Best place to start a trip to Tibet?

You can join the group in Lhasa. There is no need to have to travel with them to Tibet.

You will find it easier to fly to Lhasa and then take the train out.

I am trying to avoid taking the train to Chengdu from Xian only to backtrack a few days later.

I don't understand how taking the train from Xian to Chengdu requires that you backtrack. The usual path of travel is Beijing, Xian, Chengdu and then Tibet. Trains going from Xian to Tibet pass through Chengdu.

Perhaps you are confusing Xian (where the terra-cotta warriors are located) with Xining which is another town from which people travel to Tibet and where there are travel agencies who can plan this trip and obtain the permit for you.

As a solo traveler, your best bet is to stop for a few days in Chengdu to find a group to join.

Ruth

Hi Ruth, the train from Xian to Lhasa does not pass Chengdu

Thanks for the clarification.

Ruth

hello
in oct/nov,the expense will cost less than in aug,so you are wise,you can avoid the crowed tourists.and enterring the Tibet,you will prepare the Permit,it will take about one week to manege it.you can staret from chengdu,there are many flights to Tibet.nearly 18 per day.you can have multiple choice,and in chengdu,there are many beautiful place,you can visit the lovely panda,Mt .emei,Leshan budda,Mt qingcheng,dujiangyan irregation system,and the fairrland-jiuzhaigou valley.wish you have a good jouney.

hey ,it doesnt matter if you arrange your tour through a Chengdu agency , you can take the train from Xian to Lhasa. they can get you the train tickets , and in November the tickets is easy to get . Also you can take train from Beijing to Lhasa then take flight from Lhasa to Xian. if you need more info ,pls check :chinayak