Garden Samye Valley Trek takes you to the roof of the world and heartland of Tibet where you discover spectacular mountainous landscapes and fascinatingly incredible Buddhist culture. Considered as one of the best trek in Tibet, this trek offers the quick glimpse of Tibetan Buddhism, traditional Tibetan villages, great Himalayan views, alpine meadows, picturesque high passes, spiritual sites, alpine wildlife and pristine wilderness and deserted surroundings near Samye Monastery.
14 days Garden Samye Valley Trek starts in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. Here you will explore great spiritual and monumental sites. We spend 3 days at Lhasa to have the close glimpse of local culture which also helps us for proper acclimatization. We proceed for an overland journey to Garden Monastery and start our 4 days trek over the semi-arid Tibetan plateau to Samye, one of the holiest monastery in Tibet.
We trek through highland pastures and walk over Shugu La Pass (5,200m) and Chetur La Pass (5100m) to reach the sacred site where many Buddhist saints meditated including Guru Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism.
We conclude our trek in Samye and join overland journey to Tsetang for more experience and exploration. We visit Yarlung valley, the valley of Tombs and the cradle of Tibetan civilization, to immerse deep into the Tibetan culture and history.
During the trek, you will able to enjoy the views of daunting snowy peaks and experience the countryside life of Tibet. You will witness many local Tibetan villages’ dotted with Buddhist prayers flags, visit local houses to observe the local culture, religion and life. The trekking route from Garden to Samye is well-praised for its diversity, lush alpine meadows, yak herders camps, sacred sites and High Mountain passes.
This short trip to Garden Samye Valley is ideal for those who wish to explore the remote countryside close to Lhasa and wants the brief introduction to Tibetan Buddhism and religious culture. Although the walking is high, it is not rated as strenuous trekking in Tibet.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu
Day 02: Drive: Kathmandu – Kodari – 6 hour drive
Day 03: Drive: Nyalam – Lhatse – 6-8 hour drive
Day 04: Drive: Lhatze – Shigatse (3,900m/12,795ft/3 hour drive)
Day 05: Drive: Shigatse – Gyantse (3,950m/12,959ft/3.5 hour drive)
Day 06: Drive: Shigatse – Lhasa (3,650m/12,959ft) – 6 hour drive
Day 07/08: Lhasa: Sightseeing and exploration
Day 09: Drive to Ganden (4,300/14,107ft) – 1 hour drive
Day 10/11: Trekking period, Trek from high mountain pastures and cultivated fields
Day 12: Trek ends at Samye
Day 13: Drive: Samye – Tsedang (3,550m/11,646ft) – 4 hour drive
Day 14: Drive: Tsedang – Lhasaand fly to Kathmandu – 2 hour drive and 45 minute
The Mount Kailash Manasarovar tour may open to Indian passport holders from May 2025. 
