Tibet travel ... - Thorn Tree travel forum

Tibet travel

Replies: 7 - Last Post: 30-Apr-2008 03:09 Last Post By: dawn200

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Posted
17-Sep-2007 11:14
by: timdtraveller

Posts: 10
Registered: 17/09/07

Tibet travel

I'll be in based in Chengdu in mid October for about 6 days before travelling into Tibet on about 18th. Is it necessary to book a flight and Tibet travel permit in advance or is it OK to book when in Chengdu?
Is it still possible to arrive in Lhasa and do a 4WD trip to EBC and back without making an advance reservation? I read on another post (which I can't now find!) that its necessary to book a 4WD tour in Tibet in advance in order to allow permits to be arranged which can take upto 10 days! I plan on being in and around Lhasa for 4 days before travelling further afield and am hoping this will be long enough to sort everything out.

Posted
17-Sep-2007 13:57
by: pazu

Posts: 2,102
Registered: 05/02/01

1

All types of tour booked outside Chengdu or Tibet or China, are very expensive and you gave the money to other countries or provinces, not Tibet.

The National Day Golden Week (early October) should be finished by mid-October, so it should be okay to book everything in Chengdu especially if you come six days in advance.

Also, better arrange your 4WD trip in Lhasa, it's cheaper, the permit application takes only a day. It may be difficult to find your travel buddies, but there're so many ads on the notice boards in Yak Hotel, Kirey, Banakshol, Dongcuo Youth Hostel. It depends on your luck though, if time is a really crucial factor, you can consider booking the whole 4WD by yourself, the current price is around Y6200 per car.

Extensive FAQ about travel situation and permit restrictions in Tibet
Spinn Cafe, Bar and Tours , Lhasa, Tibet - Your information hub
Spinning in Tibet (ISBN: 9789881805966), published in Hong Kong.

Posted
17-Sep-2007 14:05
by: westwood

Posts: 9,365
Registered: 21/10/02

2

Sims G.H. can arrange flights if you're really worried about leaving it till you get there.

"The trouble with being in the rat race is that even if you win, you're still a rat."

Posted
17-Sep-2007 16:06
by: Losang

Posts: 1,485
Registered: 04/09/04

3

In mid-October you won't have any problems arranging a flight and permit once you arrive in Chengdu.

Need more info about Tibet? Try these: Life on the Tibetan Plateau: Tibet Tours and Pictures and Land of Snows: Picture Tour of Tibet

Posted
23-Sep-2007 16:55
by: Scurvy00

Posts: 29
Registered: 23/09/07

4

I know this has been asked a hundred times, but the situation seems so fluid. Can a person book a flight and TTP from an agency then arrive in Lhasa and find a guide for the remainder of their time in Tibet. Is there really a great cost savings in this process, and who can process the permit without a tour arrangement. It seems the classic "Catch 22" situation.

Can anyone help?!!!

When you travel, remember that a foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable. It is designed to make its own people comfortable.

--Clifton Fadiman

Posted
23-Sep-2007 19:00
by: pazu

Posts: 2,102
Registered: 05/02/01

5

Scurvy00, I do think it's a cheaper option, and you don't really need a guide in Lhasa, if you arrange a tour to EBC from Lhasa, a tour guide is obligatory for foreigners, but I believe it's still cheaper.

Extensive FAQ about travel situation and permit restrictions in Tibet
Spinn Cafe, Bar and Tours , Lhasa, Tibet - Your information hub
Spinning in Tibet (ISBN: 9789881805966), published in Hong Kong.

Posted
24-Sep-2007 19:41
by: Scurvy00

Posts: 29
Registered: 23/09/07

6

Can anyone recommend an agent in Tibet I only have 5-6 days to spend and fear most of my time would be spent searching for an agent then negotiating prices and permits. Seeing the Potala Palace is a high priority, yet it seems only agents can secure admission.

In addition, are the prices quoted by agents negotiable and subject to bargaining? Or are they one of the few non-negotiables in China/

When you travel, remember that a foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable. It is designed to make its own people comfortable.

--Clifton Fadiman

Posted
30-Apr-2008 03:09
by: dawn200

Posts: 1
Registered: 30/04/08

7

Looking for travelling partners to Tibet

Hello, I will be flighying from Chendu to Lhasa from 7th Septembre (already booked flight tickets) and am planning on staying in Tibet for about 3/4 weeks. Would anyone be interested to join me on a group tour to Everest Base Camp and than cross overland to Nepal ? That will be easier to organise the Tibet permit, and will lower costs for renting out a 4WD, guide,...

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