What to expect:

This wonderful journey to the heart and soul of Tibet starts in Lhasa, followed by a four day trek from the Ganden monastery to some Tibetan kernel areas. The route will pass by holy monasteries, highland yak pastures, grandiose mountain passes and snow-capped peaks.

Itinerary:

Chengdu-->Lhasa -->Drogpa Camp Site-->Chitu La-->Nyango Village-->Samye Monastery-->Tsedang

Scenic spots on the way:

Nethang Stone-->Potala Palace -->Jolkhang Temple-->Barkhor market -->Gandan Monastery-->Drogpa Camp Site -->Chitu La pass -->Yamalung-->Nyango Village -->Samye Monastery-->Yumbulagang Palace-->Trandruk Temple

Day-by-day Itinerary:

D1: Chengdu
Arrive at Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province. Stay overnight in Chengdu,

D2: Chengdu-->Lhasa (Distance: 3360km)
Take a three-hour flight to Gonggar Airport, and then drive to Lhasa. Enjoy the beautiful sights on the way and stop to take photos at the Nethang Stone. After 100m driving along the Yalusampo River, arrive at Lhasa. Get acclimatized and check in at a hotel.

D3: Sightseeing in Lhasa.
Visit the Potala Palace which is listed as a world heritage site. Then take a short tour of Jorkhang Temple, which was built in the mid- 7th century by Tibetan king, Songtsengampo. Surrounding the temple is the bustling Barkhor street, the religious center of Lhasa. Stay overnight in Lhasa.

D4: Lhasa-->Drogpa Camp Site (Distance: 77km)
It is about an hour's drive from Lhasa to the Gandan Monastery(3,800m). After five or six hours (about 17km) of trekking, camp at Drogpa near the Shuga La pass (5240m above sea level), which is known as the last good place for camping. Stay overnight at the camping site.

D5: Drogpa-->Chitu La (Distance: 12km)
Trek for about five hours to Chitu La(4940 m above sea level). Camp in the broad meadows nearby.

D6: Chitu La-->Nyango Village (Distance: 13km)
Take a five-hour trek from Chitu La to Nyango Village (3870m above sea level) via Yamalung, which is a popular pilgrimage site for the followers of the Pa sect. Explore the holy caves scattered around the cliffs. Stay overnight at the campsite.

D7: Nyango Village-->Samye Monastery  (Distance: 8km)
Hike for about three hours to the Samye Monastery (3600m above sea level) via Wango and Dragmar. Walking through a forest and a small village, the trail becomes increasingly barren when approaching the monastery. Then cross the Yarlutsangpo River by ferry to visit the Samye monastery, the first Tibetan Buddhist temple ever built in Tibet. Stay overnight at the campsite.

D8: Samye Monastery-->Tsedang(Distance: 30km)
Depart from the Samye monastery to Tsedang. Pay a visit to Yumbulagang Palace,Tibet's oldest building, and take in the fabulous view of the Yarlung valley. Then move to Trandruk temple, which is located about 3km up the Yarlung Valley from the city of Tsetang. Stay overnight in a hotel.

D9: Leave Tibet

Tips:

1) This trip is strenuous, and requires camping and trekking skills as well as physical stamina.
2) Good clothing, excellent mountain boots and basics such as sunscreen, sunglasses and lip balm are a good idea to bring along.
3) The best season for trekking in Tibet is from late May to mid-October, however you must be well-prepared at all times for wet weather, snow and cold winds.