Things were much looser in the good old days, people used to explore Tibet solo and even hitchhike. But this became effectively impossible after the riots in 2

Things were much looser in the good old days, people used to explore Tibet solo and even hitchhike. But this became effectively impossible after the riots in 2008 led the PRC to crack down. For what it's worth, even now the guide can ride along with you in your car, they don't necessarily need their own wheels.