Self-driving in Tibet - current rules and Yunnan border?

Destinations China
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Hey guys, here looking for expert / local advice about
I have special interest in the Amdo, Kham and TAR Tibet areas and I have basically 2 questions, just in case you know or might have some contact who can help find out:

  1. How is currently the situation with self-driving in China? Back before Covid I knew it was possible to get a driving license in Beijing airport for example, and then you would be free to rent. The process was quite hassle-free, just some small paperwork and photos. Not sure if this is still the same and what are the limitations, etc.
  2. Whatā€™s the situation about entering (or exiting) formal ā€˜Tibetā€™ via Yunnan, following the road north from Shangri-La to Markam? We have always dreamed about following the Tea Horse road from Yunnan to Tibet, but this border is usually described as closed to foreigners, even on organized tours. However, I know some alternative operators offer that route, even a self-drive versions, so Iā€™m a bit confused
    So, basically, my concerns are about the options for self-drive a rental car, for entrance and exit in TIbet from Yunnan (in whatever means of transport, unorganized if possible), and how both things combine, if they can combine at all.
    Not sure if anyone can help out here, but if you can I will definitely be very grateful
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I do not know of anything relating to this area. My suggestion would be to see if we have an operator who runs private / customisable trips that may be able to help you, as they will be the experts of the region.
Upon a quick look I could only find this trip that might tick off one or two things, you can ā€œask a questionā€ which will go to the operator and you can see if they allow you to customise the trip at all.
https://www.tourradar.com/t/192051#check
Maybe this operator could be one to look at: Sichuan Adventure - 5 Reviews - TourRadar

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Oh thanks Steffanie!! I will take a look to these ones! To be honest, Iā€™m looking for an unorganized adventure, but I assume inside Tibet (TAR) it needs to be organized, so somehow I might get something of value out of that

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Yea, if you can find an operator who does ā€œcustomisable/ tailor madeā€ trips, you can simply organise just the accommodation and then whatever you want in between, so transfers and a couple of activities and then you can have as much free time as you wish.

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