Arrival in Lhasa from Worldwide Destinations

Welcome to Lhasa, the spiritual heart of Tibet, located at an altitude of 3,650 meters (11,975 ft).

Upon your arrival at Lhasa Gonggar International Airport or Lhasa Railway Station, our local driver will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. Your hotel is equipped with oxygen supply facilities and humidifiers to help you adjust comfortably to the high-altitude environment.

After check-in, spend the rest of the day relaxing and acclimatizing. To minimize the risk of altitude sickness, we recommend avoiding strenuous activities, alcohol, hot showers, and washing your hair on your first day.

If you arrive by train, enjoy beautiful views of the Lhasa River during the short drive into the city. If arriving by air, the one-hour transfer offers your first glimpse of traditional Tibetan villages, vast valleys, and the breathtaking plateau landscape.

Highlights

• Airport or railway station pickup
• Lhasa River Scenic Area
• First impression of the Tibetan Plateau

Meals: Not included

Accommodation:  Hotels with Oxygen Supply in Lhasa

Lhasa – Drepung Monastery & Sera Monastery

After breakfast at the hotel, you will travel by vehicle to Drepung Monastery. At its peak, it housed more than ten thousand monks and was once the largest monastery. It is now among the three great monasteries in Lhasa. Viewed from afar, its magnificent cluster of white buildings resembles a heap of rice, which inspired its name.

In the afternoon, you will drive to Sera Monastery. It is celebrated for its one-of-a-kind daily scripture debate held in the main courtyard from 15:30 to 17:00. You can also visit the traditional Tibetan scripture printing house and admire three exquisite sand mandalas as well as vibrant Buddha rock paintings inside the monastery. You will be transferred back to your hotel after sightseeing.

Afterward, enjoy some free time to stroll through Lhasa’s streets and soak up the city’s unique spiritual atmosphere.

Highlights

• Drepung Monastery
• Sera Monastery Monk Debates

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotels with Oxygen Supply in Lhasa

Drepung Monastery

Monk Debate at Sera Monastery





Lhasa City Tour – Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple & Barkhor Street

Today you’ll explore the cultural and spiritual landmarks that define Tibet.

Begin with the magnificent Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lamas and the world’s highest ancient palace complex. Marvel at its elaborate chapels, priceless murals, sacred Buddhist statues, golden stupas, and centuries of Tibetan history.

Continue to Jokhang Temple, Tibet’s most sacred temple, originally built during the Tubo Dynasty. Inside is the revered 12-year-old statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, brought to Tibet by Princess Wencheng over 1,300 years ago.

Finish the day with a walk around the bustling Barkhor Street, where pilgrims perform the traditional kora, spinning prayer wheels while chanting prayers alongside local Tibetans.

Highlights

• Potala Palace
• Jokhang Temple
• Barkhor Street

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotels with Oxygen Supply in Lhasa

Potala Palace in Summer

Jokhang Temple





Lhasa – Ganden – Tsubshi, Trek to Yama-do (7 km, 2–3 hours’hiking)

In the early morning, we drive to Ganden Monastery, roughly 70 km east of Lhasa. It ranks among Tibet’s Three Great Gelugpa Monasteries and was established by Master Tsongkhapa in 1409. You will gaze upon charming scenery of the Kyichu River en route. As we wind uphill along the mountain road toward Ganden, the grand monastery complex perched on the mountain ridge gradually comes into view. We will then tour the monastery halls and see the stupa of Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelug tradition.

Once our sightseeing at Ganden finishes, we head to Tsubshi Village to arrange pack yaks. Afterwards, we begin our uphill trek to Yama-do, which takes around 2 to 3 hours.

Overnight in tent camp.

Highlights

• Ganden Monastery sightseeing & Tsongkhapa stupa visit
• Picturesque Kyichu River valley scenery
• Kick off the classic Ganden to Samye trekking route
• Leisure uphill hike to Yama-do (7km, 2–3 hours)
• Tent camping experience

Meals: Breakfast: Included

Accommodation: Camp overnight in a tent.

Ganden Monastery

Trekking route





Trek to Tsotup Chu Valley (10 km, 5–6 hours)

We set off in the morning, departing from the valley bottom and heading up a steep ravine that rises alongside the stream. Next, we ascend the Shug La Pass, then descend carefully across rugged boulder terrain. After that, we cross the Tsotup Chu, a sizeable river winding its way through the valley. We will settle our camp on a gentle pasture used by local herders.

Overnight in tent camp.

Highlights

• Hike up a steep stream ravine and cross Shug La Pass
• Traverse dramatic boulder fields on the descent
• Cross the winding Tsotup Chu River
• Camp on a quiet local herder pasture

Meals: Not included

Accommodation: Camp overnight in a tent.

Shug-la Pass

Tsotup Chu Valley





Trek to Herder’s Camp (14 km, 6–7 hours)

We follow Tsotup Chu upstream along its tributaries and make our way toward Chitu La Pass. Once we climb this rocky mountain pass, we start a swift descent. We then wind through peaceful herder settlements for roughly an hour, searching for a lovely campsite beside the stream. The day’s hiking wraps up at this scenic spot by the water.

Overnight in tent camp.

Highlights

• Hike along the tributaries of Tsotup Chu
• Cross the rocky Chitu La Pass
• Wander through quiet traditional herder settlements
• Scenic campsite beside the mountain stream

Meals: Not included

Accommodation: Camp overnight in a tent.

Chitu La Yak

Chitu La





Trek to Yamalung (15 km, 6–7 hours), then transfer to Samye

Toda’s total route stretches 39 km in all. You will complete 15 km on foot, and the remaining 24 km will be covered by vehicle. The path broadens and becomes gentler as we follow the main valley through scrub woodland. You will be surrounded by clear mountain streams and thriving woodland along the way. This section is widely regarded as the most scenic stretch of the whole trek. More than 15 varieties of shrubs, blooming rhododendrons and expansive alpine meadows greet you at every turn.

After soaking in this stunning natural scenery, we continue hiking through Changtang Village. You may opt for an extra one-hour side hike to Yamalung Hermitage, an ancient sacred retreat for Buddhist meditation. When our trekking segment finishes, our vehicle will collect us and drive onward to Samye Monastery.

Highlights

• Mix of hiking and vehicle transfer for a comfortable journey
• Hike through lush scrub forests, rhododendron zones and alpine meadows
• The most scenic section of the Ganden–Samye trek
• Optional side trip to the sacred Yamalung Hermitage
• Arrive at Samye and stay overnight at local guesthouse

Meals: Not included

Accommodation: Overnight at a guesthouse in Samye.

Changtang Village

Yemalung





Explore Samye Monastery and Yarlung River Valley

Today we discover Samye Monastery, Tibet’s very first Buddhist monastery, constructed back in the 8th century. Climb to the rooftop of its three-storey main hall for a sweeping overlook of this one-of-a-kind complex. Its layout follows the design of a vast mandala, mirroring the Buddhist cosmic world. The central main temple stands for Mount Meru, the sacred cosmic mountain at the heart of the Buddhist universe.

The four directional chapels symbolize the four great continents surrounding Meru, with two smaller temples beside each one to represent the outlying islands. You will be immersed in the profound spiritual atmosphere of this revered sacred site. If time allows, take the kora hike up Hepori Hill for a breathtaking panoramic view over Samye Monastery.

After the Samye sightseeing, our trekking section comes to an end. We will stay in Samye Town beside the Yarlung River Valley.

Highlights

• Visit Samye Monastery, Tibet’s earliest Buddhist monastery built in the 8th century
• Learn about its unique mandala layout representing the Buddhist universe
• Optional kora hike up Hepori Hill for panoramic views of Samye
• Conclude the Ganden–Samye trekking segment
• Overnight in Samye Town along the Yarlung River Valley

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Overnight in Samye

Samye Monastery

A Panoramic View of Samye Monastery





Transfer to Lhasa Gonggar Airport or Lhasa Railway Station for Departure

You will have free time at your leisure before our transfer. Our guide will accompany you to the airport or railway station and assist you with check-in for your onward journey.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: \