Tibet Tour with Ganden Samye Trekking

Morning transfer to the airport for the hour long flight to Tibet. This spectacular flight, on Air China , takes us right across the main Himalayan range and provides us with magnificent mountain views. After landing at Gonggar Airport and meeting our Tibetan guide, it is a further 2 hour drive by Landcruiser jeep to Lhasa where we will check in to the Hotel. It's advisable to rest and take it easy for the remainder of the day due to Lhasa's altitude. Overnight at Hotel.

We will have two full days in Lhasa to make excursions to the following places:
Jokhang Temple  - The Jokhang is the principal and holiest Buddhist temple in Lhasa, as well as all of Tibet. It is the focus of devotion of hundreds of Tibetans from near and far who circle it to gain spiritual merit. The Jokhang was first constructed in the 7th century and has a large gold image of Sakyamuni Buddha or Jowo Rinpoche.

Early morning drive to Ganden, one of the 3 monastic universities of Tibet. Our trek begins from Ganden. The trail gradually ascends for 1.5 hrs before reaching a saddle marked by a cairn with views of Kyichu valley to Lhasa. Traversing the west side of the ridge from the saddle, the trail reaches a spur surmounted by a cairn, a spring and then the village of Hepu in 2 hrs. 1 hr from Hepu reach Ani Pangong, a small nunnery. The trail climbs steadily for 1 hour through marshy meadows to Yama Do.

In 2 hrs past Yama Do we ascend Shug-la pass (5250 m). It takes atleast 1.5 hrs from the basin negotiating boulders and lumpy ground along the final steep climb to the pass. The route continues over the Shug-la pass following the cairned trail descending gradually and reaching the valley in 1.5 hrs from the pass. Cross the Tsotup Chu. Nomad herders with their herd of yaks, goat and sheep can be found here.

From the Tsotup Chu valley, follow a small tributary entering from the south-west. The route follows steeply upwards for 30 mins until you reach a large basin. The terrain is not particularly difficult to reach Chitu-la pass (5100 m) which is marked by several cairns. A short steep descent will bring you into a basin with three small lakes. The trail at many points is not clearly marked and goes past several seasonal camping sites before it reaches the valley floor.

The trail is now wide and easy to follow and goes through forest of shrubs and rhododendrons for 3 hrs. The trail winds through a series of meadows before reaching Gen Do, a place with a ruined stone structure. The forest thins rapidly and we reach the first permanent village of Chantan (4020 m) after leaving Hebu.. In 30-40 mins we arrive at the turn off at Yamalung Valley. Yamalung Hermitage is another 1 hour steep climb from the valley floor.

From Yamalung Valley it 3.5 - 4 hrs to Samye. We go past the villages of Nyango, Wango and Pisha. From Pisha the entire lower valley of Samye and the golden spires of Samye Monastery can be seen.  Visit Samye Moanstery and drive to tsedang to visit Yambulakhang Palace O/N at Hotel.

Today we start our overland journey towards Kathmandu. Traveling by jeep along the Friendship Highway we cross the Khamba La 4794 m. from which there are stunning views across the waters of Yamdrok-tso Lake to the snowy summit of Nazin Kang Sa 7252 m. We continue westwards over another high pass the Karo La 5045 m. where we are treated to the spectacular sight of a huge glacier tumbling down to within a few hundred meters of the road. After passing through beautiful valleys and colorful Tibetan villages we arrive in the town of Gyantse. Sightseeing in Gyantse: visit the Gyantse Dzong and Gyantse Kumbum. The Dzong is a fort dating from the 14th century from which there are amazing views of both Gyantse itself and the surrounding Nyang Chu Valley. The Kumbum is a large gold-domed stupa and its many small chapels house an impressive array of Tibetan Buddhist murals. Overnight at Hotel.

Continue the friendship highway through Tibetan plateau to Shigatse, a short drive of only 90 kms. Sightseeing in Shigatse: Shigatse is the second largest city in Tibet and after exploring the local market we will make a detailed visit to the Tashilhunpo Monastery. This monastery is one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet and there is much to explore within its high surrounding walls. Overnight at Hotel

Departure from Shegar, en route visit Shakya monastery & Shekar Chode Today we continue along the Friendship Highway, marveling once more at the barren yet spectacular landscape of Tibet. Beyond the small town of Lhatse we cross the highest pass on our journey, the Gyamtso La [5220m]. From here we descend to the plains, passing lonely monasteries and the camps of nomadic herders, en route to Shegar and our overnight accommodation at Hotel. Overnight at Guest House.

Drive from Xegar to Dza Rongbuk Monastery in the morning. The journey involves driving over Pang La (5120m/16,794 ft) that rewards you with the views of several 8 thousanders like Makalu, Lhotse, Cho Oyu and Mount Everest. The journey mostly goes through dirt road, passing through several picturesque villages. Upon arrival, check in a guesthouse or monastery accommodation and after refreshment; take an hour walk trek to the Everest Base Camp (5200m/17,333ft). The driver will pick you up at the basecamp and drive you back to Ronbuk O/N at Basic Guest House.

Retrace drive to the Friendship Highway and drive to Tingri, a small Tibetan town. Continue driving along the Friendship Highway. You will cross two high passes Lablung La ( 5, 124m) and Tong La ( 5, 120m) and have the last views of Mount Everest, Sishapangma and Cho Oyu. Then the road drops to Nyalam-the last Tibetan town where you may stop for some refreshment. The road drops sharply along the bank of a river. Upon arrival in Zhangmu-the last Chinese frontier town, check O/N at Hotel.

After breakfast at your hotel, queue up in Chinese immigration and customs for the last border formalities. From here, Nepal border is about 20 minutes drive down hill. At the Friendship Bridge, see of Tibetan Guide and driver and continue to Kathmandu with the Nepali counterpart.