Ganden to Samye Trek

Forty-five kilometers east of Lhasa on the Friendship Highway sits Ganden, one of the most beautiful trekking sites in central Tibet. Here Buddhists believe their future Buddha, Champa, resides. Tsong Khapa (1357-1419) then chose this site of the future Ganden Monastery for his first meditation. Now the monastery, perched on Gokpo Ri ridge, stands as a representation of the six built by the Gelukpa sect.

The route from Ganden to Samye connects two of the most important monasteries in central Tibet. It crosses the Yatro Drak Mountain Range, which divides the Tsangpo Basin from the Lhasa Valley, and provides incredible scenery along the way.

Travelers may join this trek from Kathmandu or mainland China.

Route: Kathmandu - Lhasa– Ganden - Samye trek- Tsedang - fly out
Trekking: Camping trek
Best Time: April through end of October
Departure dates: Any time on request
Group size: Any

Sample Itinerary

Day 01: Flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa / Transported to hotel
Day 02: Lhasa tour
Day 03: Lhasa tour
Day 04: Drive from Lhasa to Ganden / Begin Ganden Samye Trek
Day 05: Ganden Samye Trek
Day 06: Ganden Samye Trek
Day 07: Ganden Samye Trek
Day 08: Trek to Samye Monastery
Day 09: Visit Samye Monastery / Drive to Tsedang / Transported to hotel
Day 10: Visit Yambulakhang, Thandrek and The Tombs of Tibetan Kings / Overnight in hotel
Day 11: Flight from Lhasa to Kathmandu

Cost includes:
All Tibet travel permits
Ground transportation by private vehicle as indicated in itinerary
International flights between Kathmandu and Lhasa
Accommodation in Tibet on twin sharing basis with breakfast
All entrance fees on sightseeing tours
English speaking Tibetan Guide
Tibet visa
All applicable taxes and service charges

Price doesn't include:
Meals other than breakfast in Tibet (one meal costs approximately US$8 to US$10)
Nepal re-entry visa fee if necessary (US$25 for 15-day; US$40 for 30-day; US$100 for 90-day)
Mainland China visa if necessary
Travel and medical evacuation insurance
Urgent visa fee for Tibet if necessary (only required if you do not have a week to process visa)
Tips for staff
Any additional expenses due to unforeseen circumstances

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