Ganden to Samye Trek – 11 Days
14 days
Age 12+
Sep, Oct, Nov
Availability 50
Trip Code:
HSTGANDEN
Country:
Tibet
Duration:
11 Days
Trip Level:
Strenuous Treks at this level are considered challenging, the altitude reached is between 3500m to 5600m. There will be several nights rest at above 4000m of altitude. You must have a decent level of fitness in order to embark on this trek.
Max Altitude:
5,220 m /17,125 ft
Activity:
Sightseeing and High Altitude Trekking
Starts at:
Lhasa
Ends at:
Lhasa
Trip Route:
Lhasa - Ganden - Hebu Valley – Shogarla - Gambala – Molong - Samye - Tsedang - Lhasa
Best Season:
April, May, June, July, August, September & October
Trip Highlights
- Visit the ancient Lhasa – the capital city of Tibet.
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Drepung and Sera monasteries.
- Visit and admire the Ganden Monastery, one of the greatest monasteries of Tibet.
- Explore the most crowded area of Lhasa – Barkhor Market.
- Discover the Tibetan realm of ancient monasteries and old shrines.
- Admire the Tibetan architecture and art and look closer to a millenary culture and its traditions.
Trip Information
Ganden to Samye Trek is a thrilling itinerary that combines harmoniously a trekking route with ancient cultural spots like the city of Lhasa, Ganden and Samye. This is an easy, accessible and comfortable trek. Is is considered one of the best treks in the world as it mixes a terrific natural scenery with a detailed overview of the Tibetan Buddhism and local culture.
The trek starts with a tour of Lhasa and its popular attractions Potala Palace – listed UNESCO World Heritage Monument, Jokhang temple, monasteries of Sera and Drepung, Barkhor market.
While on this trail you get excellent exposure to the mysterious Tibetan culture and art, traditional crafts and astonishing architecture.
Even if this is a mild trek, do not underestimate it, after Lhasa the next stop is Ganden Monastery positioned at 4,180 m altitude, after that it crosses Shogu-La Pass at 5,250 m and heads towards the famous Samye Monastery 3,540 m, the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet.
Ganden Monastery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery is one of the most ancient. Located on the banks of Lhasa River, inside Wangbur Mountain, it was founded back in the 15th century by a religious philosopher called Tsong Khapa. Ganden Monastery is popular for the Buddha Painting Unfolding Festival and is one of the ‘Three Great Temples’ of Tibet. It has a significant importance as religious, cultural and artistic center.
Around here you will be welcomed by turquoise sparkling holy lakes, majestic mountains peaks, high level passes, verdant alpine meadows, small secluded Tibetan villages, yak herds, ancestral sacred sites and barren landscape in the neighborhood of Samye Monastery.
Ganden to Samye Trek is also a commonly used route for pilgrimage by Tibetans, as it combines the visits to two important monasteries Ganden and Samye and offers the visitor interesting insights of the Tibetan Buddhists religious life.
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive Lhasa
- Day 2,3,4: Lhasa – Sightseeing
- Day 5: Drive to Ganden & trek to Hebu Valley
- Day 6: Hebu Valley – Shogarla pass (Trek)
- Day 7: Shogarla pass – Gambala (Trek)
- Day 8: Gambala – Molong (Trek)
- Day 9: Molong – Samye (Trek) & drive to Tsedang
- Day 10: In Tsedang
- Day 11: Trip concludes & drive to Goggar Airport
Day 01 - Landing in Lhasa
You will be received at the Gonggar airport by a Himalayan Steps representative and driven to your hotel. This is a rest day to acclimatize to the high altitude.
Accomodation in hotel without meals.
Day 2, 3, 4 - Visit and enjoy Lhasa
Lhasa has many things to offer to an interested tourist. So, you have three days at your disposal to visit its landmarks, in your own rhythm. The famous landmark of Tibet Potala Palace waits for you, together with the 7th century Jokhang Temple, Drepung and Sera monasteries, Norbulingka palace or Barkhor Market.
Accomodation in hotel with breakfast.
Day 5 - Drive to reach Ganden a short trek to see the Hebu Valley
Today you will be driven to Ganden to see the third of the greatest monasteries of Tibet, Ganden Monastery, built in the 15th century, destroyed during the 20th century and partially rebuilt. Follows a trek inside the heart of the Tibetan region – Hebu Valley.
Accommodation in camping. Snacks included.
Day 6 - Trek towards Shogarla pass
Admire the Tibetan plateau and its metamorphosis during sunset, on your route to Shogarla pass.
Accommodation in camping. Snacks included.
Day 7 - Hike from Shogarla pass to Gambala
Today you will explore the area between Shgarla pass and Gambala. Do not miss the riverside from your explorations.
Accommodation in camping. Snacks included.
Day 8 - Trekking route from Gambala to Molong
A trek long of about 7 hours will cover the distance between Molong and Gambala.
Accommodation in camping. Snacks included.
Day 9 - Trek from Molong to arrive in Samye followed by drive to Tsedang
You leave from Molong to reach Samya and visit one of the largest and most popular Tibetan monasteries Samye Monastery. After your visit at the monastery you will be driven to Tsedang.
Accommodation in hotel. Breakfast included.
Day 10 - Explore Tsedang
Tsedang is an interesting location, explore it at your own pace and do not miss Tandruk monastery.
Accommodation in hotel. Breakfast included.
Day 11 - Departure day
Your tour reached its end and today you will be transferred to the Gonggar Airport for your international flight.
Accommodation in hotel. Breakfast included.
Price Includes:
- Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop off service by a private tourist vehicle.
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Accommodation on Hotel/Guest House and tent Camp as per the itinerary.
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Transportation by 4WD Land crusier.
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All Sightseeing and entrance fee as per the itinerary.
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All Necessary Travel and Trekking Permit.
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All trekking Equipment in including mattress and tent.
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One Small Supporting Truck to bring logistic support + foods. (Above 03 Pax)
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Yak and Yak man during the Trek to bring Luggage and food.
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Daily Breakfast during stay in Hotel and full board (B/L/D) Basis during stay in Tent Camp.
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Necessary Government taxes and Service charge.
Price Does not Include:
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Lunch and Dinner during stay in Hotel/Guest House.
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Sleeping bag and Down jacket (Good Quality thick one)
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Laundry,Telephone call and hot water Bottle
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Personal expenses.
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Tips for Guide, Driver and Sherpa Staffs.
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Travel expenses.
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Gyammow Bag (Pressure Bag)
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Medical fee if in case of emergency.
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Hiring porter or Horse.
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Rescue and Evacuation Service
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Any Additional cost due to Natural calamity and Unforeseen Circumstances and etc.
The information below has been created so that you can use this as a guide in understanding the necessary equipment, clothing, gear, medicines and miscellaneous items required for this trekking tour. This list is of a general nature and you may decide to add or remove some of these items, please make sure that you have enough clothing to maximize your comfortability whilst on the trek.
We will provide you with a porter and a duffel bag to support and carry your heavier belongings however we do recommend that you also bring your own daypack to carry your money, personal items and any important documents.
General
- 4-season sleeping bag
- Duffel bag
- Daypack
- Down jacket
Upper Body – Head / Ears / Eyes
- Sun hat
- Wool or synthetic hat that cover the ears
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Headlamp
- Neck warmer
Hand
- Liner gloves
- Heavier shell gloves
Core Body
- T-shirts (2)
- Lightweight expedition thermal tops
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Water/windproof shell jacket (Preferably breathable fabric)
- Synthetic sports bras (for women)
Lower Body – Legs
- Lightweight expedition thermal bottoms
- Nylon hiking shorts
- Soft shell and hard shell trekking pants
- Water/windproof trousers
- Casual pants
Feet
- Liner socks
- Heavyweight socks
- Waterproof hiking/trekking boots
- Light shoes/sneakers
- Gaiters (For monsoon and winter)
Medicines and First Aid Kits
(Important: Our guide will already have a first aid kit which they bring with them however we also recommend that you bring some of these medicines with you in your daypack too.)
- Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude related headaches
- Ibuprofen for general aches and pains
- Immodium or Pepto bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea
- Diamox (commonly prescribed as Acetazolamide) 125 or 250mg tablets for altitude sickness
- Anti-infection ointments
- Band-aids
- Lip balm (At least SPF 20)
- Sunscreen (SPF 40)
Miscellaneous, but Important !
- Passport and extra passport photos (3 copies)
- Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport
- Water bottle/bladder
- Water purification Iodine tablets
- Toiletry kit (Be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap, etc.)
Optional
- Adjustable trekking poles
- Favorite snack foods (No more than 2 pounds)
- Paperback books, cards, mp3 player
- Binoculars
- Cameras (Memory cards, chargers and also batteries)
- Pee bottle for men and pee funnel for woman
Helpful Tip: For the majority of these items, clothing and equipment there are numerous different brands to choose from, we recommend that you buy most of these when you fly in to Tibet if possible because this way it can be a lot cheaper for you. If you would like any specific suggestions, please ask and we can certainly recommend those for you.
Here's a few answers to most common Questions asked by the customers.
What type of fitness or shape do I need to be in? +
The Ganden to Samye trek is physically possible for anyone that is of an average fitness level, there is no previous experience required. We generally recommend however that you train for 2-3 months in advance of your departure date and some of the activities you can do is walking or hiking, running or even better running on a treadmill at incline.
Alternatively swimming is a great choice too. Typically you should be doing at least one or a combination of these activities for an hour each time and roughly 3-4 times a week in the lead up to your trek in Tibet.
Will somebody come to pick me up at the airport upon my arrival? +
Yes, one of our staff members will be waiting at the airport with a signboard ready to collect you once you arrive and from there we will transfer you by private vehicle to the hotel.
What is your cancellation policy? +
If you want to cancel your reserved tour, we may refund your fee payable to us minus a $150 cancellation fee (5000 INR for Indian Nationals). Himalayan Steps will not accept refunds for flights if we already booked your flight. In some cases we may reschedule your trip at no cost or with some cost if you provide us with 7 days advance notice.
We will not give any refunds if you finish the trekking earlier or later, or cancel your tour for medical or personal reason while trekking.
