Thorn Tree travel forum

1

Its only possible through a travel agency.
But the Travel Permit is just a trick to get more money from foreigners as a lot of travellers managed to get around without permit - me too. And even inside Tibet its possible. I met some a the Base Camp without permit. Its up to you if you want to try it.
Be aware that long train distances have a waiting queue up to 10 days. So book your ticket in advance.
Look in this forum for more infos about the permit issue, there are several posts.

2

Train tickets arent released for sale until 10 days prior.

We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public.

3

Jon

Unfortunately you are completely wrong stating "But the Travel Permit is just a trick to get more money from foreigners" This is very misinformed and simplistic view of the permit system here. It is implemented by the Tibet Tourism Administration and is offical law in Tibet. Agencies are obliged to get the permit for you from the TTA. Agencies are breaking the law if they sell you services and do not provide the correct permits. However you are right when you state that plenty of people get around without permits. BUt remember that "possible" and "legal" are two different things and your trip is really screwed up if the PSB (Public Security Bureau) decide to check your permits and send you back where you came from!!

Use the search function for more info on permits.

cj

4

I just made it to lhasa by train without any permit, no-one ever checked. ButNow that I want to travel extensively in Tibet, my nemesis is awaiting me, since it is all too risky for me to try to slip through everywhere. So I need the ATP and other permits - and these, it seems, I cannot get without first getting the TTB (which I avoided so far). So: if you want to stay in the Lhasa area: get someone trustworthy in your hotel in Beijing to buy a ticket for you. The reception girls will usually help for a little commission. But if you plan to travel outside Lhasa area, you might be better off with having the permit right from the beginning.
Happy travels! tvb

5

Agree with Chris about the permits...It is true that on the train some people are checked while many aren't. However, this does not mean that permits are not needed. Just because you weren't checked doesn't mean they aren't needed. If you aren't checked on the train then you might be checked when you go to arrange a trip outside of Lhasa (as #4 has said).

As far as getting a Tibet travel permit goes, you will have to go through a travel agency.

Need more travel information for Tibet? Check these out…

The Land of Snows

Life on the Tibetan Plateau

6

I had no problem arranging a permit elsewhere (ie Kailash through a travel agent with permits) in Lhasa, (Banak Shol travel agent) without the Tibet entry permit.