This trek gives you a real taste of Tibetan highland adventure and an insight into Tibetan Buddhism. Interspersed with excursions to ancient monasteries, this trek is also recommended for the aficionado of Tibetan theology.
Trekking in Tibet offers you an altogether different experience. As you hike along the rugged Tibetan terrain, you will be greeted with sights so different and new: from the arid Tibetan topography that resembles a lunar landscape to the ancient villages with their colorful prayer flags and magnificent monasteries. As you traverse along the 80km trekking trail that skirts barley fields and nomadic pastureland, you get an opportunity to observe Tibetan lifestyle at close quarters and experience the real Tibet. Before your trek commences, you will be taken on a sightseeing tour to Lhasa.
During the trek you will be supported by an expert and dedicated trekking crew. With them you cross two high passes in the Tsotup Chu Valley, Shug La (5250m) and Chitu La (5100m). You will also get to explore the many monasteries that lie along the trekking trail. The chief highlight of this trek is the trekking trail which connects the two important monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism, Ganden and Samye. Ganden Monastery, which lies 45 km east of Lhasa, is the first monastery of the Gelugpa sect. Built by Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelugpa order, the monastery is renowned as one of the biggest and most important Gelugpa monasteries in Tibet. The Samye monastery with its gleaming facade is reached by crossing the Tsangpo river. Founded in 779 AD by Trisong Detsen, the monastery has a collection of pagodas and temples.
Excursions to the Tandruk Monastery (which holds wonderful specimen of Tibetan art) and the Yambulakang castle (the home of the Yarlung Kings) are also included in your itinerary.
Day 1 Arrive in Lhasa (3660 m) - 45 minutes drive from Gonggar airport to Lhasa – 93 km
Day 2 Sightseeing in Lhasa - (Sera Monastery, Norbulingka, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Square)
Day 3 Sightseeing in Lhasa - ( Drepung Monastery and Potala Palace)
Day 4 Drive from Lhasa to Ganden (4500m) 45 km – Ganden Monastery
Day 5 At Ganden for acclimatization
Day 6 Trek to Yama Do
Day 7 Trek to Tsotup Chu Valley across 5250 meter Shug La.
Day 8 Trek to Herder's Camp
Day 9 Trek to Wango – (Yamalung Hermitage)
Day 10 Trek to Samye & drive to Tsedang (before leaving Samye visit to Samye Monastery)
Day 11 Explore the Yarlung Valley – (Tandruk Monastery)
Day 12 Drive to Gongkar Airport and Depart
Tour cost:
USD 1445 per person on twin sharing
Single supplement: USD 180
Note: minimum of 3 participants to operate this tour
PRICE EXCLUDES: - Sleeping bags
- Any international airfare and airfare tax
- Tips, expenses of personal nature
- Insurance
Flight rates subject to change Kathmandu – Lhasa: USD 354 (Tue, Sat & Thu in high seasons)
Chengdu – Lhasa: USD 200 (daily)
Beijing – Lhasa: USD 366 (daily)
Shanghai – Lhasa: USD 370 (daily)
Train to Lhasa also possible
