We had a wonderful time in Tibet. We have learned a lot about this unique destination because of the wonderful guide Degyi who is so knowledge and always available towards our tours. We stayed at the Shangri-La Hotel Lhasa, and we would never imagine a Tibet travel could be so nice and amazing without the help of Degyi.
Also, thanks a lot to our Tibetan driver Mr.Wongdun for his safe driving and a good sense of service along the way.
We shall return Tibet in the near future!
P.B. and A. A - Europe
Tibet Travel
June 2018 (Private Tibet Journey from Kathmandu)
Tour Name: Trek from Ganden to Samye Tour Code: M69D320 Duration: 10 Days & 9 Nights Destination: Lhasa, Ganden, trek to Samye Monastery Features: The trek offers you a real taste of Tibetan highland adventure and an insight into Tibetan Buddhism. The hiking provides you a great variety of sceneries, from high snowy passes to lush alpine meadows and finally you get to the arid terrain near Samye Monastery. You will cross high passes and traverse monadic pastureland to observe Tibetan lifestyle too. A classic trek in Tibet. Departure Date: You Choose! Tour Price: From $ P.P |
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Tour Dates |
Destinations |
Tours & Services |
Meals |
Accommodation |
Day01 |
Lhasa |
Arrive in Lhasa, be met and transferred to hotel. Free at own leisure for altitude acclimation. | N/A | Lhasa Kyichu Hotel |
Day02 |
Lhasa |
Visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and walk on the holy Barkhor Circuit. | B, L | Lhasa Kyichu Hotel |
Day03 |
Lhasa |
Visit Drepung Monastery, Norbulingka Park and see monk debating at Sera Monastery. | B, L | Lhasa Kyichu Hotel |
Day04 |
Lhasa - Ganden |
Drive to Ganden, visit monastery and get ready for hiking. | B, L, D | Camping Tent |
Day05 |
Ganden - Yama Do |
Trek to Yama Do. | B, L, D | Camping Tent |
Day06 |
Yama Do - Tsotup Chu Valley |
Trek to Tsotup Chu Valley. | B, L, D | Camping Tent |
Day07 |
Herders' camp |
Trek to Herders' camp. | B, L, D | Camping Tent |
Day08 |
Samye |
Walk to Wango and further onto Samye Monastery. | B, L, D | Camp or Lodge |
Day09 |
Samye - Tsetang |
Leave for Tsetang and visit Yambulakang Castle. | B, L, D | Tsetang Hotel |
Day10 |
Tsetang |
Transfer to airport for departure flight. Trip ends. | B | N/A |
Day01 Arrival Lhasa You will be greeted and received by your Tibetan guide and driver with Hadda (snow white silk ribbon for Tibetan to greet distingue guests). Transferred to your hotel in the city and free at own leisure to acclimatize to the altitude. | ||
Day02 Lhasa (B, L)
Today you will have a full day guided tour in Lhasa. You will first of all visit Potala Palace, 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. Then you will admire Jokhang Temple, the center of the Tibetan Buddhism and the sacred land of Buddhist followers where thousands of pilgrims come for worship everyday. Walk on the holy Barkhor Circuit and do some shopping if desired.
Day03 Lhasa (B, L)
Visit Drepung Monastery the sacred land of Gelug Sect, which was established in 1416AD and the second, third and fourth Dalai Lama once resided in. After that you will be transferred to Norbulingka Park, the former Summer Palace of the Dalai Lamas. Additionally you will be transferred to visit Sera Monastery, which was created in AD1419 and has always been an important Buddhist seminary. Here in Sera, you have chance to see the grand occasion of the Buddhist monk debating at one big courtyard. Lunch served at a good local restaurant and dinner will be arranged at your hotel.
Day04 Lhasa - Ganden (B, L, D)
After a short drive we will arrive in Ganden. The day will be spent acclimatizing further and exploring this wonderful area. Gandan means happiness and contentedness in Tibetan. The Gandain Monastery was built in early 15th century under the supervision of Tsongkapa, the founder of the Gelug Sect. The main buildings include the Coqen Hall, the Chamber of Zonggaba and the College of Yangbajian. Many pilgrims walk the kora around this holy place and one can observe their many rituals along the way. Camping for the night
Day05 Trek to Yama Do (B, L, D)
Morning trek away from Ganden towards south along the Angor Ri. After ascending for 1.5 hours, you see several cairns near a saddle. The trail further leads westwards descending to Hepu village. Here several houses become visible. 3 ?hours of trekking brings you close to Shug La pass. Ani Panong lies 1 hour away from Hepu. An hour of continuous ascent leads to lush meadows and soon appears Yama Do. Camping for the night
Day06 Trek to Tsotup Chu Valley (B, L, D)
Two hours of steep hiking leads us along to Shug-La Pass where we make the final steep ascent to the rare air of 17,220 feet (5,250m)! The route continues across Shug-La Pass following a cairn–lined trail. We descend gradually, reaching the valley in ninety minutes from the pass. We cross the Tsotup Chu, a long stream winding along the valley floor. Nomad herders with their yaks, goat and sheep dot the landscape. Tonight camp is near a stream crossing. Camping for the night
Day07 Trek to Herders' camp (B, L, D)
From the Tsotup Chu Valley, we follow along a small tributary entering from the southwest. Our path rises steeply for half an hour, finally reaching the mouth of a large basin. The terrain ahead is not particularly difficult as we reach Chitu-La Pass (16,728 feet/5,100m), marked by several large cairns. A short steep descent leads you into a basin holding three small lakes. The trail is not always clearly marked and passes seasonal campsites before finally reaching the valley floor and our well-deserved camp. Camping for the night
Day08 Trek to Samye (B, L, D)
The trail is now wide and easy to follow as it traces a course down the east side of the valley. The next three-hour stretch of the trail is among the most delightful of the entire trek. According to local woodcutters more than 15 types of trees and shrubs are found here, some growing 6m/20 feet tall. You then cross the Yamalung Tsangpo valley and visit the Yamalung Hermitage. It consists of several small temples, and a few mediators live here. We cross a bridge and reach Nyango village. Half an hour past Nyango is the village of Wango, from where we will have to take the tractor to Samye monastery. Being the 1st monastery, belongs to the Nyingmapa and Sakyapa Sects, Samye Monastery was built in 761. This monastery is built with the shape of a huge mandala. Surrounded by a circular wall, it is a representation of cosmos. The different buildings are arranged according to a complex symbolism, around the Utse, the central hall, housing the hall of prayers. Visit Samye Monastery and explore nearby villages. Camping or overnight at a local guesthouse
Day09 Samye - Tsetang (B, L, D)
In the morning leave for Tsetang. On the way you will visit Yambulakang, the castle perched dramatically on a pinnacle above the valley is the oldest known dwelling in Tibet, reputedly the home of the Yarlung Kings. The view from the castle is just spectacular. Drive to the town and enjoy a fine dinner.
Day10 Depart Tsetang (B)
Transfer to Lhasa Gonggar Airport for your departure flight. Journey ends.
Tour costing varies upon group size, travel season and hotel accommodation levels etc. For price details please email us at info@splendidchinatours.com.
Price inclusions:
01). All accommodations based on two persons sharing one room/tent/guesthouse/local lodge (single occupancy is subject to supplement);
02). China internal flights with airport tax or train as stated in the program;
03). Round-trip transfers between airports or railway stations, hotels, and scenic spots in each city by private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced licensed drivers;
04). All admission fees and activity expenses as listed in the itinerary;
05). Daily meals as specified in the itinerary: B denotes breakfast, L denotes lunch, and D denotes dinner (SD signifies special dinner);
06). Services of a seasoned English speaking local trek guide during the walking and for culture visits in the itinerary (other languages can be arranged upon request, supplement may apply);
07). Adequate packing animals such as horses/or yaks and porters for baggages/outdoor gears during the trekking;
08). Professional outdoor sleeping tents with mattress during the trekking (twin shared basis);
09). Kitchen tent, toilet tent and folding table and chairs during the camping days;
10). Three meals a day prepared by professional outdoor cook during the walking;
11). Tibet local travel permits such as Tibet Entry Permit (TTB), Alien's Travel Permit (PSB) and Military Permit etc. when applicable;
12). Travel Agency Liability Insurance during the tour;
13). Governmental taxes and fees.Price excluded:
01). International airfare to/from China;
02). Chinese Visa fees;
03). Expenses of personal natural such as laundry, telephone, drinks, mini bar etc;
04). Personal shopping, optional activities and excess baggage charges;
05). Gratuities for local tour guides, drivers and hotel bellboy etc;
06). International travel insurance;
07). Services and activities that are not mentioned in the itinerary.