Trip Facts
Duration
12 Days
Best Time for Visit
Spring, Summer & Autumn
Activity
Trekking/Hiking
Meals
Breakfast,Lunch ,Dinner
DIFFICULTY
Moderate & Strenuous
Trip Ends
Kathmandu,Nepal
Introduction of Ganden Samye Trek
The Ganden Samye Trek is a unique and spiritually enriching journey through the heart of Tibet. This trek connects two of the most significant monasteries in Tibetan Buddhism Ganden Monastery and Samye Monastery. Along the route, trekkers experience breathtaking landscapes, traditional Tibetan villages, and rich cultural heritage. The trail offers stunning views of the Himalayas, serene river valleys, and ancient pilgrimage sites. This Trek is ideal for adventurers seeking both physical challenge and spiritual discovery.
The trek typically takes around 6 to 8 days, winding through high mountain passes, lush forests, and peaceful countryside. Trekkers will immerse themselves in the traditional Tibetan way of life, encountering friendly locals and observing age-old customs. Due to the remote location, the Ganden Samye Trek remains relatively. Untouched by mass tourism, making it a perfect choice for those wanting an authentic experience. The best time to undertake this trek is from late spring to early autumn when weather conditions are favorable and visibility is clear.
Highlights and Practical Tips for this Trek
Highlights of the Ganden Samye Trek include visiting the sacred Ganden Monastery, founded in 1409, and the iconic Samye Monastery, Tibet’s first Buddhist monastery. Along the way, you will cross mountain passes like the 4,500-meter high Passang La, providing panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. The trek also passes through scenic valleys dotted with prayer flags and mani walls that showcase Tibetan spirituality.
For a safe and enjoyable trek, acclimatization is essential due to the high altitudes. Hiring a local guide familiar with the region will enrich the journey by offering insights into Tibetan culture and history. Packing warm clothing, sturdy hiking boots, and essentials like water purification tablets is recommended. Overall, this trek promises a memorable adventure filled with natural beauty and beautiful cultural significance.
The journey concludes at the Samye Monastery, Tibet’s first Buddhist monastery, renowned for its unique mandala design and deep historical significance.
Itinerary
The afternoon will be spent exploring the Jokhang temple and Norbu Lingka.
Norbu Lingka : Situated in the western suburbs of Lhasa, Norbu Lingka was built in the middle of the 18th century during the reign of the 7th Dalai Lama and served as the Summer Palace of Dalai Lama where they handle political affairs, practiced religious activities and spent holidays. Traditionally the Dalai Lamas would leave the Potala Palace every spring and spend the summer in Norbu Lingka.
Jokhang Monastery: Built some 1300 years ago, Jokhang is probably Tibet’s first religious institution. This temple is considered as one of the holiest shrines in Tibet. Pilgrims come from all over the world to pay homage to this temple. Located in the heart of Lhasa’s colorful Tibetan quarter, Jokhang is the spiritual center of Tibet and also the heart of Lhasa.There is a golden statue of the Buddha Shakyamuni in the temple, which was brought here by the first wife of Songtsen Gampo.
After breakfast visit Potala Palace and Drepung Monastery.
The Potala Palace : The Potala Palace, winter palace of the Dalai Lama since the17th century, symbolizes Tibetan Buddhism and its central role in the traditional administration of Tibet. It is built on the red mountain in the center of the Lhasa valley at an altitude of 3700 m. The Potala Palace is the world-renowned symbol of Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Drepung Monastery : The Drepung Monastery is the largest and richest monastery in Tibet, it was founded in 1416 by a disciple of Tsong Khapa under the patronage of a noble family and later enlarged by the Fifth Dalai Lama. Drepung, which means rice heap in Tibetan lies 8 kilometers west of Mt. Gambo Utse. The monastery covers a floor space of more than 200 thousand square meters. At its peak it had a registration of more than 10,000 thousand monks. Many high and learned lamas have studied here.
Today is a day to relax and fully acclimatise and see more of Lhasa either do some more sightseeing around the many monasteries or simply enjoying a meal at one of the many restaurants in Lhasa.
After breakfast drive to Ganden.There are many attractions in this ancient town however the highlight for most is the first Gelugpa Monastery. Although this monastery has fallen into disrepair over the years, there is still much to see.
The trekking begins at the highest point on the Ganden Kora on route we pass through an ancient Hepu village. Later in the day we pass through Ani Pagong, a narrow bottleneck in the trail and former site of a nunnery we end the day at Yama Do.
Trek from Yama / early start, today is full of good views and wild places we camp at Tsotup Chu Valley.
Today we follow the Tsotup Chu down to its tributary and then head towards the Chitu La pass before descending to a beautiful herder’s camp in a field by the banks of a clear stream.
The trek to Wango is particularly stunning with many scrub trees and  blooming rhododendrons and vast meadows. After passing through Changtang village and on to Yamalung Hermitage, an ancient and holy Buddhist meditation site. Later in the day we join the Samye Valley along a babbling tributary stream.
Today there are some fabulous views from Pisha, the entire Samye Valley can be seen from here. After reaching the summit of Dragmar we have time to explore the numerous temples nearby. Visit Samye monastery which represents the Buddhist universe. At the end of the day we drive to the Tibet’s third largest city, Tsethang.
After breakfast trek to Yarlung Valley, the area is widely believed to be the cradle of all of Tibetan civilization. The valley of the tombs is located here and is deemed to be the origin of the Tibetan people. Visit Yumbulakhan an amazing architectural site perched on a cliff. It is one of the oldest buildings in Tibet.
Drive to Lhasa Airport  fly to Kathmandu / transfer hotel
Cost Includes
- 3 night's accommodation at 3/4 star hotel in kathmandu on twin share basis.
- 9/10 daysaccommodation in tibet using guest house/camp. Tibet visa & permit fee(normal).
- Yak & yak man for luggage during Kailash Parikrama.
- Ground transfers in Tibet using toyota land cruiser or Bus as applicable.
- Services of English speaking guide in Tibet.
- Services of English-speaking guide in Tibet.
Cost Excludes
- using extra nights in lodge (except the mentioned on itinerary). Yak/porter for personal Using Rescue/ evacuation or all the extra cost because of partition from the main group or serious health condition.
- Flight or any costs TO or FROM Kathmandu from your destination/ home town. No cost is including for those who separate from the main group To apply the visa Approval before your arrival we need:.
- A clear, colour scans of your passport along with advance amount of US $ 500. This must be provided to us at least 35 days prior to the arrival in Kathmandu. Health & Altitude problems.
- Travelling in Tibet involves high altitude and can be strenuous. Clients with heart and lung problems or blood diseases should consult their doctor before booking the trip.
- Travelling in Tibet involves high altitude and can be strenuous. Clients with heart and lung problems or blood diseases should consult their doctor before booking the trip.
- Very often the cases of altitude sickness have been reported. Simple headache, fever, loss of appetite or stomach disorders can happen before the acclimatization.
- Advised, drink approx. 04 litters of water per day, do not strain yourself, move slowly, breathe deeply and take regular rests
Equipment
General
- Puffy down jacket (We have rental jackets available for rent
- Four-season (zero degree) sleeping bag (We have rental sleeping bags available form an additional cost
- Daypack (35-45 liters recommended) with rain cover
- Sleeping bag liner
Upper Body
- Sun hat or cap
- Knitted hat/Beanie
- Scarf or neck gaiter
- Headlamp
- Sunglasses
Torso
- Technical fabric base layer (light for warmer months, heavy for colder months)
- Technical fabric short (2) and long sleeve (2) shirts
- Waterproof, windproof shell
- Fleece jacket or pullover
Lower Body
- Technical fabric base layer (light for warmer months, heavy for colder months)
- Hiking pants (2)
- Comfortable pants for inside the teahouses
- Waterproof/windproof outer shell pants
- Hiking shorts
Hands
- Wool or technical fabric liner gloves
- Hard-shell outer gloves (insulated for colder months)
Feet
- Wool or technical fabric warm socks
- Hiking socks
- Liner socks (optional such as silk)
- Trekking/hiking boots (waterproof recommended)
- Ice Cleats /Micro Spikes (For trekking from November to March, it's recommended to include Ice Cleats/ Micro Spikes to prevent slipping on icy or wet surfaces.)
- Casual shoes
- Gaiters (lightweight for dust or heavy for snow in colder months)
Undergarments
- Technical fabric/quick drying is best for underwear (opportunities to launder during the trip)
- Sports bras (women)
- Pajamas or sleeping clothes
Optional
- Power bank or extra batteries
- Cameras and mobile phone
- Cards/book
Peak climbing gear
- Climbing boot
- Crampons and harness
- Hiking boot,slippers
- Carabiners 4 pes (2 lock 2 onlock)
- Ascending device jumar
- Descending device ACT and figure of 8
- Helmet ,ice axe and sleeping bag
- Hiking sucks and warm wool sucks
- Warm expedition gloves and thin treking gloves
- Wind proof pant and jacket
- downsuit,expedition bag 50 ltrs for more then 7000 mt
- expedition down jacket for more then 7000 mt
Customer Reviews
Best Trekking experience in my life Oct 2025 • Friends I did the Mera Peak trek with Always Himalaya Trek and it was an amazing experience. From the start, everything felt very personal and well orgRead more
Conal higney
united kingdom
Best Trekking company I have been on 3 treks with Sitaram; Langtang, Annapurna Circuit, and Mera Peak, all of which have been amazing. My most recent Trek was to the top of Mera Peak, the higheRead more
Gerard Melly
Ireland
We recently traveled to Nepal with “Always Himalaya Trek”, managed by Mr. Sitaram Karki, and had an amazing experience. From the warm traditional welcome at the airport to well-organized tRead more
Shamshuddin imamsaheb Kunnibhavi
India
