| there was not a single check for the permit from gz to lhasa!
although i had a bit of trouble in shigatse, as i'm obviously not a Chinese national--the TTP would've been a great assistance when attempting to get into closed areas (to get the alien travel permit). although you could risk it and hitchhike your way around, as i did.
but if you have some time, call up the Tibetan Travel Bureau to have it arranged:
ph. 28383391
fax. 34750280
Times Tower
37/F, 393 Jaffe Rd
although the operation has moved to gz, if you call up the number, the fellow says he can take care of it.
once you reach lhasa, there's usually other travellers looking for someone to share a 4WD or biking companion, but outside of that it gets to be pretty difficult unless you are near well-travelled towns at the base of Mt. Kailash or Jomolongma.
i think being alone and a harmless female, i got alot luckier than if i were to be in a group, or if i was a single male in the villages.
so it was a great trip, and happy to be back!  | 
