Lhasa

Several years ago we were in the final stages of planning a trip through China with Lhasa at the end. Then my Mom took sick and died so everything got put on the shelf and this specific trip is one we've not gotten back to. But as I recall, there is a fabulous train trip that goes from Beijing all the way across China to Lhasa and that was our plan then.

I was in Lhasa as well as other places in Tibet last june for 17 days. Could write some about it but I think it makes more sense to advise you to have a look at the Tibet branch of this site.
With the search function you can find lots of opinions/info about Lhasa.

If you go in through China it is not too difficult, although you need to use the Chinese travel agency to get all the visas in order. If you go in through Nepal you have to go as part of a "group", although this can be loosely constructed by a travel agency. In any event, you do need to go with an agency. We had minders anytime we were outside of Lhasa itself. Definitely one of the great places to visit, despite being increasingly taken over by Han and sections looking like Beijing-minor. I would suggest that you consider going overland from Lhasa to Nepal; some of the best scenery in the world, and you can get to Everest Base camp on the way.

I was in Lhasa in 2007 - a dicey time as the American students had been demonstrating at Everest. It all worked out in the end. We actually stayed in Chengdu for 4 days at Sim's Cosy G/H waiting our permit. While there we learned that Sim can help on this so perhaps you can check that out. I now understand the people you travel with have to have the same country passport. Three of us stayed for 6 days in Lhasa where we rented a van(!!) with driver and guide. We also drove overland to Kathmandu - an experience I wouldn't have missed for the world.

#4 I was in Tibet last june and my group of 4 had 3 nationalities (USA , Netherlands and Argentina) .
You should plan the whole trip ahead with your travel agency or you might find yourself close to spots you would like to visit but you miss the right permit or you have to pay extra to go out of the agreed way.

The days you book in Lhasa can also be used to go to other places nearby but better is to figure out ahead what you want to do and when, to get the most out of your visit. you always pay for a guide even if you stay in Lhasa. the car with driver gets paid for the days you rent it.
Again do check the Tibet branch for detailed and actual information.

Google Sim's Guesthouse Chungdu. Sim posts current Tibet info on his website. I stayed at his place several years back (good) and could sign on to a 'tour' to Tibet. Once you leave the Lhasa Airport the tour is over until you come back, then you hook up with another tour. You can book at Tibetian guestouse with him or do your own thing.