Tibet's been attractive to Westerners for along time for it's mystical qualities partly due to it's strong monastic culture. The reality however is not quite as romantic and you'll need a permit to get into the region. Talking about the political situation is strictly off limits. The monasteries and the dramatic scenery are like nowhere else however and if you can deal with the Chinese authorities, it's a place you shouldn't miss.
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Budget Accommodation in Tibet
It's possible to camp in many areas but bring your own tent, you can sleep in monasteries if you don't mind ano frills approach, or there's the usual array of cheap hotels and guesthouses to try your luck with.
A Traveller's Budget for Tibet
If you want to travel around Tibet then it's by bus on the main routes, in 4WD's if you can get a group together which will make the trip a lot cheaper, or by bike. It's a hefty trek on a bike though and not for the uninitiated, there's not too much in the way of repair stops.
For cheap eats, the staple diet is roasted barley shaped into a ball called tsampa, also popular are dumplings filled with yak meat and fried noodle squares. All should be available in local reastaurants and shouldn't cost a lot. There is a supermarket in Lhasa where you can stock up. Bear in mind that menus in English will be higher priced than those written in Chinese.
Budget Activities
Visit the Rongphu Monastery - you have to pay an entrance fee but it's one of the most stunning places on earth.
Take an overnight stay at Nam Tso Lake
Time your visit to coincide with one of the festivals and see the pilgrims
Visit the Menga Nature Reserve in the mountains above the Yellow River
