Samye, Tibet's first monastery, and the Yarlung Valley, considered the birthplace of Tibetan civilization, offer a deeper historical and religious dimension to a standard Lhasa visit.
The Samye Monastery and Yarlung Valley Tibet Tour is a 6-day trip in Lhasa and Yarlung Valley, Tibet, rated easy, altitude is the main factor difficulty, reaching a maximum elevation of Lhasa, 3,656m (11,995 ft). The best time to do this trip is April - October. The package includes group sizes of 1-12 people, hotels in lhasa and tsetang accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner included daily.
| Country | Lhasa and Yarlung Valley, Tibet |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy, altitude is the main factor |
| Max Elevation | Lhasa, 3,656m (11,995 ft) |
| Duration | 6 |
| Best Time | April - October |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner included daily |
| Accommodation | Hotels in Lhasa and Tsetang |
| Group Size | 1-12 people |
Why is Samye Monastery historically significant?
The Yarlung Valley, south of Lhasa, is traditionally considered the birthplace of Tibetan civilization, home to Samye, the first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet, and Yumbulagang, believed to be the country's oldest building. This 6-day tour combines standard Lhasa sightseeing with a deeper historical and religious exploration of this significant valley.
For travellers with a genuine interest in Tibetan history beyond Lhasa's major sites, the Yarlung Valley offers a chance to visit the sites most closely tied to the origins of Tibetan civilization and Buddhism's arrival in the region.
This tour suits travellers with a strong interest in Tibetan Buddhist history, requiring only easy fitness with altitude as the main consideration.
| Tour | Duration | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Samye Yarlung Tour | 6 days | Lhasa plus historical Yarlung Valley sites |
| Lhasa Cultural Tour | 5 days | Lhasa city sites only |
This tour adds a deeper historical dimension beyond Lhasa itself, appealing to travellers wanting to understand the origins of Tibetan civilization and Buddhism in the region.
View Himalaya's Samye Monastery and Yarlung Valley Tour starts from USD 1,450 per person, including Tibet Travel Permits, hotel accommodation, and guide. Contact View Himalaya for current rates.
April to October offers the most stable weather and road conditions for this tour, avoiding the harshest winter conditions on the Yarlung Valley roads.
A genuinely well organised and memorable trip. Our guide went above and beyond to make sure everyone in the group was comfortable. A particular highlight for us was yumbulagang, believed to be Tibet's oldest building and first palace. Would recommend this to friends and family without any reservation.
Exceeded all our expectations in every way. Our guide's English was excellent and he explained the local culture in real depth. A particular highlight for us was yarlung Valley, traditionally considered the cradle of Tibetan civilization. If you're considering this trip, just book it - you won't regret it.
A trip we will be talking about for years. The guide's local knowledge added so much depth to the trip. A particular highlight for us was yumbulagang, believed to be Tibet's oldest building and first palace. Highly recommend View Himalaya to anyone considering this trip.
Everything about this trip was handled professionally. Our guide's English was excellent and he explained the local culture in real depth. A particular highlight for us was yumbulagang, believed to be Tibet's oldest building and first palace. Booking through View Himalaya made all the logistics completely stress-free.
Truly one of the highlights of our travels in Asia. The support crew were fantastic throughout, always checking in on us. A particular highlight for us was samye Monastery, the first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet. Would recommend this to friends and family without any reservation.