Expert: Nilesh Korgaokar - 8/14/2006

Question
hello

I'm in Nepal now and am trying to get into Chinese Tibet. I would like to travel independantly by land and not with a tour package to Tibet but I need a visa. Is it possible to get into Tibet without paying for an expensive tour that I don't really need?

Thanks

Answer
You should be able to get a Chinese visa by going to the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. I understand that they process visas only on three days in a week and take a day or so to process it. Ask any travel agent in Thamel if he will do this for you...I would imagine that for small commission it should be possible.

It should be possible to get in to and travel in Tibet without paying for an expensive tour. I would adivise you to get together with two or three like-minded people and then make the attempt. You can take a bus to Kodari and then cross over to Tibet by hitching a ride on the back of a truck carrying commercial stuff. After that it's up to you.

Maybe purchasing a copy of the Lonely Planet - China and Tibet would give you more information on how to undertake such a journey. They should be available in Thamel - I know there was a shop there that sold second-hand travel guide books - sold by people who had come over from Tibet and no longer needed them.

Hope this helps and dont't forget to rate me if you find this information useful.

Ciao and take care. Have a great journey.

Nilesh.