9 Days Ganden to Samye Trek (Ancient Pilgrimage Trail to the Cradle of Tibetan Civilization)

Upon your arrival in Lhasa (3,650m), our Tibetan guide will welcome you at the airport or train station with a traditional white Hada.

You'll then be escorted to your hotel in Lhasa. Our guide will give you a brief overview of the itinerary and provide helpful tips for adjusting to the altitude. Once you've checked in, take some time to rest and allow your body to acclimate to the high altitude.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

Insider Tips:
For the newcomers to Tibet, it's important to allow enough time to acclimatize to the high altitude. Having a good sleep in your hotel is a good option. Do not rush to visit attractions inside Lhasa city.

• Tibetan tour guide greets you at Lhasa Airport.
• Lhasa River

In the morning, you’ll explore the largest monastery in Tibet - Drepung Monastery, which was once the home to over 10,000 monks. As you walk through the Coqen Hall, your guide will provide detailed explanations of the worldview of Tibetan Buddhism and introduce notable figures in Tibetan Buddhist history.

Next, you’ll visit the renowned Loseling College (or an equivalent), offering a glimpse into the study and life of Tibetan monks. Explore their dormitories to gain insights into the Tibetan monks' daily routines and living conditions.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit Sera Monastery, which is another one of the “great three” Gelug monasteries of Tibet. The highlight is the monks' debate, held from around 3 to 5 in the afternoon, Monday to Saturday. In addition, you can tour the Tibetan religious scripture printing house. Inside the monastery, you‘ll also get the chance to see three sand Mandalas and a colorful Rock Painting of Buddha.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• Drepung Monastery, one of the Great Three Gelug monasteries of Tibet
• Monk Debate is a highlight of Sera Monastery

After breakfast, your first stop is the Potala Palace, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Lhasa Old Town. Discover the lives and stories of the Dalai Lamas through history within the palace, and the extraordinary treasures it holds. The most valuable collections of Potala Palace are the gilded burial stupas of former Dalai Lamas and the meditation cave of the 33rd great king of Tibet.

After touring the Potala Palace, you will visit Longwangtan Park at the foot of the Potala Palace. Here, you can appreciate the majestic Potala Palace from a different perspective and engage in local Tibetan folk activities.

In the afternoon, you will head to the heart of Tibetan religion - the Jokhang Temple. Inside, you can see the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni at the age of twelve. Outside, you can see pilgrims making prostrations in front of Jokhang Temple. Around the temple is Barkhor Street, where you can do kora (a religious circle of a building or mountain) with pilgrims and locals, and explore the old market.

Next, follow your guide to one of the liveliest indoor Tibetan tea houses in Lhasa. Sip traditional Tibetan sweet tea alongside local Tibetans as your guide shares insights into Tibetan social dynamics and daily life.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• Potala Palace is always the No.1 attraction for travelers visiting Tibet.
• A Tibetan pilgrim is worshipping Jokhang Temple

In the morning, you’ll take a drive from downtown Lhasa to Ganden Monastery, the oldest Yellow Sect monastery in Tibet. Perched atop the mountain, its impressive architecture offers breathtaking panoramic views.

After visiting Ganden Monastery, you’ll continue the journey to Tsubshi Village, where the trek starts. You can hire a porter and yaks to carry your luggage in the village.

Then, you’ll start the trek, following a path through valleys until you reach Yama-do Village.

Camping in Yama-do Village.

• A shot of Ganden monastery from a plane
• A close look at Ganden monastery

After breakfast, you’ll leave the valley floor and make your way through a steep gully rising from the stream bank.

Next, you’ll cross the Shug La Pass (5,250m) and trek through a boulder field.

Later, you’ll ford Tsotup Chu, a wide stream winding through the valley floor. Nearby is a large summer pasture where local herders traditionally camp. It is the ideal spot for your stay tonight.

Camping in Tsotup Chu Valley.

• A trekking around Ganden Monastery
• Having a rest along Tsotup Chu

Following breakfast, you’ll follow the Tsotup Chu down through its tributary and head towards the Chitu La Pass (5,225m).

After ascending this rocky mountain pass, you’ll quickly descend and reach a basin with three small lakes.

Then, you’ll keep hiking for about an hour and arrive at the seasonal herders’ camp. From the herder’s camp, you’ll continue another 20-minute hike until you reach a comfortable campsite area for trekkers.

Camping near the Herders’ Camp.

• Heading towards the Chitu La pass
• Putting up a cozy tent next to herder camps

In the morning, you’ll start the final section of the trek, which is about 15 km from the herders’ camp to Yamalung Hermitage.

First, you’ll trek through scrub forests in the main valley. As the trail gets wider, it is easier for today’s trek. You’ll pass through beautiful streams and lush forests.

The next few hours are arguably the most beautiful part of your trek. You’ll be amazed by over 15 types of scrub trees, blooming rhododendrons, and vast meadows along the way.

After passing through these wondrous landscapes, you’ll trek through the Changtang Village. On a high cliff above the valley is the Yemalung Hermitage. It is where the master Padmasambhava is said to have meditated.

If you would like to visit the hermitage, you’ll take another 45-minute hike up to the hermitage from the campsite.

Your driver will pick you up at the campsite and pick you up to drive about 24 km to Samye Town. Stay overnight in Samye.

• Passing through the Changtang village
• Scenery along the hike to the Yamalung Hermitage

After breakfast, you’ll visit Samye Monastery, the first temple built in Tibet. It is also the first to contain the three Buddhist jewels of Buddha, Dharm, and Sangha. With these unique features, this splendid temple has become an attraction for visitors from near and far. 

Then, you’ll take a drive back to Lhasa. Enjoy the rest of the day as you like.

Stay overnight in Lhasa.

• Samye Monastery, the first Buddhsit monastery in Tibet
• Pilgrim worships Samye Monastery

Today marks the end of your Tibet tour.

Please make sure to verify your departure flight/train details with our guide in advance. And your guide will take you to the airport or train station.

Thank you for choosing Tibet Vista, and we extend a warm welcome for your return to Tibet in the future.

• Big farewell to Lhasa, and may you have a safe and pleasant journey back home!
• Your guide will escort you to Lhasa Railway Station if you depart Tibet by train.