Thorn Tree travel forum

Travel Agent in Shanghai for Tibet Tours

Hello,

Could anyone recommend a reputable travel agent in Shanghai to arrange train travel and permits to Lhasa on the fly. My sister and I would like to travel from Shanghai to Lhasa via Xi'an starting July 19. I know that's short notice, and you probably think me an idiot, but I listened to a few 'insiders' that said the TTB permit had been done away with since the opening of the Tibet railway. I found out differently when my friend in Shanghai couldn't book tickets for us last week.

Anyway, we're scrambling now. I apologize for starting a new post on this topic, but in several previous Shanghai posts no one was really able to make a travel agency recommendation (not encouraging, I know). I was hoping some miraculously reputable travel agency had emerged since then. I have read frequent poster Losang has created his own travel agency that books trips from Xining, which I am definitely willing to try if my original plans are impossible. But if there are any other alternatives, you guys and gals could share with me, I'd love to hear them. (Tentative itenerary posted below)

Also, when we arrive in Tibet, we would like to do a week long trip from Lhasa to Kathmandu. We are only two people so if anyone is interested in joining up with us to arrange a Land Cruiser, guide and driver, please let me know. We're not so much interested in doing Everest Base Camp, but we are very flexible and have no set itenerary if anyone is interested.

Here is the itenerary from Shanghai to Tibet (what we were hoping to do, at least):
SHANGHAI to XI'AN

T166/T177 (Shanghai-Lanzhou route)
Depart Shanghai: Thursday, July 19 at 16:32
Arrive Xi'an: Friday, July 20 at 7:38

Or alternately:
T138/T139 (Shanghai-Xi'an route)
Depart Shanghai: Thursday, July 19 at 15:57 Arrive Xi'an: Friday, July 20 at 7:58

XI'AN to LHASA

T164/T165 (Shanghai-Lhasa route) or T264/T265 (Guangzhou-Lhasa route) Depart Xi'an: Saturday, July 21 at 10:12 Arrive Lhasa: Sunday, July 22 at 21:00

Or Alternately:
T27 (Beijing West-Lhasa route)
Depart Xi'an: Saturday, July 21 at 8:48
Arrive Lhasa: Sunday, July 22 at 20:00

Thanks for your help,

Kevin