The trek which connects two different Buddhist monasteries in Tibet is not only the world’s best hike but also an opportunity to observe the Tibetan culture and Tibetan Buddhism. The trek passes through different landscapes that give opportunity to observe lake, valley, river and mountains. The trek also offers a closer look in nomadic lifestyle and as it passes through nomad tents where the people are still living. Nomads are accompanying the herds of yak and ship to different pastureland and keep moving according to the season.The major attraction of the trip is two of the Tibet’s important monastery which helped to flourish Buddhism in Tibet.
Day 01: Arrival in Lhasa and transfer to your hotel. As the airport is quiet far from Lhasa downtown and Lhasa itself is located at higher elevation, you are recommended to stay in the hotel for free afternoon and acclimatize for the rest of the journey.
Day 02: Lhasa sightseeing includingPotala palace with thousands of chapels inside also considered world heritage site by UNESCO. Visit to Jokhang temple, the most sacred temple Tibet which got flooded with thousands of Tibetans from different part of Tibet. Later discover Barkhor Street, the pilgrimage circuit that goes around Jokhang and one of the biggest bazar there in Lhasa.
Day 03: Lhasa sightseeing including Sera and Drepung Monastery. The 15th century Drepung monastery is located at the foot hill of the mountain and founded by JamyangChoeje. It is divided into two sections, administrative and monastery. Later the administrative section moves to Potala palace at the time of 5th Dalai Lama. Sera monastery is another monastery founded in 15th century and they have a big prayer hall where monks gather for a mass worship. Afternoon time they organize debate in the courtyard of the monastery. Drive back to hotel and trek preparation.
Day 04: Drive from Lhasa to Ganden and trek to Yama-do. After breakfast drive to Ganden monastery, visit Ganden monastery and take a drive to village called Tsubshi. The crew prepare for the Yak and an easy trek for 2-3 hours to reach Yama-do. Stay overnight in tented camp.
Day 05: Trek from Yama-do to Tsotup Chu valley, covers about 10 Kilometers and takes normally 6-7 hours. The trek ascends after leaving the valley and until crossing Shug-la pass and descends down to Tsotup Chu valley. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 06: Trek from Tsotup Chu valley to herder’s camp, 5-6 hours of walking and normally cover 12 km. After leaving the valley, the trek ascends to make Chitu La pass. After the pass the trail descends and pass through many of the herder’s camp. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 07: Trek from herder’s camp to Yamalung hermitage and drive to Samye. It normally takes 4-5 hours of trekking and drive to Samye. The trail mostly passes through the green lush valley and reaches the Changtang village. From the village an hour of easy hike to Yamalung hermitage which is considered as holy Buddhist meditation site. From Yamalung hermitage, drive to Samye and overnight at guest house.
Day 08: Visit Samye monastery and discover Samye valley. Samye is the first monastery constructed in Tibet. Fist built in 8th century to vitalize Buddhism in Tibet under the patronage of the king TrisongDetsen. After visiting the oldest monastery, discover the valley and stay overnight at guest house at Samye town.
Day 09: Drive from Samye to Lhasa and free afternoon.
Day 10: Departure from Lhasa. On a proper time transfer to airport for final departure to your home country or another destination.