A classic pilgrim trek linking two of the most important monasteries in Tibet. From Ganden Monastery above the Kyichu valley, the route crosses the Shuga La (5,250 m) and Chitu La (5,100 m) through high pastures, lakes and herders’ camps, then descends past the Yamalung Hermitage to Samye Monastery, the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet. Nights on the trek are in tented camps, with yaks carrying the loads.
Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Swayambhunath. Pre-departure briefing in the evening. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Scenic flight over the Himalaya, with views of Everest and Kanchenjunga on a clear day. Meet your Tibetan guide at Lhasa Gonggar Airport and drive about 1 hour to Lhasa. Rest for the remainder of the day to acclimatise. Overnight stay in Lhasa.
Visit the Potala Palace, the former winter residence of the Dalai Lamas, rising thirteen storeys above Lhasa. In the afternoon visit the Jokhang Temple, the most sacred temple in Tibet, and walk the pilgrim circuit of Barkhor Street. Overnight stay in Lhasa.
Visit Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in the world, and in the afternoon Sera Monastery, where monks hold lively debates in the courtyard. Overnight stay in Lhasa.
Drive to Ganden Monastery and walk the kora, then trek along the ridge and descend to the village of Hepu, where yaks and herders join the group. Overnight stay in tented camp.
Climb steadily through high pastures to the Shuga La, the highest point of the trek, then descend to the camp at Yama Do. Overnight stay in tented camp.
Cross the Chitu La, passing small glacial lakes, and descend to the nomad pastures of the Tsotup Chu valley. Overnight stay in tented camp.
Follow the valley down through juniper and rhododendron scrub, passing herders’ camps, to Changtang. Overnight stay in tented camp.
Visit the Yamalung Hermitage, a meditation site of Guru Rinpoche, and walk down the valley to Samye. Overnight stay in Samye.
Morning visit to Samye Monastery, built in the shape of a mandala, then drive along the Yarlung Tsangpo to Lhasa. Overnight stay in Lhasa.
Visit Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lamas set in parkland, and the Tibet Museum. Free afternoon in Lhasa. Overnight stay in Lhasa.
Transfer to Lhasa Gonggar Airport for the flight back to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel; evening at leisure. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for your onward flight. Conclude your journey.
Please note: the itinerary sequence is subject to change based on the availability of accommodation.
| Destination | Hotel / Lodge |
|---|---|
| Kathmandu | Deluxe Hotel |
| Lhasa | 3-Star Hotel |
| Hepu – Changtang (trek) | Tented camp |
| Samye | Best available Guesthouse |
All foreign visitors to Tibet, including Indian nationals, need a Chinese visa (or eligible visa-free entry) and a Tibet Travel Permit, and must travel with a licensed guide on a fixed itinerary. The visa route depends on nationality and gateway. We arrange the permits from the documents you share at booking.
Foreign Nationals · From Nepal
Indian Nationals
Foreign Nationals · From Mainland China
All Programmes
Entry, visa and permit rules are set by the Chinese authorities and may change at short notice; please reconfirm with us before travel.
All travellers must hold a passport with a minimum of 6 months’ validity; the Voter ID card is not accepted for Tibet. Clear colour scans of the passport and one photograph per traveller should be shared with us at least 30 days before departure so that the Tibet Travel Permit can be issued. For programmes entering from Nepal, the Chinese Group Visa for foreign nationals is processed from these scanned copies and handed over in Kathmandu before departure; the original passport must be carried for the flight or border crossing.
A deposit of 25% of package cost is payable at the time of booking confirmation. The remaining balance is payable no later than 7 days prior to the arrival date. Payments are made by bank transfer to our Nepal company account.
ABC Adventures Pvt. Ltd. and its associates are committed to providing a smooth, safe and memorable journey. Tibet permits are issued by the Chinese authorities and may be delayed, restricted or cancelled at short notice, and Tibet may close to foreign visitors during certain periods. We are not liable for itinerary changes due to such decisions or other unavoidable circumstances, such as road blockages, landslides, snowfall, weather, flight delays or cancellations, or illness and accidents. Any additional costs incurred under these conditions must be borne by the traveller.
All programmes spend most nights above 3,600 m, and several cross passes above 5,000 m. The Ganden–Samye and Everest North Base Camp treks (TB-06, TB-07) are graded Strenuous and suit trekkers with prior high-altitude experience. Travellers with cardiac or respiratory conditions should consult their doctor before booking.
Breakfast is included daily. Lunch and dinner are at the traveller’s own cost in hotels and local restaurants, except on the camping days of TB-06 and TB-07, which are on full board.
Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical treatment, evacuation and repatriation at altitudes up to 5,500 m is strongly advised. Helicopter rescue is not available in Tibet, so cover should include ground evacuation.
All notice of cancellation must be sent in writing by email; verbal cancellation does not qualify for any refund.
| Timing | Charge |
|---|---|
| 15 days or more prior to arrival | 25% of package cost |
| 7–14 days prior to arrival | 50% of package cost |
| 3–6 days prior to arrival | 75% of package cost |
| Less than 3 days / no show | 100% of package cost |
Lhasa lies at 3,656 m and most programmes cross passes above 5,000 m, where Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a real risk. Early symptoms include headache, nausea, loss of appetite and poor sleep; worsening symptoms mean descending without delay.
Rest on the first day in Lhasa, drink 3–4 litres of water a day, avoid alcohol and walk slowly. Oxygen is carried in our vehicles and is available in hotels in Lhasa.
Hospitals are available in Lhasa and Shigatse, but medical facilities are limited elsewhere, and evacuation is by road. Travellers with cardiac, respiratory or other relevant conditions should consult their doctor before booking.
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