Tibet Permit Without Tour

After March 14, 2008 when a series of riots, protests, and demonstrations took place in Lhasa, local government implements more strict regulations on tourism industry. All foreign travelers are required to book tour services, especially hiring a tour guide and a car for their whole trip in Tibet, from the travel agency through which they apply for the permit. They must submit their trip schedule to the local government for approval when applying for the Tibet permit. Once the permit is issued, they are not allowed to change their itinerary at will.  

Therefore, travelers, backpackers in particular, are faced with bigger tour cost and limited flexibility. The cost may increase from dozens of dollars per day to hundreds. For example, they have to spend a lot on renting a car instead of taking a bus from Lhasa to Shigatse. In addition, they have to hire a tour guide for the whole trip, not selectively.  

As a responsible company, we won’t break the law and get you into trouble. Thus, we have to say “NO” if you ask for a Tibet permit only. But we have figured out three solutions for increasing flexibility and reducing your cost as much as possible. 

1. To increase flexibility 

Apply for more tourist destinations and a longer time than planned. Then, you can extend or shorten your trip in Tibet flexibly within the validity of your permit. The cost will not increase because of more sites or a longer period of validity.  

2. To reduce the cost 

grouptibettour.com is the first local travel agency to launch Tibet tour to help tourists to save more money. The cost can be reduced to 120-150 dollars per day, even for a long trip.  

3. To obtain more free time

You can arrange 1-2 free days for shopping, resting or doing other things you are interested in.