Hitchhiking is illegal on the Tibetan plateau but is still commonly practiced by travelers to avoid the price of hiring a Land Cruise. However do be expected to pay a small fee if choosing to hitchhike and be open to the possibility of being stranded for awhile until another person comes along. While you may not see a problem remember that if caught the driver will face a fine and could lose their driver’s license. While some driver’s will risk taking on foreigners to make money remember you may be costing them their living if stopped.