If you are looking for an authentic cultural experience where you will spend your evenings either camping or among the locals in villages and stay at local people's homes, this is the tour for you. This tour is the most popular trekking tour in Tibet. It will take you across two mountain passes, beautiful alpine lakes and local nomads. This is originally a trekking route that pilgrims use, so you will be able to see Tibetans praying on the way. Follow the footsteps of pilgrims to experience their devout hearts. You will trek to Samye Monastery then drive to Tesdang and visit the first palace of Tibet, Yumbulakang and Trundruk monastery.
Highlights of this tour:
- Have a memorable trekking experience by following the famous route from Ganden Monastery to Samye Monastery;
- Explore beautiful high plateau landscapes and peaceful local rural villages along the trekking;
- Enjoy the sacred sights in the holy city Lhasa on the Roof of the World, such as Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery, etc.
Tour Brief Information
- Tour price: from $1,588
- Tour code: TD-CT-11
- Tour Type: Private Customizable Tour Package
- Destination: Lhasa / Ganden Monastery / Tsetang
- Duration: 11 days and 10 nights
- Departure: Flexible
- Travel Theme:
- Best Time:
- Physical Level
- Tour Pace
Leisure
- Max Altitude
5,284m
- Itinerary Details
- Price Guide & Booking
- Trip FAQs
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Your tour - at a glance
Day 1~4 Arrival & Lhasa Tour
Day 5~9 Trekking from Gaden Monastery to Samye Monastery
Day 10 Tsetang to Lhasa
Day 11 Lhasa Departure
Itinerary Details - Day by Day
Day 1 Lhasa Arrival
Welcome to the roof of the world! You will be picked up by local tour guide at the airport hall or train station, and then be escorted to your hotel in Lhasa city in a private vehicle.
After arrival at your hotel, the rest of the day is free for you to explore the local areas and acclimatize yourself to the air, temperature and high altitude of Lhasa.
High Altitude Acclimation Tips: 1) go for some leisure walking to acclimate the high altitude but avoid strenuous activity after arrival; 2) you’d better not have bath, in case of catching a cold; 3) drink more water, and have some fruit; 4) have a good rest.
Day 2 Lhasa ( B )
Start today’s Lhasa exploration with an exciting visit to the landmark - Potala Palace which is regarded as one of the most beautiful architectural building in the world. You will climb up the palace along the zigzag stone paths with white-and-red walls to the top of the palace where you can not only appreciate the exotic Tibetan-style architecture, but also get a great view of Lhasa’s urban areas, then walk into the inner space of Potala Palace to explore the stately chapels and learn about the history of the palace.
Continuing your exploration, you will then get to Jokhang Temple which is considered as the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism. Each day, there are thousands of pilgrims coming from different places in Tibet to the temple to worship to the Buddha. This temple is also known as the “house of Buddha” because it keeps the precious Jowo Rinpoche, the life-sized (5 foot/1.5m) image of the Shakyamuni at the age of 12. The last site for today’s exploration is the famous Barkhor Street. It is a circular and wide street encircling the Jokhang Temple. The local people like to walk on the street for several circles usually in the late afternoon as a daily tradition of pilgrimage. The street also has many shops selling a wide variety of traditional Tibetan goods, religious items and handcrafts.
Tips of Today: 1) there are 1,080 steps up to climb to the top of Potala Palace, so don’t walk in a rush, which may cause high altitude sickness; 2) taking photos is not allowed inside the palace; 3) today you will be mainly outside, please bring some water, a hat, sun cream, and sun glasses with you.
- Amazing Potala Palace in the morning
Day 3 Lhasa ( B )
After breakfast, you will firstly go to visit the beautiful Norbulingka which used to be the former summer palace of Dalai Lamas in the ancient time, and now is a public park. It is famous for its Potrang, the private palaces of former Dalai lamas with grandiose Tibetan architecture style. Next, drive several kilometers to the western outskirts of Lhasa to visit Drepung Monastery. Drepung, in Tibetan, means “prosperity”. Since its establishment, Drepung Monastery has always been one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in Tibet. In its heyday, there were more than 10,000 monks lived and studied in the monastery. Throughout its history, many important and famous Tibetan leaders used to study here, especially the Dalai Lamas. So Drepung Monastery is also respectfully known as the “Mother School of Dalai Lamas”.
In the afternoon, you will be taken to another famous monastery in Lhasa - Sera Monastery. It is famous for the spectacular “Buddhism Debating”. As a daily routine, the monks gather in a courtyard, and debate on the Buddhist doctrines with supplemented gestures, which is thought to be helpful to facilitates better comprehension of the Buddhist philosophy to attain higher levels of study. After enjoying the "Buddhism Debating", you will be transferred back to the city. The rest time is your own free time to rest.
The Etiquette of Visiting Monastery: 1) you shouldn’t wear short and uncover shoulders; 2) taking off your sunglasses and hat before entering the chapels; 3) taking photos is usually not allowed inside the chapels.
- Courtyard for Buddhism Debating in Sera Monastery
Day 4 Lhasa – Ganden Monastery ( B )
It is a short drive (about 2 hours, 70km) from Lhasa to Ganden Monastery, which lies at an altitude of 4,500m. Explore the attractions in and around the ancient town of Ganden, home to the earliest monastery of the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Although the monastery is mostly in ruins, it is a fascinating place. Pilgrims arrive in Ganden from all over Tibet to walk around the site of the monastery, and one can observe the rituals they perform on this ‘Kora’ around the monastery.
Tips: The broad paved road is in good condition. As Ganden Monastery is at an altitude of roughly 4,500m, be sure not to strain yourself physicaly, especially if you are still not fully acclimated. Be sure to bring snacks and plenty of water with you!
- Ganden Monastery is located in the peaceful mountain
Day 5 Trek from Ganden to Yama Do ( B, L, D )
Trek: 5 hours, 17km
This is a 5 hour trek. From the highest point of the Ganden kora, trek along an ancient trail and take in scenic views of unusual beauty. Walk along a ridge of reach the ancient Hepu village. In the afternoon, you’ll walk through Ani Pagong, a narrow part of the trail that was once home to a nunnery. In the late afternoon, ascend to Yama Do.
Camp overnight at Yama Do.
- Samye Hiking Tour
Day 6 Trek from Yama Do to Tsotup Valley ( B, L, D )
Trek: 4-5 hours, 10km
This trek takes 4 to 5 hours. Early in the morning, trek from Yamo Do through a steep gully to the banks of a stream. Climb to Shug La pass and begin the descent from there through fields of glacial boulders. Tsotup Chup is actually a large stream that flows through the valley, and we will cross this stream towards the end of the trek. Camp overnight in Tsotup Chu valley.
Tips: Be careful while trekking! Make sure you bring some snacks and plenty of water.
Day 7 Trek from Tsotup Chu valley to Herder's Camp
Go on an exciting 6-7 hour trekk covering 14km. Follow the Tsotup Chu towards the rocky mountain pass of Chitu La. Descend from there into the exquisitely beautiful camping grounds and fields around the tributary of the Tsotup Cho, walking through the picturesque Herder’s camp along the way. Stay overnight at the Herder's Camp.
Day 8 Trek from Herder's camp to Wango( B, L, D )
Trek from Herder's Camp to Wango (25 km). This is a 6 hour trek. The trail widens and the walking becomes easier. Follow the trail through beautiful rivulets of water and fertile forests. There are many varieties of trees, scrubs, rhododendrons in full bloom, and vistas of meadows that will take your breath away.
There is also a desert not too far away. This part of the trek is really amazing. Along the way, you will pass the village of Changtang, and you can choose to hike to the holy Buddhist meditation site of Yamalung, an ancient hermitage.
Eventually, the trail goes to the Samye valley along a beautiful stream.
Camp at a site near Samye.
Day 9 Samye and Tsetang ( B, L, D )
From the camp site a 2 hour trek takes you to
Samye Monastery (14km), with spectacular views from Pisha and the vista
of the Samye valley along the way. From the high point of Dragmar, explore many
temples, and ruins. At Samye itself, explore one of the oldest and holiest Buddhist
sites, Samye Monastery. Its ancient buildings are a Tibetan architectural masterpiece.
Drive from Samye to Tsetang, the third largest city in Tibet. Stay overnight at
a hotel in Tsetang.
- Samye Monastery Entrance
Day 10 Tsetang – Lhasa ( B )
Tsetang is known as “the cradle of Tibetan Civilization” for two reasons: first, its mild weather and fertile land conceived the great Tibet dynasty; second, it’s the birthplace of the first Tibetans who were said to be the offspring of a monkey and a demoness. Today you will visit the Yumbulakang and Trundruk monasteries.
According to a legend of followers of the Bon religion, Yumbulakang was erected in the second century B.C. for the first Tibetan king Nyatri Tsenpo, who was descended from the sky. Yumbulagang became a shrine and under the reign of the 5th Dalai Lama, Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso, a monastery of the Gelugpa school. Yumbulakang monastery was severely damaged during the Cultural Revolution, though it has been extensively rennovated since.
According to legend, the site where the Trandruk Monastery lies once was a large lake and an evil dragon with five heads lived in the lake. The evil dragon caused havok for the people living around the lake. In order to defeat the dragon and save the villagers, Songtsen Gampo turned into a roc and fought with the dragon, finally managing to kill it. The Trandruk Monastery was built to commemorate Songtsen Gampo's great deeds. Many pilgrims come to Trundruk monastery to worship.
Drive back to Lhasa to stay overnight.
- Look up at the Yumbulagang Palace
Day 11 Lhasa Departure ( B )
Today will be free until you are escorted to the airport or train station.
Tips: Please pack your luggage carefully, especially for things like tooth brush, camera, mobile phone, phone charger, towel, wallet. If your flight is arranged in the afternoon, please make sure you check out the hotel before 12pm.
Useful Trip Notes
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- 1. Tibet Permits Guaranteed
To travel in Tibet, all Non-Chinese passport holders need to have a Tibet Travel Permit which is issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau in Lhasa. And only Chinese travel agencies like Tibet Discovery can apply for the permit on behalf of tourists. You must obtain it before your tour starting because the permit will be checked when you board your flight/train to Tibet. Traveling with Tibet Discovery, you don't have to worry about the complicated procedures of Tibet Travel Permit application. All you have to do is to confirm a tour package with us and send us your passport and Chinese visa copies at least 15~20 days in advance before your tour, then we will take care of all the rest things. Once the permit is issued, we will deliver to your address in China, such as your hotel, local travel agency, etc.
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- 2. Available Months to Visit Tibet
Generally speaking, April to October is the best time. July and August are the peak season and rainy season. It is usually snowy and cold in winter, which is not suitable for visit Mount Everest, Namtso and Mount Kailash regions. While other places such as Lhasa, Gyantse and Shigatse are suitable for travel all year around. The temperatures in daytime and night differs a lot, usually 5~15℃ in the daytime and -5~0℃ in the night, so please wear accordingly.
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- 3. High Altitude Sickness
The average altitude of Tibet is about 4000 meters above the sea level (Lhasa: 3700m; EBC: 5200m; Namtso: 4718m). You may suffer a bit from High Altitude Sickness in the beginning days of your Tibet trip if you haven’t had rich high plateau travel experience. But don’t worry too much, the high altitude can be acclimatized usually in 2~3 days. Our suggestion is to take a physical examination and get suggestions from your doctor, and also bring some medicines to prevent from High Altitude Sickness before your trip. While in Tibet, you should keep warm all the time, avoid strenuous activities, drink more water and eat more vegetables and carbohydrates. You’d better not take showers during the first two days after your arrival in Tibet. If you don’t feel well, get help from your tour guide or go to the hospital without any delay.
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- 4. How to Go to Tibet
Basically you have two options – flight and train. Currently, you can take a flight to Lhasa from Beijing(4.5hrs), Xian(3.7hrs), Chengdu(2.5hrs), Chongqing(3hrs), Kunming(3hrs), Kathmandu (1.5hrs), etc. Among all these cities, Chengdu and Xian have more frequent flights to Lhasa.
If you prefer a train travel, you can take a train to Tibet from Beijing(40.5hrs), Xian(32hrs), Chengdu(43hrs), Shanghai(47hrs), Chongqing(42hrs), Lanzhou(25hrs), Xining(22hrs), Guangzhou(54hrs). -
- 5. Packing and Wearing Ideas
Firstly you can’t forget your passport and Chinese Visa. A large backpack and a smaller one are recommended (the smaller one can be used for daily activities). Also bring necessary medicine you need. Other stuffs like sunglasses, snow glasses, hats, lip balm, sun block are recommended.
As for wearing, you are suggested to dress in layers (both thin and thick jackets). Down jacket is necessary in Spring and Autumn. A pair of durable and comfortable shoes is necessary.
Recommended Tibet Group Tour Packages
Escorted by a skilled driver and companied by a professional local tour guide to organize all the activities, all you have to do is to enjoy your fantastic Tibet journey.Following are some other recommended Tibet group tour packages that you may be interested in. You can also contact us to customize a trip if you want..
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Lhasa / Tsurphu / Yangpachen / Namtso / Lhasa
10 Days Tsurphu to Yangpachen Hiking Tour
Highlights: Potala Palace, Tsurphu Monastery, Namtso Lake, Trekking
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Lhasa city and suburb
5 Days Lhasa Leisure Hiking Tour
Highlights: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Mountain Hiking