Originally Posted by
mlasser
I was able to book an award ticket open jaw to Pek and departing LXA. Working on the TTB and guide. First place I asked for a quote for a guide for 5 days, a landrover for one day, admissions to the major temples and Portola Palace and the permit came back with a figure of over 7700 RMB. That's an outrageous price, isn't it? My understanding is the guides make 150-250 RMB, the landrovers are 250-300 RMB and the TTB is around 400 RMB in fees. Anyone have first hand experience?
Also, I love in Denver at 5280 feet so thinking altitude adjustment shouldn't be nearly as tough as for some folks. Any other high altitude folks who have made the trip that can share the acclimatisation experience?
Quote does seem high. Do a few other quotes, IME they varied a lot. You don't need a Landrover airport to city of Lhasa. Book your own hotels, tell the guides you'll buy your own foods. And if you really want to go cheap, book minimal tour guides, you can book (i.e. negotiate) those when in the city.
Don't underestimate the altitude. Just because you live at 5K doesn't mean squat. Lhasa is at 12K, that's not a joke. Many people go to the hospital or die coming from sea level.