I'm in Lhasa now. I want to goto Samye & Yumbulagang Monasteries preferably leaving Sept. 6 (perhaps later if you're interested). 2-3 day trip or longer.
1. Anyone want to join me (I'm an American, late 20's, male)?
2. Do I really need a permit to goto these places? If so, is there anyway to get one without hiring a landcruiser?
3. If I do get caught without a permit, what's the worst that could happen? I heard the fine is just 500 yuan, which sounds much better than the 2000 yuan to rent a driver and guide.
E-mail me at rsenescu@cal.berkeley.edu. I'm staying at the Flora Hotel for the next 3 nights. 0086/891-6324491. Leave a message for Reid.
-Reid
rsenescu
1
gima17
Regarding Samye. Did trek from Gandem to Samye and upon arrival at the Monestery Hostel, were told sometime the PSB comes and knocks on guests doors to check permits. Apparently not that night. On the ferry, no permit checks. On bus back to Lhasa, nobody asked for permits. Not a rule of thumb, maybe I was lucky and at the right place at the right time.
Enjoy.
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