bodhijack

we plan a june trip to bejing and tibet. we would like to do independent travel to lhasa,shigatse,gyantse,tsetang. trying to find a knowledgeable agent in the u.s. that can cut through all the "permit & regulations" we are hearing about. does anyone know if we can travel independently to these places, and where to begin?

bodhijack

hey people! 10 days and not a single reply! has anyone traveled to tibet
(including places other than llasa),and survived? help!

thursdaysd

Try over at Lonely Planet's thorntree. I had heard that permits were no longer required for Tibet - used to be you had to be a group of at least 4, but I thought that had changed. You can certainly go independently - a couple of friends of mine who live in Shanghai went last year.

bodhijack

thank you, thursday.........

heleninCN

If you want to go to Tibet independently from Beijing, you just need to buy one way flight or Train ticket with Tibet Entry permit, but this permit is only valid for Lhasa area, but you can still go to Gyantze, Shigatse, but not Tsetang, if you want to go to Tsedang, you need to enjoy the local tour and get another permit which is travel permit.
please check this website to know some about the permit sotuiation: http://www.windhorsetour.com/4_index.html

bodhijack

thank you, helen. did you use "windhorse"? has anyone on this board heard of them, or used them?

shothyme77

I don't know about China, but if you want Tibet, you must contact Sanjay at Destination Himalya. I just got back from 3 weeks in India through his company and he planned the best trip for me. I'm pretty sure he does Tibet...Worth calling him.

Kathie

I have heard good reports of Windhorse from others, but have not used them myself. Good luck!

andycrisconi

Hi. You can travel independently to Lhasa via plane or train w/o a permit but it is only good for the Lhasa area which does include Gyantze and Shigatze. Otherwise you will need to join an organized group that has a travel permit. I realize I am not adding anything new to this thread just wanted to confirm what's been said below. Be aware that transportation from Lhasa to visit Gyantze and or Shigatze can be expensive. This is one main advantage of joining a larger organized group.

Take care,

Andy Crisconi
One World Trekking
www.oneworldtrekking.com

cochin321

i was there in may. used explore nepal richa tours and travels. they took care of everything. no worrys.our guides name was phuntuck. i have his full name if you would like.we had a guide and a driver. they both where great and made us feel so comfortable. i would suggest using a guide and a driver because its a rough ride along the way but it was one of the best trips i have ever taken.you wont be disappointed!!!