Chengdu - Lhasa overland
Hi,
I'm going to Tibet in late October and was wondering whether I should go overland from Chengdu or fly.
I will be travelling on my own and would love to go overland if I am able to do this and if time permits.
I've had a quick look at jeep tours from Chengdu - Lhasa but these seem to be incredibly expensive.
If anyone has any ideas on how this can be/is done, that would be great help!
1) Am I able to travel overland independently from Chengdu into Tibet? or do I have to join a tour?
2) If i can travel independently is there an actual border crossing into Tibet where I will need to show my permit? Will the agent who organises my permit give it to me to take? I have read that agencies don't give you the permit. I was thinking of getting Sim's in Chengdu to arrange my permit for me.
3) Approx. how long would this trip take?
4) Is it possible to go overland to say Chamdo or somewhere just near the Tibetan border and then get the train the rest of the way to Lhasa? or the other way around?
5) Which parts of this area are best to see, i.e. the Sichuan side or the Tibetan side? as I probably won't have time to do the whole trip overland.
6) Any recommended tours or agencies that do this trip and are reasonably priced?
Thanks for any help!
Lisa
