9 Days Ganden Monastery to Samye Monastery Classic Trek with Holy Lhasa Tour

Tashi Delek! Welcome to Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region! Upon your arrival at the airport in Lhasa, the tour guide and driver will meet you at the exit, and then escort you to the hotel in downtown Lhasa (100km, about 1.5 hours’ drive) . You can have a good rest to get used to the altitude (3,650m) in your hotel and get ready to explore Lhasa with your guide the next day.

Arrival Ideas:
Lhasa is located in the southern part of the Tibetan Plateau and southwestern China. Traveling to Tibet is convenient by air, railway, or road. There are five airports in Tibet, with Lhasa Gonggar Airport being the most popular for flights from Chengdu (which is also popular), Chongqing, Xian, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Kunming, Xining, Shangri-La, and other cities. One international airline even connects Lhasa and Kathmandu. Moreover, travelers can take the train to Lhasa from Xining (21 hours, the starting point of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway), Lanzhou (24.5 hours), Chongqing (35.5 hours), Chengdu (36.5 hours), Xian (31 hours), Beijing (40.5 hours), Shanghai (47 hours), Guangzhou (52.5 hours), Shigatse (2.5 hours), Nyingzhi (4 hours), and other cities.

Kind Reminds:
1.It is good to avoid altitude sickness by slowing down, keeping warm, drinking water frequently, avoiding showers for the first one or two days, taking it easy, and sleeping well.
2.You should always follow your doctor's advice regarding altitude based on your health condition.
3.Be sure to let your guide or the hotel staff know whenever you feel unwell or need help. The people there are always willing to help and are good at dealing with altitude sickness.

Notes for Trekking:
During your initial days in Lhasa of Tibet, it is important to take it easy and dedicate ample time to acclimate to the elevated altitude. This is a crucial step in preparing yourself for the trek ahead.

Today, you and your group will explore Lhasa by visiting Jokhang Temple, a world cultural heritage site renowned for its brilliant architecture, culture, art, and history. After that, you will experience Tibetan Buddhism by witnessing the Monks' Debating in Sera Monastery. Finally, you can stroll through the famous Barkhor Street with locals and learn more about the daily kora life of Tibetans.

Located in the heart of Lhasa for over 1300 years, the Jokhang Temple is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists from all over the world. Famed as the spiritual center of Tibet, it is said that the Jokhang Monastery was built for King Songtsen Gampo's two brides: Chinese Princess Wencheng and Nepalese Princess Bhrikuti. "Jokhang" means "House of Buddha", and it houses a life-size statue of the 12-year-old Sakyamuni, which is considered a treasure of the Buddhist world. This is why Buddhist pilgrims consider it the holiest destination. The Jakhong temple is also renowned for its beautiful architecture. You can admire the intricate carvings, colorful murals, ornate decorations, and details of the building, which is a masterpiece of Tibetan architecture. Time seems to stand still as you watch people pray in front of the temple during the day and night. (Please note that the visit order may be adjusted based on the reservation of your Jokhang Temple Ticket Reservation.)

In the afternoon, drive approximately 30km (50 minutes) to visit Sera Monastery, which is one of the three great Gelug university monasteries of Tibet. It offers the opportunity to experience Tibetan Buddhism up close. The highlight of Sera Monastery is watching the monks' debate, which takes place around 15:00-17:00 (except on Sundays). The debate is an interesting form of exchange, where one monk acts as the questioner, standing while the answerer or group of answerers sit. The standing monk asks questions and slaps his palms and stomps, each action having a special meaning, such as activating wisdom, and are not meant to be aggressive. You will also have the chance to attend prayer ceremonies, visit meditation halls, and learn about the monastic way of life. It is a must-visit destination to gain insight into the beliefs and practices of Tibetan Buddhism.

Afterward, head back to downtown Lhasa for a walk on busy Barkhor Street near the Jokhang Monastery, which was a place for Buddhists to do a kora (pilgrim circuit) in ancient times. Nowadays, it has become a thriving local market where you can drink a pot of yak butter tea, dress in Tibetan clothes for photos, and pick up some local Tibetan, Nepalese, and Indian handicrafts and souvenirs.

Today you will explore the world’s highest palace for its brilliant architectures, culture, and history, then visits to one of the "great three" Gelug university monasteries in Tibet - the Drepung Monastery.

In the morning, you can walk into Potala Palace (World Heritage), the traditional residence and winter palace of the Dalai Lama (1649-1959). It takes 365 steps from potala gate to reach the Red Palace which is the highest palace in the world at an altitude of 3,700m. Through the principal halls, chapels, and shrines of past Dalai Lamas in the Red Palace, you will be astonished and touched by its remarkable paintings, gorgeous jeweled works, skilled carving, colorful ornamentation, and the mystery stories behind the treasures. Inside the Potala Palace you will meet lots of Tibetan pilgrims who come all the way from afar to this sacred site to pray as their life time destination. You can also ask your guide to share more information about Songtsen Gampo, the 33rd king of Tibet, who first build the Potala Palace in the 7th century for his marriage to Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty. (Note: We may adjust the visit order due to the visiting time of your Potala Palace Ticket. All visitors must visit the Potala Palace with a tour group while staying inside for an hour. No photo inside.)

Then, drive about 35 minutes (12km) to visit the Drepung Monastery, which was the largest Tibetan monastery (of the Gelug Sect) in Lhasa. It used to be the palace of the Dalai Lama before he moved to the Potala Palace in the 17th century. Today, it is famous for the Drepung Shoton Festival held each August, where people come to offer yogurt to the monks who have finished their 100 days of meditation. You can also witness the grandest Buddha/Thangka Unfolding Ceremony. Besides the unique architecture and amazing buildings, you can watch monks debating in Tibetan Buddhism, which is vibrant and active with expansive gestures, clapping, and stamping. After visiting the Drepung Temple, you will have about a 2-hour Tibetan culture tour, which includes an introduction, Tibetan incense making, and block printing.

Altitude: 3800 meters | Distance: 7km | Duration: 2-3 hours

In this morning, you will be driven about 55km to the Ganden Monastery. Founded in 1409 by Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, Ganden Monastery was the first monastery of the Gelug tradition. As your car zigzags up the road, the grand white architectural complex of Ganden Monastery first comes into view. Walk leisurely and fully explore the Main Prayer Hall, which contains thousands of Buddha statues, murals, and religious artifacts. Observe the monks praying, chanting, and performing rituals. Then, marvel at the statues of Tsongkhapa, including a famous statue of him at age 8.

After the exploration, you will be transferred to Tsubshi Village to begin your trek. The trek winds through scenic countryside, passing quiet villages like Hepu and Ani Pagong. As you trek, enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding Kyichu Valley and Lhasa River basin. After 3 hours of trekking, you will arrive at Yama Do, which offers extensive campsites to accommodate you for the night. Gaze at the stars as you rest from the day's trek and prepare for the continuation of your journey tomorrow.

Altitude: 5250 meters | Distance: 10km | Duration: 5-7 hours

This morning, wake up refreshed and enjoy a simple breakfast. It is time to continue your trek through pristine mountain landscapes from Yama Do to the scenic Tsotup-chu Valley. The route descends into the valley and follows the valley bottom. Within 45 minutes, you enter a wet alpine basin filled with tussock grass. You then arrive at the Shuga-La pass. The climb up the rocky trail to this pass is challenging due to strong winds. Descend carefully from the pass, then gradually descend to the valley floor. Cross the large Tsotup-Chu river, which flows through the valley. Be on the lookout for the herders' dogs in the area.

After that, set up a comfortable camp in one of the local herder's fields and stay overnight.

Altitude: 5210 meters | Distance: 14km | Duration: 5 hours

On this day, you will continue your trek from Tsotup-chu Valley to the herders' camps. Follow the Tsotup-chu River down through its tributary streams and head toward the Chitu La Pass (altitude: 5210m). The ascent up this rocky pass challenges you with stunning views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. After reaching the pass, quickly descend down the other side and wander through idyllic alpine meadows. Later, in 20 more minutes, you will come upon a flat seasonal herders' camp on the east side of the valley, which is suitable for camping. Continue trekking through the scenic landscape to search for a campsite, as there are numerous options in the area.

Altitude: 5210 meters | Distance: 14km | Duration: 5 hours

This is the final day of your trek, bringing you to the sacred Samye Monastery. The journey encompasses 39 kilometers of natural wonder. Trek 15 kilometers through thick forest and alpine streams, soaking in the beauty of the Kyichu Valley. Then, enjoy a scenic 24 kilometer ride to Samye.

The trail winds east through scrub forest. Within an hour, you arrive at a stream tumbling from the valley slopes. Cross the stream and continue beneath thinning forest canopy. Soon, the first village appears - Changtang. Trek at a leisurely pace, immersed in the valley scenery. In one hour, you reach Yamalung Hermitage, your journey's end. Your driver awaits to escort you to Samye.

Stay overnight in Samye Town.

This morning, you will have a wonderful visit to Samye Monastery. Founded in 775 AD, Samye Monastery is Tibet's first Buddhist monastery and has a history of over 1200 years. Surrounded by barren mountains and rolling sand dunes, Samye Monastery has a unique circular design, symbolizing the Buddhist mandala. The design was chosen by guru Padmasambhava and incorporates Indian, Tibetan and Chinese styles.

Entering the monastery, you will be surprised by its exquisite layout, which is designed according to the structure of the 'Great Thousand World' in Buddhist scriptures. It is constructed as a mandala of Esoteric Buddhism: The Utse Great Hall represents Mount Sumeru, the center of the world; the four halls surrounding the main hall represent the four continents and eight subcontinents in the four oceans; the Sun and Moon Halls symbolize the Sun and Moon halls in the universe; the monastery walls symbolize the Iron Encircling Mountains at the outer edge of the world. Four red, white, green and black pagodas are built around the main hall to suppress evil spirits and prevent natural and man-made disasters.

After visiting Samye, you can have a leisure trek around. Stay overnight in Samye Town.

On this day, you will be transferred to Lhasa Airport (about 1.5 hours’ driving) for departure. Your 9-day Tibet trip ends.

Extension Ideas: If you prefer to travel longer in Tibet, you can extend your trip to other highlighted parts of Tibet, including Shigatse, Gyantse, Everest Base Camp and Mount Kailash. Tell us your ideas.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your Tibet tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia. Safe journey!