Ganden Samye Trek

Name: Ganden Samye Trek
Brand: Global Eco Trails
Price: 2100 USD
Availability: InStock

Tibet

Duration13 Days

CountryTibet

Trip GradeStrenuous
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The strenuous grade is both moderate and difficult. Even in this grade, treks reach around 5000-5500 meters. You walk generally 6-7 hours every day. Strenuous treks require good physical condition and acclimatization. if some problems appear, you have to walk down and take some hot drinks or soup. You may get affected fast if you have high blood pressure, asthma, heart disease or complicated medical conditions.

Maximum Altitude5200

Group Size2 - 15

StartsKathmandu

EndsKathmandu

ActivitiesTibet Trekking and Tour

Best TimeApril to October

Let me take you on a journey through the rugged terrains of Tibet used by the pilgrims for centuries to attain spiritual attainment. Immersing on the local culture and lifestyle – from the modern Lhasa to the ancient mountain villages, Ganden Samye Trek at Tibet is discovers the central and the south of Tibet. Moreover, it pushes you into lesser crowded trails, scenic Tibetan plateaus, mesmerizing lake, rivers, glaciers, sacred valleys and high -altitude passes to connect you to the earth, sky along with spiritual civilization and legacy that bounces back more than a thousand year. Ganden to Samye trek is a blend of cultural heritage, high altitude adventure and a natural paradise.

A scenic drive or a direct flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa marks the beginning of the adventure to Tibet. With an altitude of 5,250 meters at its summit, this 13-day Ganden Samye trekking route is challenging yet rewarding, guiding you into the sacred monasteries of Lhasa, following the turquoise Yamdrok Lake, and historic Gelung and Nyingma school monasteries, culminating in a view of Everest from Rongbuk monastery. This trek falls under the best trekking area in Tibet and similar to Tibet Budget Tour. Global Eco Trails offer the various trekking and tour package throughout Tibet/China. Join us for the further info.

Ganden Samye Trek Highlights:

Trek the historic Ganden to Samye route with two high passes (over 5,000m)
Explore Tibet’s most sacred monasteries: Potala Palace, Jokhang, Samye, and Ganden
Witness the grandeur of Everest from Rongbuk Monastery
Scenic drives past Yamdrok Lake, Brahmaputra River, and Karola Glacier
Cross from Tibet into Nepal, blending two unique Himalayan cultures

Itinerary

Trekking through the spiritual and ecological center of Tibet, the Ganden to Samye trip lasts four to five days at a high elevation. It winds through isolated valleys, alpine meadows, and holy mountain passes over 5,000 meters, beginning at Ganden Monastery (Gelug school) and concluding at Samye Monastery (Nyingma school). The itinerary below is customizable as per your requirements.

Trip PlanExpand All

01Day

Arrival in Lhasa

Rest and acclimatization at 3,650 meters above sea level.

Max Altitude: 3,600 mMeals: NoAccommodation: Hotel Accommodation

02Day

Lhasa City Tour: Drepung & Sera Monasteries (B)

Visit Drepung Monastery, once the largest in Tibet, and witness the famous monk debates at Sera Monastery.

Max Altitude: 3600 mMeals: BreakfastAccommodation: Hotel in Lhasa

03Day

Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street (B)

Explore the heart of Tibetan Buddhism, from the iconic Potala Palace to the sacred Jokhang Temple and bustling Barkhor Bazaar.

Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Hotel in Lhasa

04Day

Drive to Ganden & Begin Trek to Yama-do (Trek 2–3 hrs, 7 km)

Begin your adventure with a visit to Ganden Monastery, one of the “Great Three” Gelugpa monasteries, perched dramatically atop a mountain ridge. After exploring, start your trek to Yama-do through rolling hills and yak pastures.

Meals: Full Board PlanAccommodation: Tented CampDuration: 3 hoursDistance: 7 km

05Day

Trek to Tsotup Chu Valley (5–6 hrs, 10 km) [B/L/D]

Cross the Shuga La pass (4,900m), offering stunning views, before descending into the serene Tsotup Chu Valley.

Meals: Full Board PlanAccommodation: Tented CampDuration: 6 hoursDistance: 10 km

06Day

Trek to Herders’ Camp (5–6 hrs, 14 km)

Continue through remote valleys and high alpine meadows, passing seasonal herder settlements with grazing yaks and sheep.

Meals: Full Board PlanAccommodation: Tented CampDuration: 6 hoursDistance: 14 km

07Day

Trek to Samye via Changtang Village & Yamalung Hermitage (6 hrs, 15 km)

Trek past Changtang Village and visit Yamalung Hermitage, a sacred meditation site believed to have been blessed by Guru Rinpoche, before reaching the legendary Samye Valley.

Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Tented CampDuration: 6 hoursDistance: 15 km

08Day

Explore Samye Monastery (Overnight at Samye Hotel) [B]

Visit Tibet’s first monastery, designed in the shape of a mandala, Mogal paintings, symbolizing the Buddhist universe.

Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Hotel

09Day

Drive to Gyantse via Brahmaputra River & Yamdrok Lake

Enjoy one of Tibet’s most scenic drives along the turquoise Yamdrok Lake and dramatic Karola Glacier, en route to the historic town of Gyantse.

10Day

Explore Gyantse & Tibetan Villages

Visit the famous Kumbum Stupa and the Gyantse Dzong fortress. Explore nearby traditional villages to witness rural Tibetan life.

Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Hotel Accommodation

11Day

Drive to Rongbuk Monastery via Tingri

Drive to the world’s highest monastery near Everest Base Camp, with jaw-dropping Himalayan views along the way.

Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Monastery Guest House

12Day

Visit North EBC & Drive to Nyalam

Explore the secret historical monastery and the iconic viewpoint of Mount Everest’s north face, then continue to Nyalam.

Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Guest House

13Day

Cross Border to Nepal

Descend through lush valleys to Zhangmu, where you’ll cross the border into Nepal and end your Tibetan journey.

Meals: Breakfast

Did not find what you are looking for?Reach out to our travel experts.

Customize Trip

Cost Details

Includes

Tibet travel permit and all other necessary permits to Tibet;
All entrance ticket fees for all tourist sites listed in the itinerary;
Personal knowledgeable English-speaking Tibetan local tour guide;
Personal comfortable, clean and safe vehicle with a reliable Tibetan local driver; vehicle ranging from 4WD Land Cruiser to minibus depending on your group size;
While in the city, You will have a Hotel accommodation, and in the trekking part Tented Camp accommodation with full board meals in trekking part
All meals from day 5 to day 7, listed in the above itinerary;

Excludes

Flight or Train tickets to Lhasa. KTM-Lhasa flight tickets cost 450-685/ USD, depending on the availability.
Visa Fee (visa cost varies depending on the nationality) Visa cost from [125 to 200/ USD]
4/5 stars hotel accommodation
Lunch and Dinner while on tour
Travel Insurance

Essential Information

A full scanned copy of the two inner pages of your passport. This is a new rule.
A clear passport-size photograph.
Please ensure your passport has at least two blank visa pages, which is mandatory for the journey. new rule
If you have previously visited China, kindly include a scanned copy of your China visa as well.
A passport with at least six months’ validity is required. Just like when traveling to other countries, your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned entry date.

FAQs

How long is Ganden- Samye Trek?

The trekking can be completed in 13 days with proper acclimatization starting and ending in Kathmandu. However, the distance between Ganden to Samya is appx. 80 km that can be covered in 4-5 days.

How difficult is Ganden- Samye trek?

It is a demanding trekking route. Trekker has to move through two 5,000m passes. With high- altitude trekking, symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness Symptom might get seen and to avoid such proper acclimatization is must in Lhasa. It is better to have a prior high- altitude trekking experience. With good physical and emotional health, anyone can do this trek.

What’s the highest altitude of the trek?

Chitual Pass has the highest point of elevation which is 5,210m. From Chitup Chu to Herders Camp you have to cross the Chitula Pass on the way which has the highest altitude.

When is the best season for this trek?

It is highly favorable to travel during May to Mid- October and May to June due to clear skies and stable weather.

Can I trek without a guide?

No, you must need a licensed guide in order to complete this Ganden- Samye trek in Tibet. As Tibet is highly monitored and restricted area, trekker can not roam around Tibet without a guide.

Is prior trekking experience necessary?

It is not a compulsion but high altitude trekking helps your body acclimatize well allowing greater safety and fun.

What permits are required for Ganden-Samye trek?

One needs Tibet Travel Permit and Alien Permit to trek in Tibetan areas that will be done by Global Eco Trails.

Where shall I acclimatize in this Tibet Trekking?

3 days acclimatization in Lhasa is highly essential for any proper planned trek.

What are the most essential gears and clothes?

Essential items:

Sunscreen and moisturizer
Trekking Poles
Sleeping Bag
Down Jacket; thermal, waterproof and windproof jacket
Sunglasses
Lip balm
Wollen gloves
Torch light with extra batteries

How’s food and accommodation during the trek?

Till Ganden, you’ll stay at hotels crafted with Tibetan arts and architecture. After Ganden trek starts, you will stay at camps for four nights. Once you reach Samye, you will be staying at hotel.

Regarding the food, only limited foods are available in Tibet like Tibetan Bread and Tsampa porridges. While Breakfast is provided in the package, you are recommended to spend around 15 to 20 USD for lunch and dinner throughout the tour.

In full board during the camping days, freshly made dishes will be served by the experienced cook as per the itinerary package.

Is the weather predictable?

During seasoned time, the weather is pretty steady though its windy. During the day, the temperature may reach 20 degrees and at night- 10 degrees.

Any advice for trekkers and tour participants in Tibet?

Respect the local tradition and culture throughout the journey. Follow “Leave no trace” principle. Dress modest and ask for permission if you want to photograph people.

Best Time for Trekking

The Ganden Samye trek in Tibet is best from April to October. The weather is stable, pleasurable temperature with clear skies. The Tibetan New Year occurs during this time and ensures the cultural vibes of Tibet.