The Gandan Monastery complex was
formerly one of the three great religious ceners for the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan
Buddhism. 52km away from Lhasa. Samye
Monastery was the first great Buddhist monastery in Tibet, founded in 775 A.D
during the reign of King Thrisong Detsen. This
trekking route is between two above famous historical monasteries.It's one of
the most famous and wellknown trekking routes in Tibet. Despite
its popularity, the Gandan to Samye trek is a tough walk that crosses two high
passes through a remote region. The easiest starting point is Gandan( 4240 m)
, for it is considerably higher in elevation than Samye( 3600m). The average walking
time in this direction is 4 to 5 days; strong parties can complete it in 3.5days.
The best time for trekking in this region is from late April untill late October,
though the intermediate valleys between these monasteries receive a healthy share
of the Summer monsoon from the middle of June untill early Sep.--- a deterrent
for some but prime wildflower season for others. Snow is a possibliity any time
of year, making knitted gloves, a wool cap, and good rain gear recommended equipment
even in the summer. Winter crossings are possilbe but should be attempted only
by strong, well-equipped parties. All
food must be brought from Lhasa and a tent and fuel stove are highly recommended.
Beyong Gandan there is only one small vigllage and the occasional camp before
reaching the settlements in Yamalung and upper Samye valleys. Although it is somtimes
possilbe to stay with these herders, their woven yak-hair tents are notorious
forleaking. Even the" caves" that some trekkers use along this route are nothing
more than rock overhangs offering little protection in bad weather. The
nature of the terrain on the Gandan to Samye trek can create serious difficulties
for anyone who suffers from acute mountain sickness( AMS) while crossing Shuga
La ( 5240m) from Gandan, or Chitu La( 4940m) from Samye, for the valley between
these passes is quite high in elevation ( 4940m) and very remote. The only way
to descend tolower ground or to seek medical assistance is to retrace your route
back over the previous pass to the nearest roadhead, so don't risk the dilemma
of an evacuation from this high valley. If someone in your party shows preliminary
signs of mountain sickness while ascnding to these passes, turn around and camp
at a safer, lower elevation rather than pushing on with hopes of completing the
crossing that day. One of the
best ways to acclimatize for this trekis to spend at least tow nights in Gandan
before setting off. The extra day and night at this elevation will make a big
difference in how your body responds to teh altitude during teh trek. In addition
to exploring Gandan's ruins and visiting the rebuilt temples, stretch your legs
with a dayhike in the surrounding hils. A good pre-trek warm up hike with panoramic
views of the ruins and the distant valleys is the high pilgrimage kora along the
Angker Ri ridge top, the southern wall of the basin cradling Gandan. From the
west end of theis ridge the trail drops down to connect with the main pilgrim
circuit around the monastery. Remember to approach either of these walks int he
proper , clockwise manner that the pilgrims follow. A longer, more challenging
dayhik is the walk out to the unnamed peak resembling a shark's fin on the ridge
beyong Angker Ri. | 
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