Going to Tibet April 06. How do I get permit but no tour?

[solotraveler]

Hello.

I have been to Tibet for a week last year and I loved it! However, I paid a lot a money for an individual tour.
I will go back on April 7 (anyone interested?) but I need to find a cheaper way to travel there independently, from Chegdu.
Does anyone know the specifics of how to get the Tibet permit with flight only? How to find people to share a 4-WD or a bus ride?
Pleaaaase help ASAP as I don;t have much planning time.

[Host Bonjour]

I do not recommend just trying to get across the border from Chengdu; there's a more than likely chance that you will be turned away. It's very risky an ill advised. People do it, it's a long, bumpy, uncomfortable ride and you could ultimately be turned away or detained. Don't risk it.

I did a websearch - it's been a long time since I researched travel to Tibet and I have been to China - and I found the following website with info that seems pretty straightforward: You must be on an organized tour to Tibet, arranged through China's government (all China tour groups run through the government, though they may not disclose it; it's the law)

http://www.tibet-travels.com/tibet_information.php
and here's an agency that says it has lower priced tours..........
http://www.accesstibettour.com/index.html

I don't know if they are in your price range, but maybe it's a start.

Good luck. I'd like to go to Tibet sometime if the Dalai Llama ever gets to go back there, to his home.