Ganden-Samye Trekking

This trek has much to offer: lakes, beautiful alpine forests and meadows, as well as two centers of Tibetan religious culture. With so much to offer, its popularity is understandable, but you should not underestimate the trek. The best time for the walk is from the middle of May to the middle of October. The summer months can be wet but the mountains are at their greenest and wild flowers spangle the meadows. Barring heavy snow, it’s also possible for those with a lot of trekking experience and the right gear to do this walk in the colder months.

The Trek at a Glance
Duration 4 to 5 days
Distance 80km
Standard Medium to difficult
Start Ganden Finish Samye
Highest Point Shug-la (5250m)
Summary This demanding trek crosses two passes over 5000m and begins less than 50km from Lhasa. A four- or five-day trek via Shug-la and Chitu-la connects two of Tibet's most important monasteries.

Itinerary

Day01
Arrive in Lhasa.

Morning flight to Lhasa. The guide will meet you at Konggar Airport, and transfer you to Lhasa city with about 1 hours’ driving (60km). On the way, you’ll get greeted by Nie Tang Budda – a Budda image engraved in the mountain face. After arrive in Lhasa, rest and acclimatize. Overnight in Lhasa

Day02
Lhasa.

The first day of sightseeing starts from Lhasa’s cardinal landmark – Potala Palace, a structure of massive portions. Its towering image already appearing on various occasions, but your first sight of the Potala will still be an awe-inspiring moment. It takes at least a good 2-hour to visit those rooms, halls and chapels.
Some 2km to the east of the Potala is the most revered religious structure in Tibet – Jokhang Temple. Bustling with worshippers and redolent with mystery, the Jokhang is an unrivalled experience. The quadrangle of streets surrounding the Jokhang is the Barkhor – Lhasa’s most interesting pilgrimage circuit. This area of the Old Town is both the spiritual heart of Lhasa and the main commercial district for Tibetans.
Overnight in Lhasa (B)

Day 03
Lhasa-Ganden.

Ganden is the first Gelugpa monastery and has remained the main seat of this major Buddhist order ever since. It has stupendous views of the surrounding Kyi-chu Valley and fascinating kora. The mountains round Ganden provide you with a good warming-up before the trek. While the guide can organize the details for the trek. Overnight in Ganden guesthouse (B)


Day04-07
Ganden-Samye Trekking.


Day08
Samye-Tsedang

Visit Samye monastery, then go back to Tsedang for a good refreshment. Overnight in Tsedang (B)

What you have to prepare:

Clothing
( ) Wool and/or Synthetic Socks
( ) Base Layer Top - Synthetic, wool or silk
( ) Base Layer Bottoms - Synthetic, wool or silk
( ) Mid-Insulation Layer Top - Pile (fleece), light synthetic fill or wool sweater/jacket
( ) Mid-Insulation Layer Bottom - Pile pants or multipurpose pants
( ) Light Wind Shell - Windproof, water resistant layer for high aerobic work
( ) Weather Layer Top - Gore-Tex or other waterproof breathable jacket
( ) Weather Layer Pants - Gore-Tex or other waterproof breathable pants
( ) Warm Outer Jacket - Down or synthetic
( ) Toque - Wool or Synthetic
( ) Brimmed Cap - Preferably wool or synthetic but cotton will do if other unavailable
( ) Face Warmer - Scarf, neck tube, face mask
( ) Light Gloves - Wool, synthetic or leather
( ) Insulated Gloves or Mitts - Wool or synthetic, w/ weather proof outershell
( ) Gaiters
( ) Handkerchief

Personal Equipment
( ) Pack at least 10 Liter
( ) Sunglasses
( ) Goggles
( ) Sun Cream Higher than SPF30
( ) Lip cream 2 pieces
( ) Head Lamp
( ) Insulated Water Bottle or Thermos 1 liter
( ) Blister Kit
( ) Pocket Knife
( ) Camera
( ) Binoculars - Optional
( ) Lighter 2 pieces
( ) Warm Single or Double Boots