Forgive me if there is another thread about this, I tried to find what but was unsuccessful.

I am going to visit a friend of mine who is currently living in China and can speak Chinese. While I am there we would live to visit Tibet. However we would like to avoid going on a standard group tour in favor of doing it on our own.

I have read a lot of conflicting information online about what you can and can't do. A lot of it looks like it was from the Olympics last year.

My first question, is it possible to get a permit to travel without a guide/group? If so can someone please provide some advise on a possible itnerary?

thanks