Day Trip: Tibet Samye Monastery

Book online, then contact the local supplier to confirm your hotel pickup time. When your group is on board the vehicle, you’ll depart Lhasa around 9:30am.

Relax as you travel past Yarlung Tsang, aka the Brahmaputra River, and see the famous Sand Mountain. Gaze out the window at a high mountain meadow, and see the local wide-flowing rivers as you make your way to the Samye Monastery.

The first Buddhist monastery in Tibet, the Samye Monastery traces its foundations to the 8th century. Head inside as you hear how the important site is home to the three Buddhist jewels of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha — making it a must-visit site for locals and visitors alike.

Learn about the monastery’s architecture, which encompasses Indian, Tibetan, and Chinese styles, and hear how it was the first temple in the country to be built at the request of King Trisong Detsen. The layout of the sacred site was created according to the ideal universe detailed in Buddhist scriptures. 

When your temple visit ends, return to your transport. Your day ends with a hotel drop-off.

Please note: A minimum of two people per booking is required.

Explore the Samye Monastery, the first Buddhist monastery built in Tibet, on this guided, full-day tour from Lhasa. Famous for its sacred mandalalike design, the Samye Monastery combines Chinese, Tibetan, and Indian architectural styles. The central hall symbolizes the legendary Mt. Meru and the center of the universe. All entrance fees, plus a Lhasa hotel pickup and drop-off, is included.

Cancellation Policy: standard

Cancellation Cutoff: 24 hours

Cancellation Notes: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Book at least 20 days in advance so tour operator may attain your Tibet Permit. Tibet Permit will be delivered to customers' delivery address / hotel address in one city of China. Please note your tour operator will contact you after the booking is confirmed.
Travelers are required to provide photocopy of passports and China L visas at least 20 days prior to travel date.
Notice: Customers' airport pick-up and drop-off in Lhasa need be arranged by tour supplier. If customers fly to Lhasa from Kathmandu, please do not apply for China L Visa in advance, because customers need apply for their Tibet Group Visa from China Embassy in Kathmandu via travel agency. Before that, they need ask for invitation letter from tour supplier. If customers fly or take a train to Lhasa from one city of China, they need apply for their China L Visa from China Embassy in their country.
A valid passport and China L Visa used to apply for Tibet Permit are required on the travelling period
A minimum of two people per booking is required
Travelers who got a Tibet Travel Permit from another travel agency cannot book this day tour
Travelers are required to book multiple day tours from the same suppliers if their plan includes multiple destinations in Tibet
Not wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers