4 in jeep

it would be a very rare thing indeed as a foreign tourist to have a driver who is guide as well

Correct!

Three tourist driver guide is enough. Any more a squash!

Well... we were a group of 4 and the agency booked a jeep and said the guide would sit in the back. However there was no seat back there and the guide had to sit on the luggage which wasn't comfortable or safe particularly when we went off -road. In the end we thought this was unacceptable and took pity on the guide and ignored her protest and squeezed her in on the back seat, which was uncomfortable for all but seemed more responsible.

So do clarify the matter with the agency, and try to ensure there is a reasonable seat for the guide too!

I've seen Indian pilgrims traveling in Tibet 5 pax in one jeep (1 was siting at the luggage rack)... But they are pilgrims... they are Indian.

Sure it is not for western people. Not more than 4 pax in one jeep.

oh my - hard to resists this one.....

Alex - I don't think nationality dictates how many people can fit in a landcruiser - as far as I can tell.....my ass is about the same size as an Indian ass......... I've happily traveled with 5pax in a landcruiser and I've unhappily traveled with 3pax in a landcruiser....all depends who you travel with!

These days this debate is kinda pointless as minivans can handle most roads in Tibet. (well most tourist routes anyways) Agencies often call them "executive" vans - they are fine for Lhasa - EBC - border and also Lhasa - Kailash. But you'll likely want a 4WD if you're heading down to Guge or taking the north road back from Ali. Most executive vans can comfortably fit 6 plus guide (total 7). Best to ask your agency what vehicle they plan to provide for your trip rather than asking the rabble here!!

Alex - I don't think nationality dictates how many people can fit in a landcruiser - as far as I can tell.....my ass is about the same size as an Indian ass......... I've happily traveled with 5pax in a landcruiser and I've unhappily traveled with 3pax in a landcruiser....all depends who you travel with!

Western and Indian asses are same size, sure. But they have been habituated during their lifetime to travel 8-10 pax in one jeep. And they are pilgrims, while we are (mainly) gawkers. But you are right your fellas play important role in comfort.

These days this debate is kinda pointless as minivans can handle most roads in Tibet. (well most tourist routes anyways) Agencies often call them "executive" vans - they are fine for Lhasa - EBC - border and also Lhasa - Kailash. But you'll likely want a 4WD if you're heading down to Guge or taking the north road back from Ali. Most executive vans can comfortably fit 6 plus guide (total 7). Best to ask your agency what vehicle they plan to provide for your trip rather than asking the rabble here!!

I'm not sure about van for three reasons:
1) There aren't a lot of big vans (10-12 seats) in Tibet, so it is plenty difficult to hire such one. The main choice is small van up 6 seats only. And small van, sure, not so comfortable as a jeep.
2) Van runs slower than jeep
3) Van can not reach such places like Garuda, Piyang, Dungkar etc...

Edited by: alex_a

Thanks Alex.....looking after our "fella's" is always a big concern for me :)

For numbers above 5 or 6 most companies now use the small Chinese bus. When new, (ie. before the suspension is trashed, yhey are surprisingly good vehicles and with a good driver can go almost anywhere!

Most agencies will offer different prices based on the type of vehicle used. ie. You should get a cheaper price using Van or small bus than 2 landcruisers - However - landcruisers are always a bit more comfortable - so choice is yours.......all depends how comfortable you wanna be and how habituated your rear end is to rough travel.....

Land Cruisers can generally accommodate 5 people: 1 driver and 4 passengers (1 in front, 3 in the back). However, it is not uncommon for agencies to have 6 people in a vehicle with the guide sitting in the far back. It is usually not very comfortable for the guide, but he/she will probably not complain as they do it fairly often.

As mrcjonesy has said, most roads across Tibet now do not require a Land Cruiser as road conditions have greatly improved over the past 10 years. A mini-van (holding up to 7 passengers) or small bus (holding up to 20 or more) can be taken on most roads across the TAR now.