Chongqing to Lhasa Train Route Map: From the Mountain City to the Holy City

Chongqing-Lhasa Train Z223 departs every other day from Chongqing West Railway Station at 21:53 and arrives at Lhasa Railway Station at 07:41 on the third day. The entire journey takes 33 hours and 48 minutes, covers 3,055 kilometers (about 1,899 miles), and crosses three provinces and one autonomous region, including Sichuan Province, Gansu Province, Qinghai Province and Tibet Autonomous Region.

Chongqing to Lhasa Train Route Map

Pros and Cons of Chongqing to Lhasa Train Route

Taking the Chongqing to Lhasa train is one of the most scenic and relatively convenient ways for foreigners to enter Tibet. However, this route also has its advantages and disadvantages.

Pros:

1. Shorter traveling distance and time: The distance between Chongqing and Lhasa is relatively short within 3055 kilometers. And the total travel time is 33 hours and 48 minutes, making it suitable for tourists with tight schedules.

2. Convenient transportation: As a large traffic hub, Chongqing has easy access to and from other destinations. You can get to Chongqing by plane or train and start your Tibet train tour from Chongqing West Railway Station.

Cons:

1. Scenery missing: Train Z223 departs from Chongqing at 21:53 and enters the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in the next afternoon. The scenery in the Chongqing-Lanzhou and Golmud-Lhasa sections will be missed at night.

2. Less comfort: Although Chongqing to Lhasa train facilities are relatively new, some tourists may experience some comfort issues due to the twists and turns of the route.

Major Railway Stations and Highlights in Chongqing to Lhasa Train Route

The train route from Chongqing to Tibet passes through Chongqing, Guangyuan, Lanzhou, Xining, Delingha, Golmud and finally arrives at Lhasa. Each station allows you to appreciate the diverse scenery and culture of northern and western China from a unique perspective.

Chongqing to Lhasa Train Trip-Day 1: Chongqing

Since the Chongqing-Tibet train departs in the early evening, you can explore the vibrant city of Chongqing and visit some famous landmarks like Jiefangbei, Hongya Cave, etc. After a delicious hot pot, you shall bring your passport, Chinese Visa, and Tibet Travel Permit to Chongqing West Railway Station at least 2 hours before departure due to security checks and potential long queues. As the train departs Chongqing and heads westward towards Tibet, you'll pass through the city’s sprawling urban districts, scenic mountain landscapes, and lush agricultural regions.

Chongqing to Lhasa Train Trip-Day 2: Guangyuan, Lanzhou, Xining, Delingha, Golmud

As the train continues its journey from Chongqing towards Lhasa, it first reaches Guangyuan, a city known for its rich cultural history and beautiful mountainous surroundings. This peaceful stop offers you a chance to admire the Mt. Longmen (Longmen Mountains), a scenic area filled with stunning peaks, valleys, and ancient Buddhist temples. The train then moves on to Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu Province. Situated on the banks of the Yellow River, Lanzhou is surrounded by stunning desert and mountain scenery, presenting a glimpse into the cultural blend of Han Chinese and various minority groups. Here, you can also see Gansu Provincial Museum, which showcases the province's fascinating history and Tibetan Buddhist art.

Next, the train heads towards Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province. Nestled on the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, Xining is known for its Tibetan culture and religious significance. Ta'er Monastery (Kumbum Monastery) shows a unique fusion of Tibetan Buddhism and Chinese traditions.

The journey continues westward, passing through Delingha, a small but picturesque city surrounded by high desert and salt lakes. Here, you can enjoy the surreal beauty of the Qaidam Basin, which forms a striking contrast with the Tibetan Plateau. Then you’ll reach Golmud, an important transportation and logistics center. As the train pushes on, the landscape grows ever more dramatic, offering a preview of the breathtaking Tibetan highlands. You will marvel at the stark landscapes of the Tanggula Mountains, which mark the boundary between Qinghai and Tibet.

Chongqing to Lhasa Train Trip-Day 3: Lhasa

During the following journey, the train will descend toward Lhasa. Accompanied by the Lhasa River, you can have glimpses of Tibetan villages, stupas, and prayer flags. After 33 hours and 48 minutes, the train trip finally reach the holy city of Lhasa and our guide will meet you at the Lhasa Railway Station and sent you to your hotel in Lhasa City.

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Conclusion

Taking the Z223 train from Chongqing to Lhasa is an unforgettable journey. During this 34-hour-long train journey, you will be immersed in the magnificent scenery the modern city to the plateau pole, from the busy urban landscape of Chongqing to the snow-capped Tanggula Pass, from the vast Nagqu Grassland to the winding Lhasa River. Chongqing to Lhasa train journey invites you to slow down and experience the natural changes, which will surely become the most precious and unique memory of your trip to Tibet.