Tibet's spiritual leader the Dalai Lama says he is prepared to travel to China to negotiate directly with President Hu Jintaoin in an attempt to resolve the escalating violence in Tibet.

He told journalists on Thursday that he wants to hold face-to-talks with the Chinese regime in Beijing as China tightens security in Tibet.

"I am always ready to meet the Chinese leaders, and particularly Hu Jintao. I am very happy to meet," he said.

"But as I mentioned earlier, to go to Beijing and meet leaders... that would be big news. Many Tibetans would think... may develop some unrealistic expectations. I have to think very carefully."

Protests against Chinese rule in Tibet began on March 10 in Lhasa and gradually escalated, spreading to Tibetan communities in neighbouring Gansu, Sichuan and Qinghai provinces.

The Dalai Lama, regarded as a living god by millions of his followers, says at least 99 people have been killed in the crackdown by Chinese troops.

The 73-year-old, who is the head of the exiled Tibetan government, is currently living in Dharamsala, northern India.