Questions about travelling to Lhasa from Beijing

[Silvermaus]

I'm hoping to do a side-trip to Lhasa and did some research, but got conflicting results. I would appreciate any help on this.

As far as I can tell, the best way to plan the trip is to wait until I get to Beijing. From there, use a travel agency to book my ticket (cheaper to get in China than in US) and get my visa.

Here are the conflicting parts: It's better to arrange a visa to Tibet prior to leaving for China. Don't mention travel plans to Tibet since it may prevent getting the visa for China. Getting a single-person visa may be an issue. A student visa for China may not allow for the multiple enteries needed if travelling to Tibet.

Thoughts on this?

Thanks,

Kim

[roddy]

You don't need another visa for Tibet. You need a 'Tibet Travel Permit' or something similar which can be obtained with great ease and significant expense in China. Just do what you are doing and arrange the trip from either Chengdu (generally cheaper and easier, as that is what most people do) or Beijing (more expensive and difficult, it seems). Visas aren't an issue.

[Ninja]

I've travelled to Lhasa a couple of times from Chengdu - it is very straightforward. You go to a travel agent they sell you a flight and charge you extra for a travel permit that you never actually see. Then someone drives you to the airport and ushers you through the check-in with a couple of other foreigners. As far as I can see the whole travel permit thing is a scam - the only thing you get for the extra money you pay is a ride to Chengdu airport.

[Silvermaus]

Thanks for the advice! When I get to Beijing, I will look into both options. I wasn't planning on visiting Chengdu, but it might be quite worthwhile :-)

BTW, do you know how much can I expect this to cost me? The only travel site that gave me a quote to fly from Beijing to Lhasa resulted in a ridiculous amount. I'm hoping it would be quite more reasonable in China using local airlines/travel agencies.

[Ninja]

I can't remember the costs but I think you can expect to pay upwards of 200 US$ for the flight from Chengdu to Lhasa and then another 50+ for the 'Travel Permit'. Chengdu is one of China's more pleasant cities and worth a few days exploration. There are plenty of interesting places within a day's journey of Chengdu too.

[Silvermaus]

Thanks again for the info! I can't wait to get there...

[Ninja]

Travel permits for Tibet are now available from the Tibet Tourism Office in Beijing

A28F Oriental Kenzo Plaza, Dongzhimen (84477899/6503)

or Tibet Tour Ticket Office in Xidan CAAC Building

West Chang An Street (66569109)

The permit comes as part of a package costing 850rmb and includes 3 nights in a dorm and 2 days guided tour in Lhasa. There is no problem extending your stay once you are in Lhasa.

[roddy]

There was also a report on the Lonely Planet's forum recently that someone had got a Chinese national to buy a train ticket Beijng > Lhasa, and been able to use it without being asked for a permit at any point.

[jinjin]

do you have the link to that post in the Lonely Planet?

[jinjin]

hi, for some reason lonelyplanet isn't working (keeps saying connection failed)

did you ever get to lhasa since you wrote the first post? did you need a travel permit? my father is flying in for spring break and we're going to lhasa (by train and then flying back). just wondering how your trip went and how you planned your accomodations.

anyone else want to give me their personal experiences? thanks!