Overview: Though this trekking route is popular, the walk is a challenge and the altitude gains are higher than what is often recommended. We start our trek at 13,940 feet at Ganden and head toward the Samye Monastery. The highest pass we cross is Shogu La at 17,220 feet.
The trek provides a rich variety of scenery: from high snowy passes to lush alpine meadows — finally culminating at the barren, desert-like surroundings near the Samye Monastery. Along the high passes we discover secluded valleys — only inhabited by high-altitude nomads and their yaks.
This pilgrimage route is well used by Tibetans, who find it convenient to combine a visit to Ganden (the principal monastery of the Gelugpa) with a reasonably direct but hard walk to Samye (Tibet's first monastery). With a slow amble, this trek is fulfilling and pleasant. Its two passes are moderate, while displaying beautiful views.
Leadership: Your group leader is Amber Tamang. Amber is from a small village in the Solu Khumbu region of Nepal — a hamlet so small it isn't even on most maps! Amber is a strong advocate of better working conditions for all trekking staff.
For his undergraduate degree in Law, he wrote his thesis on legal protection for workers in the tourism industry and has recently achieved his Masters Degree in Buddhist Culture, Religion and Philosophy. Amber, wife Sushma and young daughter Anjali live in the Thamel district of Kathmandu.
Tour Itinerary
Pre Trip Days: Fly to meet in Lhasa. Remember, people in the Americas 'lose' one day crossing the international date line. Note: You must arrive in Lhasa no later than Monday, May 22, 2007. We must book your flight into Tibet for you. Your arrival in Lhasa will be via a connection in either Kathmandu, Nepal or Beijing, China.
If connecting via Kathmandu, you must arrive in Kathmandu no later than May 20. If connecting via Beijing, you must arrive in Beijing by May 21. Either option will entail an additional charge for an overnight stay in that city. We can help with air or land arrangements and custom options before or after your trek! Ask us questions before you plan!
Day 1: Group arrival in Lhasa. Upon your arrival in Tibet, our local guide will meet you outside the customs hall at Gongar Airport and transfer you to Lhasa (approximate two hour drive). Along the way, enjoy the view along the Yarlong Tsangpo River (the longest river in Tibet). We will check into our local hotel. It is important for your acclimatization that this afternoon be spent resting. (Dinner)
Day 2: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street. The first day of sightseeing starts with Lhasa's most well known landmark — the Potala Palace. It is a prominent icon and a structure of massive portions. Later this afternoon, we will visit the Jokhang Temple — the spiritual center of Tibet. Each day, many pilgrims from every corner of Tibet trek great distances to this shrine. The temple is the product of Han, Tibetan and Nepalese architectural techniques. Next, we will visit Barkhor, the oldest street and still a traditional scene of old Tibet. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 3: Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery. About five miles west of central Lhasa is Drepung, once the world's largest monastery with about 10,000 attending monks. From the hillside enjoy expansive views of the entire Lhasa City against the backdrop of the rugged mountain peaks. Drepung is the largest of Lhasa's two great Gelugpa Monasteries. Three miles north of central Lhasa, Sera Monastery is smaller and more serene. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4: Free day in Lhasa. (Breakfast)
Day 5: Monastery & Trek. In the morning we drive about 90 minutes from Lhasa to visit the Ganden Monastery. After sightseeing, we'll drive an hour to the village of Dupshi. One hour of moderate hiking transports us to Ani Pangong — the site of a former nunnery. Another hour of steady climbing carries us through pristine meadows to our treks first camp at Yama Do. Total hike: Three miles (2 hours). (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6: Yama Do & Tsotup Chu Valley. Two hours of steep hiking leads us along to Shug-La Pass. Negotiating boulders and rough trail subsides with the final steep ascent to the pass (17,220 feet). The route continues across the Shug-La Pass following the cairn-lined trail.
We descend gradually, reaching the valley in ninety minutes from the pass. We cross the Tsotup Chu, a long stream winding along the valley floor. Nomad herders with their herd of yaks, goat and sheep dot the landscape. Tonights camp is near a stream crossing. Total hike: Six miles (4-5 hours). (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7: Tsotup Chu Herder's Camp. From the Tsotup Chu Valley, we follow a small tributary entering from the southwest. The route follows steeply upwards for 30 minutes, reaching a large basin. The terrain is not particularly difficult to reach Chitu-La Pass (16,728 feet), marked by several cairns.
A short steep descent leads us into a basin holding three small lakes. The trail is often not clearly marked and passes seasonal campsites before finally reaching the valley floor. Total hike: Nine miles (5 hours). (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8: Yamalung Herder's Camp. Our trail is now wide and easy to follow — meandering through forest of shrubs and rhododendrons for three hours. We amble through a series of meadows before reaching Gen Do, a stone structure in ruins.
The forest thins rapidly and we reach the first permanent village of Chantan (13,776 feet) after leaving Hebu. In 30-40 minutes we arrive at the turn off for Yamalung Valley. The Yamalung Hermitage is another one hour steep climb from the valley floor. Total hike: Nine miles (5-6 hours). (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9: Yamalung to Samye. From Yamalung Valley, we trek about four hours to reach Samye. We pass the villages of Nyango, Wango and Pisha. From Pisha, the entire lower valley of Samye and the golden spires of Samye Monastery are revealed to our view. Before we reach Samye, we pass lush meadows for tonight's camp. Total hike: Six to eight miles (4 hours). (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 10: Samye Monastery. Today we visit Samye Monastery and explore surrounding area. A nice day to relax from our days on the trail. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 11: Samye to Tsedang. Depending on road conditions, we may drive for 30 minutes and take a ferry for an hour and a half to reach Tsedang. If the Eastern road along the Tsangpo river is open, we have the option to drive the entire way in an hour.
Upon arrival in Tsedang we visit Tibet's oldest building — the Yongbulakhang. Sacred texts are said to have miraculously fallen on the palace roof, heralding the first appearance of Buddhism in Tibet. Overnight is at our hotel in Tsedang. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 12: Tsedang to Airport. Its time to say goodbye and depart Tibet. After breakfast, we will drive one and a half hours to Gongar Airport to catch the return flight to Beijing or to Kathmandu. (Breakfast)
Post Trip: Same day return date for Americans crossing the international date line — to arrive home about midday. A dreamy day filled with wonderful memories — vignettes of new faces, places and friends you'll never forget!
Important Note: This is meant only as a general guide to the schedule of our days. Changes can be made as we go along, based on local conditions, acclimatization, health and safety issues as well as government restrictions. Ascents, times and elevations given here are rounded off.
Travel Details: If you make your own flight arrangements to Asia, please schedule carefully: Your arrival in Lhasa will be via a connection in either Kathmandu, Nepal or Beijing, China. If connecting via Kathmandu, you must arrive in Kathmandu by May 20. If connecting via Beijing, you must arrive in Beijing by May 21. Either option will entail an additional overnight stay in that city to connect the following day to Tibet.
Please consult Himalayan High Treks before you finalize your air ticket! The air schedule for May 22, 2007 (our starting date), as well as other information, is subject to government approval and change without notice. No responsibility can be assumed for delay, cancellation or unavailability of flights or for any missed connections.
You are welcome to travel early or stay for extra days at the end. We can arrange additional nights at any of our hotels or guest houses for you. The cost starts at approximately $35 per night (single) or $25 per night (sharing a double room) with comfortable deluxe rooms with attached bathrooms, telephones, room service, laundry service, a free safety deposit box and ample luggage storage. There are convenient, inexpensive internet cafes within a leisurely walk from our city hotels.
Airport pickup for early arrivals is $10 per person. For late departures you can take a cab to the airport or have us arrange an airport transfer for $10 one way ($20 for round trip).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Expenses: Additional travel-related expenses include: your flight to the trip starting point of Lhasa, Visa ($50 for Tibet) plus $580 or $650 for your in-trip flights from Kathmandu or Beijing to Lhasa and return.
This internal flight will be booked separately through our local agent. We also recommend that you purchase travel insurance (at an approximate cost of $340) which includes coverage for trip cancellation and emergency evacuation. We offer many other levels of trip insurance starting at $50.
Trip Deposit: $250USD
Trip Price (Land Cost As Described): $1400USD
In-Trip (Round-Trip) Airfare Estimate: $580USD (Katmandu – Lhasa) or $650 (Beijing – Lhasa)
Trip Difficulty Rating: Moderate
Maximum Group Size: 8
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Tibet
Hiking & Trekking
Ecotourism
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