Has anyone entered Tibet recently? Do you know the current drill? I believe permits are being issued again, but am struggling to find info regarding independent travel to Tibet. Do you need to go as part of a "tour" with guide and driver etc. or is it possible to do alone? How long does the permit application take? Any info would be appreciated.
[Edited: 2013 Apr 09 11:30 - Jo Trouble:16935 - Moved from General to Asia forum.]
Reply to this I haven't responded earlier due to not having been to Tibet, but I do believe it is possible to obtain visas with independent travel, but unsure if that means you are on your own or must have a driver. It may be possible to pay a fee to obtain a visa with a tour company without actually undertaking one of their tours. There would be a fee for that of course.
Reply to this Thanks Shane.
We actually spoke to a couple of travel agents once we arrived in Beijing, and all insist on supplying a guide (mandatory for visiting Tibet). They also all insist on doing the hotel bookings. The price for a "private tour" is about USD 700.00 per person for two days in Llhasa and the only way to make it cheaper is to go in a group which really does not appeal to us. Also this price was exclusive of getting in and out of Tibet! So a little dear for us budget travellers. Apparently the permit takes 10 days to apply for but they can rush it for a small fee. It seems that you can apply from outside the country now so advance bookings are possible. We will have to put this dream on hold for a little while unfortunately.
Reply to this That is expensive, you may get a cheaper price if you are in Xi'an, but not sure how much cheaper. I reckon the closer you are to Tibet the cheaper it would be, but it is a long way to go only to discover that the prices are not much different.
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