Just returned from a 22 day 4X4 trip to Amdo and Kham provinces of old Tibet (Sichuan and Qinghai in present day China). 3500km of driving, staying in hotels, hostels, nomad tents, private homes. Several encounters with the police, even a SWAT raid to our hotel in Repkong, could not visit Larung Gar buddhist institute which is being partly leveled by the government. If somebody wants a more detailed story and agency contacts just PM me. Total land cost of the 22 day trip (9 clients, 3 4X4 cars with drivers and 2 guides) from Chengdu to Xining, full board, was 2265€/pax.
Some samples follow.
Young monks at Zamthang monastery who had never seen foreigners before.
Repkong shaman festival in the village of Yinzhamucun 20 km North-East of Repkong.
At the end of the ceremony the head shaman climbs a pole and cuts his head with a knife.
Local spectators protect themselves from evil spirits by raising a spirit catcher between them and the shaman.