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Private Tour 8-Day Ganden to Samye Tibet Trekking Tour

8 days of Tibetan culture, high-altitude trekking, and sacred landscapes connecting two legendary monasteries

  • Lhasa ⇀ Ganden Monastery ⇀ Tsepo Gang ⇀ Ngaka Dingkha ⇀ Shuga La Pass (5,250m) ⇀ Nyeka Sumdho ⇀ Yemalong ⇀ Samye Monastery ⇀ Lhasa
Duration
8 days
Tour Type
Private tour
Price From
US$2337

Price based on a private tour for 2 travelers. Final price varies depending on group size and season.

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Itinerary

Dates & Prices

FAQ

Experience one of Tibet’s most spectacular trekking routes on this 8-day Ganden to Samye Trek.

Starting from Lhasa, this journey combines Tibetan Buddhist heritage with the untouched beauty of the Tibetan Plateau. Visit the magnificent Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Street before beginning the legendary trek from Ganden Monastery to Samye Monastery.

The four-day trek takes you through remote mountain valleys, alpine meadows, and traditional Tibetan landscapes. Cross the high Shuga La Pass (5,250m), camp beneath the clear Tibetan sky, and enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and pristine wilderness. The trek finishes at Samye Monastery, Tibet’s first Buddhist monastery, offering a perfect combination of adventure, culture, and spirituality.

Private tour / Small Group



2-15 Participants

Meal Inclusions

Breakfast in Lhasa (days 2, 3 and 8) Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trekking days (days 4, 5, 6 and 7)

Attraction Transfers

Tourist vehicle transfers between attractions

Accommodation

Accommodation in 3 -star hotels with breakfast, based on double occupancy

Permits Handled

Tibet Travel Permit for foreign travelers

Activity Level: 4/5

Some extended walking on varied terrains.

Language


English Speaking Local Guide

Itinerary

Lhasa ⇀ Ganden Monastery ⇀ Tsepo Gang ⇀ Ngaka Dingkha ⇀ Shuga La Pass (5,250m) ⇀ Nyeka Sumdho ⇀ Yemalong ⇀ Samye Monastery ⇀ Lhasa

Altitude & Safety

Oxygen supply provided; altitude support, Travel insurance.

Jessie, Founder Experience Tibet

How can we help?

For advice on where to go, what to do and how to choose your perfect tour, talk to our Travel Experts.

How to Book

WhatsApp +86 15828535300
Book online
Plan your Tibet trip with us: Contact us
Wechat ID: experiencetibettour

Tibet Travel Agency Reviews (TripAdvisor)

What Travelers Say: Verified Tibet Travel Agency Reviews

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8-Day Ganden to Samye Tibet Trekking Tour

✅ PRICE INCLUDES

√ Tibet Travel Permit application and processing

√ Airport or railway station pickup and drop-off in Lhasa

√ Services of a professional Tibetan English-speaking guide

√ Private transportation throughout the tour (except during the trekking section)

√ Accommodation as specified in the itinerary:

  • Lhasa: 3-star hotel with breakfast, based on double occupancy
  • During the trek: Twin-share camping tents with sleeping pad and sleeping bag

√ All entrance fees listed in the itinerary

√ Meals as specified in the itinerary

  • Breakfast in Lhasa
  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek

√ Professional trekking support team:

  • Experienced trekking guide
  • Camp chef
  • 3 pack horses and 1 horseman
  • Kitchen tent and cooking equipment
  • Dining tent and camping equipment

√ Travel insurance

√ Complimentary bottled water

√ Portable oxygen supply in the vehicle

❌ PRICE EXCLUDES

× International and domestic flights

× Lunches and dinners in Lhasa unless specified

× Single room supplement in Lhasa hotel

× Personal trekking equipment (trekking poles, hiking boots, clothing, backpack, etc.)

× Tips for the guide, driver, trekking crew, chef, and horseman

Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa

Welcome to Lhasa, the spiritual center of Tibet. Upon arrival at Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Lhasa Railway Station, your guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

The rest of the day is free for rest and acclimatization. Due to Lhasa’s high altitude (3,650m), we recommend taking it easy and allowing your body to adjust.

Overnight: Lhasa

7-Day Tibet to Nepal Overland Tour: From Lhasa to the Himalayas

After breakfast, visit the iconic Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its impressive halls, chapels, and collections of Buddhist treasures.

In the afternoon, visit Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism, where pilgrims from across Tibet come to worship. Afterwards, walk around Barkhor Street, a lively traditional market surrounding the temple.

Overnight: Lhasa

Diverse group of solo female and male travelers celebrating together at iconic Potala Palace Lhasa

 

Jokhang Temple

What to See in Lhasa: Local Markets, Barkhor Street Shopping, Sweet Tea Houses & Where to Eat (Plus Top Sights)

Leave Lhasa and drive to Ganden Monastery, one of the most important monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Located on the mountainside overlooking the Kyi Chu Valley, Ganden offers magnificent views and a peaceful atmosphere.

After exploring the monastery, begin the trek toward Tsepo Gang. Meet your trekking support team, including the horseman and chef, and set up your first campsite.

Overnight: Camping

 

Tibet Monasteries: Discover Sacred Temples & Sites

 

8-Day Ganden to Samye Tibet Trekking Tour

8-Day Ganden to Samye Tibet Trekking Tour

 

Trekking distance: Approx. 15 km | 5–6 hours

Begin your trekking adventure through beautiful Tibetan mountain scenery. The trail passes through open valleys, highland grasslands, and remote areas rarely visited by travelers.

Enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the Tibetan wilderness, with views of snow-covered mountains and nomadic grazing areas along the way. Arrive at Ngaka Dingkha campsite in the afternoon and enjoy a freshly prepared dinner by your trekking chef.

Overnight: Camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

8-Day Ganden to Samye Tibet Trekking Tour

 

Trekking distance: Approx. 18 km | 7–8 hours

Today is the most challenging section of the trek. Continue ascending toward Shuga La Pass (5,250m), the highest point of the route. The pass is decorated with colorful prayer flags and offers spectacular views of the surrounding Himalayan landscape.

After crossing the pass, descend gradually through valleys and alpine scenery before reaching Nyeka Sumdho, where your campsite awaits.

Overnight: Camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

8-Day Ganden to Samye Tibet Trekking Tour

 

Trekking distance: Approx. 15 km | 5–6 hours

Continue trekking through peaceful valleys and remote Tibetan landscapes. Compared with the previous day, today’s route is more relaxed, allowing you to enjoy the scenery at a comfortable pace.

Walk through alpine meadows, past mountain streams, and experience the quiet beauty of the Tibetan Plateau before arriving at Yemalong campsite.

Overnight: Camping

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

8-Day Ganden to Samye Tibet Trekking Tour

 

8-Day Ganden to Samye Tibet Trekking Tour

Trekking distance: Approx. 10 km | 3–4 hours

Complete the final section of the trek as you descend toward the Yarlung Valley and arrive at Samye Monastery, Tibet’s first Buddhist monastery founded in the 8th century.

Explore this historic monastery, famous for its unique mandala-style architecture and important role in Tibetan Buddhism.

After the visit, drive back to Lhasa.

Overnight: Lhasa

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

8-Day Ganden to Samye Tibet Trekking Tour

 

After breakfast, your guide will transfer you to Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Lhasa Railway Station for your onward journey.

Your unforgettable Ganden to Samye trekking adventure comes to an end.

Meals: Breakfast

 

All foreign visitors to Tibet are required to obtain a Tibet Travel Permit issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau. We handle the entire application process on your behalf — you simply provide your documents.

What you need to submit:

  • 🛂 Tourists with Chinese “L” visa → passport copy + visa copy
  • 🏢 Expats/students/business visitors in China → passport + visa + company or school certificate
  • 🇳🇵 Entering from Nepal → visit the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu (we assist from our local office)

Deadlines:

  • Standard Tibet tours → 10 working days before departure
  • Mt. Kailash tours → 15–20 working days before departure

Once approved, your permit will be sent to you by email or mail. Keep it safe — it will be checked at the airport, train station, and all entry points into Tibet.

Tibet Travel Permit Online Application (2026): Submit Your Request + Application Form

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take to process the Tibet Travel Permit?

Typically, it is recommended to apply at least 15-20 days before your planned travel date to ensure ample processing time.)

The best time to visit Tibet is from April to October when the weather is most favorable, with clearer skies and milder temperatures. However, for those looking to experience specific festivals or less crowded seasons, other times of the year can also offer unique advantages.

Yes, vegetarian options are available, especially in larger cities like Lhasa and Shigatse. Hotels typically offer simple Western meals, and vegetarian dishes can be found in local Chinese restaurants or noodle shops in remote areas or small towns during long journeys.

Breakfast at the hotel usually includes simple Western options. In larger cities, you’ll have a wider range of choices, whereas in more remote areas, the selection may be more limited but still satisfying.

4-star hotels generally offer a higher standard of accommodation, with more spacious rooms, additional amenities, and better service compared to 3-star hotels. Both options provide comfortable lodgings, but 4-star hotels may offer a more luxurious experience.

Our tours are designed for small groups, with a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 13 people. This ensures a more personalized and enjoyable travel experience.

Yes, we provide 1L oxygen bottles for each tourist. For destinations further from Lhasa, we also supply medical-grade oxygen canisters, which are more effective than small bottles. It’s also advisable to prepare some altitude sickness medication as a precaution.

Most of our guests choose to fly into Tibet, with many domestic cities offering flights to Lhasa. It’s the quickest way, usually taking 1-3 hours, compared to over 20 hours by train. Train tickets can only be booked 15 days in advance.

Large luggage can be stored in the vehicle or left at hotels during your stay. You’ll only need to carry personal items and anything you might need for the day’s activities.

Here’s a general overview of hotels in Tibet; actual stays may vary depending on the tour and pricing.

Tour Highlights

Discover the heart of Tibetan culture and spirituality with visits to iconic landmarks.

Dates and availability

Book your tibet trip

ExperienceTibet” specializes in small group tours to Tibet, focusing on some of the most sought-after itineraries, ranging from the “4-day Holy City Tour” and “6-day Lhasa to Shigatse” journey, to the extensive 17-Day Mt Kailash & Guge Kingdom Tour from Lhasa

8-Day Ganden to Samye Tibet Trekking Tour

How to Book

Book online
WhatsApp +86 15828535300
Plan your Tibet trip with us: Contact us
Wechat ID: experiencetibettour
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