye Monastery. If you travel to Tibet, we highly recommend you to try this trek, which will make your Tibet tour more interesting.

Along the high passes, you will find secluded valleys — only inhabited by high-altitude nomads and their yaks. This is also a well-used pilgrimage route for Tibetans for it is convenient to combine a visit to Ganden (the principal monastery of the Gelugpa) with a reasonably direct but hard walk to Samye (Tibet's first monastery).

Though it is an attractive route, do not underestimate the trek. Starting at 4180m (13,940 feet) at Ganden Monastery, passing Shogu-La Pass at 5250m (17,224ft) and heading toward the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet, Samye Monastery 3540m (11,600ft), the trek is a challenge and the altitude gains are higher than what is often recommended. Only those with experience hiking and camping in higher-elevation wildernesses should attempt this trek unsupported. If you’re coming straight from Lhasa, you should spend at least one night at Ganden Monastery to acclimatize.

 

Ganden Samye TrekkingDay 01 Flight Chengdu-Lhasa
In the early morning transfer to airport and fly to Tibet, upon arrival at Gonggar Airport, pick up and transfer to Lhasa(3650 m) with about 1 1/2 hours’ driving (100km), in the afternoon rest and acclimatize. 3N in 3* Hotel

Day 02 Lhasa: In the morning visit Potala, which was originally constructed in 637 by Songtsen Gampo, the first king of the united Tibet, and later expanded and served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas as well as the religious-political nexus of traditional Tibet. In the afternoon visit Jokhang temple, the center of Tibetan Buddhism and the sacred land of Buddhist followers where innumerable pilgrims come for worship everyday. The temple, built in 647, is the earliest wood-and-masonry structure still existing in Tibet. Surrounding the Jokhang Temple is the bustling Barkhor Market place which is the religious and social focus of Lhasa.

Day 03 Lhasa
In the morning visit Drepung monastery the sacred land of Gelukpa sect., which was created in 1416 and the second, third and fourth Dalai Lama once resided in. In the afternoon visit Sera monastery, which was created in 1419 and has always been an important Buddhist seminary. As roses are planted everywhere in the monastery, it is also called “the court of wild rose”. Today still 200 llamas live there.

Day 04: Flight Lhasa- Gandan(B/L/D)
Drive to Gandan monastery,45 km from Lhasa. Gandanwas founded in 1409 by Tsongkapa, Gandan was the first and foremost Gelukpamonastery, constructed by Tsongkhapa himself.1N in Guesthouse

Day 05: Ganden - Samye Trekking, Camping(B/L/D)

Day 06: Ganden - Samye Trekking, Camping(B/L/D)

Day 07: Ganden - Samye Trekking, Camping(B/L/D)

Day 08: Ganden - Samye Trekking, Camping(B/L/D)

Day 09: Arrival at Samyemonastery - Tsedang(B/L)
Visit Samye monastery, thendrive to Tsedang, in the afternoon visit Yongbulahlang Palace.

Day 10 Flight Tsedang -Chengdu
In the early morning transfer to airport and fly back to Chengdu