Gandan Monastery to Samye Monastery

Gandan Monastery

In Dagze County 60 kilometers to the east of Lhasa, it is one of the three great monasteries in Lhasa and one of the six great monasteries of the Gelug Sect. Gandan means happiness and contentedness in Tibetan. The Ganden Monastery was built in early 15th century under the supervision of Tsongkapa, the founder of the Gelug Sect. The main buildings include the Coqen Hall, the Chamber of Zonggaba and the College of Yangbajian.

Samye Monastery

Built in the 8th century, Samye Monastery was the first Buddhist monastery to be founded in Tibet. It is also notable as the site of the "Great Debate" (792-794) between the Indian Mahayanists and Chinese Chán (Zen) Buddhists.Samye is famous for its sacred mandala design: the central temple symbolizes the legendary Mount Meru, center of the universe. It is a popular pilgrimage destination for Tibetan Buddhists, some of whom travel on foot for weeks to reach it.

History

Samye Monastery was founded in the 8th century during the reign of King Trisong Detsen with the help of the Indian Buddhist masters Padmasambhava and Shantarakshita, whom the king had invited to Tibet to help spread Buddhism. Padamasambhava is credited with subduing the local spirits and winning them over to Buddhism.

The first Tibetan monks were ordained here after examination, and are referred to as the Seven Examined Men. Over the centuries Samye has been associated with various schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

Padmasambhava's involvement makes Samye important in the Nyingma school, but it was later taken over by the Sakya and Gelugpa schools. Today, Tibetans of all traditions come to worship here.

TO: Every morning, from Lhasa to Ganden Monastery , only one bus in the dazhaoshi square， leaves at 6:30a.m,whose ticket is 30RMB p.p ,or rent cars .

Back :from Samye Monastery to Samye Ferry ,10RMB p.p .
5—10RMBp.p. for crossing ferry .then ,to arrive at Tsetang ,where you can take a bus to Lhasa .

The best time for trekking is from May to Nov. it is also the scarce snow-covered period for quite a number of pilgrims and to go out trekking travelers .

Itinerary

This ltinerary is well-known for trekking in Tibet ,usually one way .it is the most classic route to climb the saddle back ( 4800m). along the way ,you can see the most beautiful scenery ,such as broad Brahmaputra River and snow-capped mountains .

day 1
You need to start at 3:30 p.m in LeBu village ,only this, before it gets dark you can reach the first saddle back ’s camp site.

day 2 first saddle back ----two rivers
It’s a uphill road ,which is soft and wet ,in order to avoid wetting you shoes ,you can jump from one haystock to another haystock .
At sight two huge pile of MaNi ,you arrive at the first saddle back (over5000m) .as strong wind here ,please don’t rest for a long time .when get to a plateau lake , it is still a long- stony road to walk .after crossing a quite cold river ,you will arrive at the riverside of camp site.

Day 3
Riverside -lake - the sencond saddle back -valley
Walk along the beautiful lake,then go over the second saddle back ,you will get the sight of a marvellous valley.

Day 4
Valley to Samye Monastery
It is 15kilometers away from Samye Monastery .Here are two choices for you ,the one is to rent a tractor ,the other is to trek. With wonderful scenery and featured folk-customs along the itinerary ,it is seemed a good choice to trek .

Trekking tips

Be sure that you are healthy and feel comfortable walking for a sustained period .
Be aware of local laws ,regulations and customs about wildlife and the environment .
Trekkers are particularly vulnerable to sunburn ,hypothermia and acute mountain sickness ,make sure you have prepared .
Take sandles or battle shoes ,it is safety for trekking when crossing river.

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Part of trip: farewell ,lhasa

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