This trek offers a rich variety of scenery from high snowy passes to lush alpine meadows to the desert-like environs of Samye monastery. En route, near the passes, are secluded valleys whose only inhabitants are the high-altitude nomads and their yaks. This pilgrimage route is well used by Tibetans, who find it convenient to combine a visit to Ganden, the principal monastery of the Gelugpa, with a reasonably direct, albeit hard walk to Samye, Tibet’s first monastery. The trek if taken slowly and spaced out with one or two rest days is wonderfully pleasant. Its two passes are not exceptionally onerous; new visitors to Lhasa should be able to attempt the walk without undue worry about physical conditioning. However, expect foul weather on or near the passes at any time of year.

Day to Day Outline Itinerary