Trekking in Tibet
  • Duration: 10 Days
  • Diffculty Level: Moderate 
  • Destination: Tibet
  • Best Time: May-Oct
  • Activity: Trekking
  • Max. Altitude: 5240m

Highlights

  • Explore the major attraction of Lhasa
  • Buddhist monasteries and monk debates
  • Exploration of breathtaking Ganden
  • Trek into the mountains to Yama Do's open valley
  • Tsotup Chu's tent site
  • Pass junipers and rhododendrons
  • Samye monastery dating back 1200 years
  • Yumbulagang, Tibet's oldest structure

This 10-day Ganden to Samye trek begins in Lhasa, Tibet's capital city, where you will spend three nights experiencing the city's great attractions. You'll begin by strolling around Barkhor's historic market area, where you'll come into contact with a large number of Buddhist pilgrims. You will next proceed to the Jokhang, the Himalaya's holiest temple. Thousands of Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims will be inside, singing mantras and presenting butter offerings to the candles. After that, you will visit Sera Monastery, one of Tibet's most powerful monasteries. The Potala Palace, Tibet's most famous structure, awaits you on your next day in Lhasa. The Potala Palace, which dominates Lhasa's skyline, includes more than 1000 rooms. Drepung, another of Tibet's massive monastery complexes, is where you'll end your time in Lhasa.

After staying three nights in Lhasa, you'll journey to Ganden, one of Tibet's most interesting monasteries. From here, you'll go on a spectacular five-day trip to Samye Monastery, around 80 kilometers away. Ganden to Samya trek is Tibet's most popular journey, and with a good cause! It allows you to witness breathtaking scenery, alpine lakes, Tibetan nomadic culture, rural Tibetan village life, and much more! A guide, pack animals (yaks), a cook who will make all meals, all camping gear, all relevant permits, and all ground transportation will be provided throughout this expedition. At the end of your journey, you'll arrive at Samye, Tibet's first monastery, which has a history dating back over 1200 years.

Itinerary

  • Altitude3650m
  • AccommodationStandard Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast

When you arrive in Lhasa, your guide will greet you and drive you to your accommodation. Spend the afternoon exploring the Barkhor, Tibet's ancient market district that surrounds the Jokhang Temple. Thousands of Buddhist pilgrims pass through this sacred shrine every day.

  • Altitude3650m
  • AccommodationStandard Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast

You'll visit the Jokhang, the Himalaya's holiest Buddhist temple. The most revered figure of Buddha is housed in Jokhang Temple, which was founded nearly 1400 years ago. Along with Buddhist pilgrims from Tibet's distant reaches, you'll make your way through this intriguing temple. The scent of yak butter candle offerings and the sound of pilgrims reciting mantras fill the air. You will visit the 600-year-old Sera, one of Tibet's largest Buddhist monasteries, in the afternoon. Monks discuss Buddhist theory every weekday afternoon beginning at 3 p.m.

  • Altitude3650m
  • AccommodationStandard Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast

The day will begin with a visit to Tibet's most famous structure, the Potala Palace. The Potala Palace has towered above Lhasa for hundreds of years and boasts over 1000 rooms. After lunch, you'll travel to Drepung, another massive monastic complex in Tibet. The pilgrimage route around Drepung takes roughly an hour and provides breathtaking scenery.

  • Altitude4300m
  • AccommodationCamping
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner

You will travel 50 kilometres from Lhasa to Ganden, one of Tibet's largest and most spectacular monasteries, after breakfast. The 600-year-old monastery, which is built on the side of a mountain, is unusual. Following your exploration of Ganden, you will embark on a 5-day hike to Samye Monastery, 80 kilometres to the south. The first leg of the walk will take you around the monastery on the pilgrimage trail before forking and continuing south into the mountains to Yama Do's open valley. This day's walk will be roughly 17 kilometres long and will take about 6 hours to finish.

  • Altitude5000m
  • AccommodationCamping
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner

The trek's second day will take you from Yama Do to Shugu La, an elevation of 5250 meters. The highest point on the journey from Ganden to Samye is this pass. The pass's summit provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. You'll descend to the valley floor from the pass's summit until you reach Tsotup Chu's tent site. You should come across several Tibetan nomads with their cows along the road. Today's distance is 10 kilometers, which will take 6 to 7 hours to finish.

  • Altitude5180m
  • AccommodationCamping
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner

At the halfway point of your journey, you'll arrive at a seasonal herder’s camp. There are beautiful mountain views and lovely alpine lakes along the way. You will cross another high pass today, the Chitu La at a rise of 5210 meters and afterward plummet to the valley floor. The distance this day is 15 kilometers and will take around 5 hours to finish.

  • Altitude5240m
  • AccommodationCamping
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner

The trek's fourth day is all downhill. The trek's final two days will take you through charming communities and past junipers and rhododendrons. Traditional Tibetan culture may be seen in abundance in the areas you will pass through. Today's hike is around 18 kilometers long and will take about 6 hours.

  • Altitude4180m
  • AccommodationSamye Guest House
  • MealsBreakfast

Before arriving at Samye, Tibet's first monastery, the final stretch of your trip will take you past lovely villages with spectacular mountain vistas. Samye has a long history dating back over 1200 years. After finishing the trek, you will stay at a simple guesthouse a short distance from Samye. Today's walk is about 18 kilometers long and will take 4 to 5 hours to finish.

  • Altitude3767m
  • AccommodationGuest House
  • MealsBreakfast

After breakfast, you'll drive the 60 kilometers to Yumbulagang Palace along the Yarlung River Valley. Yumbulagang is Tibet's oldest structure, with a view of the rich valley below. From Yumbulagang, travel down the Yarlung River Valley to Tsedang, a little town where you will spend your final night in Tibet.

  • Altitude3650m
  • AccommodationN/A
  • MealsBreakfast

You will be transferred to the Lhasa Airport in the morning and depart Tibet

What's Included
  • Tibet Travel Permit
  • All necessary permits and all entrance ticket fees for all tourist sites listed in the itinerary
  • Breakfast
  • All ground transportation by private Vehicle
  • English Speaking Tour Guide
  • Tourist Standard Hotel Accommodations
  • Camping materials from Yolo Hike
  • Service Charge & Government Taxes
  • Twin sharing accommodation, if you are a solo traveler you must share the room with another traveler, if you prefer a single supplement the cost will be additional depending on the high or low season in Tibet 
  • Welcome Dinner in a local restaurant when group members meet in Lhasa
  • Airport pick up and drop off
  • All Government Taxes and Services Charges
  • Down Jacket and Sleeping Bag by YOLO Hike
  • Duffle bag by YOLO Hike
  • First Aid Medical Kit
What's Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • International Flight Tickets
  • Tibet Entry fees
  • Soft Drinks including water and other beverage not listed in the itinerary
  • Snacks and meals not included
  • Personal expenses like bar bills, laundry, and others
  • Shower during camp
  • Personal Trekking Gears
  • Internet, Phone calls
  • Tips for Staffs

Additional Info

Accommodation

Yolo Hike provides you with the best possible stay available for your entire Journey. The lodging along the way is based on a Twin-to-Twin sharing basis and also a Three basis in some of the places due to the condition of Tibet’s standard. On the other hand, we supply the best hotels and guesthouses along the route but if you want more of the services you always have an option to upgrade package or pay extra cash.

Meals and Minerals

This package provides you with Breakfast for your meals, Throughout the tour. You will consume your breakfast in hotels where available which are specified for Health and Better Taste and have to pay on your own for Lunch and Dinner. If you need extra service than available you always have a choice to upgrade your package.

Cost & Estimation

The cost of a Tibet trip is largely determined by the different Tibet travel seasons, just as it is elsewhere. Tibet travel is more expensive during the high season, which runs from April to October, than during the offseason, which runs from late October to early February. (Find out when is the best time to visit Tibet.)

The monsoon season in Tibet runs from mid-June to early September, which coincides with China's summer vacation. Summer is the most expensive period to visit Tibet because of the enormous influx of both Chinese and international tourists.

Estimation

High Season:

Jun.26 to Aug.25 normally starts from 1200 USD

Aug.26 to Oct.15 normally starts from 1100 USD

Stand Season:

Apr.1 to Jun.25 normally starts from 1000 USD

Oct.16 to Nov.15 normally starts from 1000 USD

Low Season:

Nov. 16 to Mar.31 normally starts from 900 USD

Bag Packing

We recommend that you pack clothing that can be adapted to changing weather conditions, as temperatures in Tibet can be rather extreme. It's also a good idea to bring some rain gear. We will offer you a duffel bag at a hotel in Kathmandu one day before your departure for the Kailash Yatra, in which you will need to repack vital goods for the journey, and your other suitcase and luggage will be held in the hotel throughout your adventure.

The following are some of the essential items for your Kailash Yatra: Sandals and walking boots (or trainers are OK), a Jacket that is waterproof and windproof. Sweatshirts, T-shirts, and at least one thick sweater are all recommended. Trousers/track pants, Shorts/skirts Underwear that keeps you warm, a Bottle for water, Warm socks, especially woolen, are recommended. a torch with a spare set of batteries additional bootlaces, Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Medical supplies for personal use, sewing needle and threads, Towels, Pack for the day (for valuable items such as camera, money, passport), Clothing rucksack, Down jackets (in Kathmandu, we may give these on a returnable basis). Please keep in mind that in the event of loss or damage, you will be responsible for the costs.) a warm, sun-protecting cap Gloves

Tibet's intense light – and high UV factor – necessitates the use of sunglasses as well as plenty of sunblocks. Because sunscreen is not readily accessible in Tibet, be sure to bring plenty of your own. For further protection, a brimmed hat is also recommended. If you have never packed your Bag before considering us to help will be easy access for your convenience. You might get an email on the Bag Packing procedure.

Tradition and Culture

This region has been the final aim for pilgrims for thousands of years. For Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and Bon, it is the abode of the Gods. Mount Kailash is known in Tibet as Tise (the peak) of Khang Rinpoche, standing at 6714 meters (Jewel of Snows). Mount Kailash is the home of Hindu God Shiva and his wife Devi for Hindus, and Tibetan God Demchong and his consort Dorje Phangmo for Tibetans.

According to mythology, Milarepa, a great Tibetan Yogi, and master of Tantric Buddhism fought Naro-Bonchung, a grandmaster of Bon, to show the superiority of Buddhism. Many competitions were held, but the most important was to see who could reach the summit of Mt Kailash first in the morning. Naro-Bonchung flew towards the mountain on his damaru (ritual drum), only to be overtaken by Milarepa at the last moment. Naro-Bonching was so taken aback that he let go of his drum, which tumbled down the mountain, leaving a vertical scar on the south slope.

Precautions to follow

Most persons are affected to some extent by a lack of oxygen at high elevations (above 2,500 m). The human body needs time to establish physiological mechanisms to cope with the lower oxygen levels as altitude rises. Acclimatization is the term for this procedure. High altitude sickness necessitates the use of Diamox (Acetazolamide) tablets. Please visit your doctor for a prescription, since these tablets must be started three days prior to your arrival in Kathmandu. This medication must be taken for the duration of the trip. Those who are allergic to sulfa medicines can take Gingko Biloba, a natural supplement that can be purchased online.

During the trip, participants will be taught simple, yet effective, acclimatization techniques. Throughout the tour, the party will be accompanied by a competent doctor who is highly prepared to deal with high altitude sickness and other illnesses that may emerge. All necessary medications and equipment, including life-saving oxygen cylinders and Gamow bags, will be carried by the doctor.

First Aid Kit

You must carry a First Aid Kit during your Kailash Mansarovar journey, Diamox, aspirin, painkillers, Lip balm, Mustard, oil, Vaseline, Plasters, TCP, salt, mint, Vicks for sore throats are all items you should have in your first aid kit or personal medical kit (average hiking kit for mild injuries/ our guide will also have).

If you have any other health issues, seek medical advice before changing your medicine for high altitude. there are never sure about the climates and how the weather changes, if you have never accomplished the high-temperature before, altitude sickness can be a major issue for you so, having a First Aid Kit with you can be a partner in necessity. We also have medically trained and tested Guides who have high knowledge about the use of First Aid which helps you in an emergency.

Alternative Evacuation

The Chinese government has a fundamental regulation that everyone must enter and exit together. As a result, everyone should travel in a group. However, if one of the members becomes ill or has another problem while on the journey, he or she should be evacuated promptly because there is no hospital or medical assistance available. In this situation, we will have to organize additional services for which the evacuating passenger will be responsible. Every passenger is required to acquire travel/medical insurance to cover any unexpected expenses. Yolo Hike doesn’t sell any travel insurance so, make sure you have all the insurance, we can suggest you the best as per the experience about our previous clients. If you have further inquiries, feel free to email us at [email protected]

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