Adventure at the Roof of the world

Trip Grade: Moderate / Adventurous.
Tibet duration: 10 / 11days.
Total Trip: 14 / 15 days.

Introduction:

The trek to Samye Monastery from Ganden is one of the most beautiful and pleasant trek with steep uphill route, it can be quite strenuous because of it's high altitude of over 5000 metere passes of Shuga La(5,240m) and Chitu-La (5040m/16,700ft) The Trek from Ganden heads south reaching the first ridge at 4,510m/14,800ft. After an hour walk, the trail continues due south across the valley leading up to the first pass, Shuga-la, after the last village of Hebu.On the first few hours of trek there are few places where you need to cross the streams and creeks.

The trail passes through nomads and Shepherds camp with the hill side dotted with marmots dens. The dwarf rhododendron along this area are delightful and beautiful sight during the summer when it's in bloom in miniture bouquets of pink, white and purple.

As the trek passes through beautiful country and meadows of green carpets, camp is made where there is creek nearby on the summer pastures.Before Chitu-la there is a small glacial lake, after the pass the trail follows the creek all the way to the Samye valley through the Yamalung pilgrimage site of the Nyingmapa sect, as you come to the village of Nyango.

A good three hours walk from here brings you to the first great Buddhist Monastery in Tibet, at Samye founded in 775 A.D.

Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu.1,300m. via respective airlines.
Day 02: A day in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa.
Days 04-5: Guided Tour in Lhasa.
Lhasa is at 3,600m / 12,000ft and provides an ideal acclimation for the first few days. The relatively comfortable hotel (the only one during our Tibetan stay) will give members some time to get to know each other without the stress of walking.
Day 06: Drive to Ganden. O/N Camp.
Morning drive to Ganden, the journey covers 70 k.m. to the north east outskirt of Lhasa Valley the journey passes through interesting rural villages and farmfield and finally reaching at Ganden for the overnight halt.
Ganden one of the main monastery of Tibet, founded by the great abbot Tshon Khapa of Gelukpa sect. It was established in 1409 AD, Ganden means the joyful.

Day 07: At Ganden for short hike and Monastery tour.
A necessary acclamatisation day, this free leisure day for short walk around this great place and visit to the Monastery, half the Monastery area and its building was badly destroyed during the cultural revolution.
Ganden monastery situated at an altitude of 4,267m. The founder Tshon Khapa of Geluk-pa sect and of Ganden Monastery.

Day 08: Trek and camp enroute.
Trek to Gyama Valley and trek to the bottom of Shuga-la for the overnight camp.
The trek passes through the village of Hebu as you camp near Shuga-La on the meadow beside the Drogpa camp (Nomads) 6-7 hours walk.

Day 09: Trek to Chitu-la.
The trek passes the Shuga-La and camp before or after the Chitu-La. Depending upon the aviliabity of the water and camp. 5-6 hours walk.

Day 10: Trek to Samye via the way of Yamalung and Nyengo settlement. 6-7 hours walk.
Day 11:Morning tour of Samye Monastery and drive to Tsedang.
Samye Monastery, this was the first monastery established in Tibet, located on the north bank of Yarlung Tsangpo river, south east of Lhasa. It was constructed by Padmasambhava (Guru Ringboche) and Santarakshita between AD. 763 and 775 in the reign of King Dristen Detsen. This famous monastery was the site of a major Buddhist council called "Council of Samye' held there in 792-794, Two learned teachers, one from India and the other from China participated in the debate. India was represented by Kamlasila and China by Hashang.

Day 12: t Tsedang for sightseeing.
Today after breakfast we will visit the ancient fort, where the actual castle like palace of the earlier king of Tibet of this Kychui Valley still stands a short drive to the outskirt of the City. Once after the drive a steep 30 minutes walk up to the palace fort.

Day 13: rive to Gongar airport for the flight to Kathmandu.
Day 14: n Kathmandu.
A free day in Kathmandu, please let our staff or tour officer know if you would like to go on another short tour in and around Kathmandu Valley or for scenic mountain flight or hot air ballooning.

Day 15: Transfer to Airport for the International departure.
Today as per your international flight time, keep your confirmed air ticket, departure tax (in local currency) and your passport handy. Our Tour Officer will take you to the airport for your final departure from this amazing country, Nepal.

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>> Overland Tour to Lhasa-Tibet

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