The trek begins with popular landmarks in Tibet (Lhasa) like Dalai lama’s Potala Palace and Norbulingka Palaces, Drepung Monastry to reach the Gyama Valley and Samye Monastery.
Ganden Monastery (also Gaden or Gandain) or Ganden Namgyeling – founded by Je Tsongkhapa himself in 1409 situated at an altitude of 4500 metres. Ganden means “joyful” and Namgyal Ling means “victorious temple”.
The Samye Monastery – the first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet : situated at an altitude of 3,700 metres (12,139ft) – . It was probably first constructed between 775 and 779 CE.
The monastery is in Dranang, Shannan Prefecture. Samye is famous for its sacred mandala design: the central temple symbolizes the legendary Mount Meru, center of the universe. It is a popular pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Buddhists, some of whom travel on foot for weeks to reach it.
Itinerary
Day 01 Fly to Kathmandu, Transfer to Hotel 1400 metres(4,600 ft.) Hotel/Guest House
Process Tibet permits and Chinese visas for group
Day 02 Transfer to Domestic Airport, fly to Lhasa (Gongor) 3570 metres(11,710 ft) Fly-In Hotel/Guest House
A.M visit to Potala Palace – (max. altitude 3,700m) 3700 metres (12,100 ft) Day visit
P.M visit to Norbulingkha and Jokhang Monasteries 3650 metres (11,980 ft) Day visit
Day 03 A.M Drepung Monastery 3800 metres(12,467 ft.) Day visit Hotel/Guest House
P.M Sera Monastery 3600 meters (11,800 ft) Day visit
Day 04 Drive Gyama Valley and organize yaks 4600 meters (15091 ft.) Drive Camp
Day 05-08 Gyama to Samye Monastery 3700 metres (12,139 ft.) Trek Camp
Day 09 Samye Monastery to across Yarlung tsangpo River and drive to Tsetang 3400 metres (11154 ft.) Trek/Drive Camp
Day 10 Drive to Shigatase 3900 metres (12,795 ft.) Drive Hotel/Guest House
Day 11 Drive to Zhangmu (Khasa) 2200 metres (7217 ft.) Drive Hotel/Guest House
Day 12 Drive back to Kathmandu 1400 metres (4,600 ft.) Drive-Out Hotel/Guest House
