Ganden is situated 45 km East of Lhasa on the Highway which follows the south bank of the Kyi Chu to Medro Gongkar. This is one of the most beautiful trekking sites in central Tibet and is considered as an abode of Champa, the future Buddha. Ganden monastery is perched on a ridge ( Gokpo Ri ), which was chosen by Tsong Khapa (1357-1419) for his first meditation, the monastery was built later. This is one of the great monasteries of six which were built by Gelukpa sect.

A trek from Ganden to Samye is one of the most popular trek in Tibet now. Travelers who are flying from mainland China or Kathmandu can join Ganden to Samye trek. However, the region is still restricted for trekking without an especial permit and a Tibetan guide. Ganden to Samye trek links two of the most important monasteries in Central Tibet and crosses the Yatro Drak range of mountains that divide the Tsangpo basin from the Lhasa Valley . The trek provides superb and pristine scenery along with access to Tibet 's first monastery, founded in the 8th Century.

Ganden to Samye trekking itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu - transfer hotel - tour briefing
Day 02: A full day sightseeing tour within the Kathmandu valley
Day 03: Transfer airport - fly Lhasa - transfer hotel
Day 04: Lhasa sightseeing tour
Day 05: Lhasa sightseeing tour
Day 06: Free day at Lhasa
Day 07: Drive to Ganden, overnight camp.
Day 08: Trek
Day 09: Trek
Day 10: Trek to Samye Monastery. overnight camp
Day 11: Visit Samye Monastery -drive to Tsedang. overnight -hotel
Day 12: Visit Yambulakhang, Thandrek and The Tombs of Tibetan Kings. overnight -hotel
Day 13: Transfer airport - fly Kathmandu transfer hotel
Day 14: At leisure in Kathmandu
Day 15: Transfer airport - flight to onward destination .