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Experience the uniquely spiritual character of Tibet, one of undeterred resolve, on this seven-day trek that connects two of Tibet’s most important ancient monasteries: Ganden and Samye. Ganden, the main monastery of the Gelugpa sect, is a major pilgrimage center and always full of devout Tibetans making their kora circuits, but is little visited by Western travelers. From here you’ll trek through the Gyama Valley, birthplace of Tibet’s greatest emperor, Songtsen Gampo, crossing two mountain passes before reaching Tibet’s very first monastery, Samye, with a history spanning more than 1,200 years. While on trek, the scenery throughout will be magnificent, from snowy peaks and wildflower filled yak pastures to the near-desert terrain around Samye. You’ll share remote mountain paths with rural Tibetans on pilgrimage and meet the traditional nomadic herders (drokpas) who roam this fabled land.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Tour some of Tibet’s oldest and most important monasteries, including Ganden and Samye
• Share the trails with nomadic yak herders and Tibetans on pilgrimage as you trek over two mountain passes en route to Samye
• See the amazing thousand-room Potala Palace, with its brilliant thankas and religious art

Day 1 - Arrive in Chengdu, China.

Day 2 - Fly to Lhasa, Tibet (11,800’). Day to explore Lhasa on your own.

Days 3-4 - Tour the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor, and Sera and Drepung monasteries.

Day 5 - Drive to Ganden. After a visit to the monastery, continue to the trailhead and begin our trek.

Day 6 - Hike up to the head of the Gyama Valley at 15,800’, on a trail dotted with roses and rhododendron, opening to a carpet of wildflowers in a bowl surrounded by 18,000-foot peaks.

Day 7 - Hike up out of the bowl crossing the pass at Tseb La (17,150’). After crossing a broad valley and another pass (16,400’), descend to our camp beside the Khampa Lha Chu at 15,840'.

Day 8 - Rest day or optional exploration of the high watershed between the Kyichu Chu and Zangpo Chu; hike up to a 17,500-foot peak for a 360 degree view of the mountains and lush valleys, or visit a nomadic family who dwells in their yak wool tent by a nearby alpine lake.

Day 9 - Descend along the Samye River to historical Yamalung Lhakhang temple, and take tea with the nuns who care for this shrine.

Day 10 - We continue our descent approaching the golden spires of Samye Monastery, the first monastery in Tibet. We’ll make camp (12,000') in a grove of trees just behind the monastery.

Day 11 - Rest day, with options to visit Samye Monastery and explore the meditation caves and shrines in the surrounding hillsides.

Day 12 - Morning drive to Tsedang in Yarlung Valley, known as “the cradle of Tibetan civilization.”

Day 13 - Fly to Chengdu and depart, or join our extension to Beijing.

Detailed Itinerary - Tibet Trekking: Lhasa & Beyond

To get a copy of our detailed Itinerary for Tibet Trekking: Lhasa & Beyond you can:

1. Email us your itinerary request at sales@mtsobek.com

2. Or call us at 1-888-831-7526 (USA and Canada) or (510) 594-6000

We’ll email you a copy (Word or Acrobat document), fax, or mail you the itinerary as you prefer.

Photo Credits
©Jock Montgomery