Is it possible to get a permit to travel to Tibet (Lhasa) from Beijing by train, without a tour guide?
I am confused about how I go about getting a permit for two people (a British and a Swedish national) to visit Lhasa, intending to travel there by train. Is it possible to get a permit without having to have a tour guide? I don't mind going through an agency.
Best Answer
No independent travel in Tibet since March 2008, and near impossible before that. Tibet has been closed in March every year since 2008 (preventing protests around March 10th , the failed rebellion and escape of Dalai Lama in -59) , and is closing as we speak .
Best way in is by train , esp. if you break up the journey one or two nights in Xining ( altitude 2300-ish). Use the extra oxygen outlets the first hours after Golmud
Lots of Tibetan culture outside Lhasa and the dotted line of TAR if permits won't appear - see here.
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Can you visit Lhasa without a guide?
Presently, you can't visit or roam around Lhasa city by yourself, especially heading to any of the tourist sites, like Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, etc. You must be accompanied by a licensed tour guide.Can you travel Tibet without a tour?
Independent Travel in Tibet is Not Allowed Foreign travelers are not allowed to take independent tours in Tibet.How do I get a travel permit for Tibet?
3. How to Apply for a Tibet Travel Permit If You're Living in China NowCan Indian travel to Tibet without Visa?
Conclusion. * To sum up,for Indian Passport Holders Visiting Tibet, Except for Ngari Prefecture, you get the Tibet Visa and proceed their tours like the usual international travelers from all over the world; email us the photo image of your passport, Chinese Visa for Tibet Visa Application (at least 20 days in advance) ...Train Ride to Tibet on the Worlds Highest Railway
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Answer 2
You can get the permit without a guide, but you must be accompanied by a guide in the Tibetan area -- the government doesn't allow solo foreign travelers.
Now it's easier to get Tibet Travel Permit for foreigners. Since this year, The government didn't close Tibet, it's a symbol that it's easier go get into Tibet. But, you still must though the agency to get the TTP.
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