Golmud to Lhasa Train: Tibet Train Trip with Unparalleled Scenery along Qinghai-Tibet Railway

Qinghai-Tibet Railway is the world’s highest and longest railway that connects Xining of Qinghai Province and Lhasa in Tibet. Overcoming three engineering technical problems— permafrost, extreme cold and oxygen deficit environment, and fragile ecosystem, it made its way to Tibet, the “Roof of the World”. The railway has been recognized as one of the four greatest engineering projects of China in the 21st century and was selected for the Global Centennial Project in 2013.

Golmud-Lhasa section is the second segment of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, which started construction in 2001 and opened in. 2006. The train trip from Lhasa to Golmud takes about 13 hours and covers a total distance of 1142 kilometers. This relatively short journey on Tibet Train will present you stunning views such as snow-capped Yuzhu Peak and pale blue Cuona Lake before landing you in Lhasa. Read on for more information about Golmud Lhasa train and start planning your train trip to Tibet!

Golmud Lhasa Train Schedule and Ticket Price

Golmud Station is a stopping point for all the trains to Lhasa, which means there are multiple trains to choose from.

Notice: 
1. The schedule and ticket price are just for reference. Please contact us for the latest updates when you plan your Tibet Train tour.
2. The choice of train depends on your travel schedule. It is recommended that you take train Z165 from Shanghai and train Z265 from Guangzhou at Golmud Train Station because these two trains will allow you to enjoy the fantastic scenery outside the window during the daytime. You board the train in the middle night and you wake up in the morning and get the chance to see what the Grand Plateau can offer.

Why take Golmud Lhasa Train to Tibet?

Golmud, located in the west of Qinghai Province, western China, is a transportation junction linking Tibet, Gansu, and Xinjiang. With highways connecting Xining, Lhasa, and Dunhuang and air routes opening to Xining, Xi’an, Chengdu, Lhasa, and Hangzhou, it has become a key hub of central and western regions. After the Golmud-Lhasa section of Qinghai-Tibet Railway came into service in 2006, it has served as an important gateway for travelers to Lhasa. Some Tibet trains from mainland city will make a stop here for about 25 minutes. So, even if Golmud Train Station is not a departure station along Qinghai-Tibet Railway, tourists can also purchase a ticket to board the train to Lhasa in Golmud. It is the shortest train route from mainland China. Covering 1,142km from Golmud to Lhasa, the whole journey will take about 14 hours.

Golmud also owns beautiful landscapes. Before boarding the train, you can go sightseeing near the city. Qarhan Salt Lake, the largest salt lake in China with a total area of 5856 square kilometers, is just 60km to the northeast of the city. It has an abundant reserve of mineral salt, which, under the hot and dry climate and concentration, produces a mass of salt crystals in various forms like flowers, corals, and pearls, attracting tens of thousands of tourists. Besides, the vast area is unique in its geographical features. Located in the southwest part of Golmud, Mount Kunlun UNESCO Global Geopark, offers you geological landscapes formed by magmatic activity, crustal extension, subduction, and collision of the plate.

the Qarhan Salt Lake

How to Book Golmud Lhasa Train Ticket?

You can buy a train ticket in China on China Railway’s official website https://www.12306.cn/ or its app “Railway 12306”. You can buy the ticket from the ticket windows at the station.

However, foreign travelers need to complete a quite complicated process of registration, identity verification, passport information upload, and payment. The most convenient and worry-free way to get your ticket of Golmud Lhasa train is to book online with us. Specializing in Tibet tourism, our agency, Tibet Horizon, can help you book the train ticket and arrange a smooth and wonderful Tibet train trip for you.

How to Collect Golmud Lhasa Train Ticket?

If you book your train ticket with us, we can deliver your Tibet train ticket to your hotel. In another case, we can also give you a booking number by which you can collect your train ticket from self-service ticket machines or by showing the staff your booking number, passport, and Tibet Travel Permit.

Please arrive at the station in advance in case there is no enough time to get your ticket.

How to Get to the Golmud Railway Station?

Golmud Railway Station is the intersection station of Qinghai-Tibet Railway and Golmud-Ke’erle Railway. Located at No.39 Yingbin Road, Golmud, the station is not far from downtown and the airport, making it convenient for travelers to get to.

Golmud Railway Station

Travel from downtown to Golmud Railway Station

Taxi: Taxi fares are calculated based on the distance traveled.

Bus: Bus No. 1, 2, 5 arrive at Golmud Railway Station.

Bus Service Time: 7:30-19:10 from May 1 to October 31; 7:30-19:00 from November 1 to April 30

Travel from Golmud Airport to Golmud Railway Station

Taxi: Taxi fares are calculated based on the distance traveled. The distance from Golmud Airport to Golmud Railway Station is about 16 kilometers.

Bus: There is a tour coach from the Airport to the Railway Station, which only costs CNY20 per person.

How to BoardTibet Train from Golmud to Lhasa

After reaching Golmud Railway Station, bring your passport and Tibet Travel Permit to collect your train ticket.

After going through security and entering the station, find your ticket barrier. If you arrive early, you can stay at the waiting hall for check-in. After the ticket check starts, you can board the train through manned ticket gates.

Tips: Tibet Travel Permit is a prerequisite for your Tibet Train trip. The permit is needed for collecting your ticket and boarding the train. Please apply for the permit in advance. If you book with us, we can help you get your Tibet Travel Permit and make sure your travel is smooth and worry-free

Facilities on Golmud to Lhasa Train

Seats

Except for standing tickets, there are three types of seats: hard seat, hard sleeper, and soft sleeper. A hard seat is the cheapest option with minimum comfort because passengers have to endure long-time sitting. A sleeping berth is a better choice. A hard sleeper compartment usually has six hard sleepers with three (upper, middle, and lower berths) on each side. However, there is no lockable door. Of all the seats, the soft sleeper is the most expensive option but it’s worth for those who care about comfort and privacy. Each soft sleeper compartment has four berths (two upper berths and two lower berths) and a lockable door, providing more personal space for tourists.

Toilets

There is one squat and one Western toilet at the end of each carriage. Please notice that toilet paper is not provided.

Water Dispenser

Free hot water is provided during the entire trip. You can bring a bottle or paper cup to get boiled water. Be careful with hot water!

Oxygen Supply

Trains to Tibet are equipped with two kinds of oxygen supply systems. One is a diffusing system on the top of each carriage. The other is oxygen outlets under each seat and sleeper. You can use this device to inhale oxygen to alleviate altitude sickness.

Food Services

The dining carriage, usually in the middle of the train, offers three meals and drinks. During meal time, you can go to the dining car to order Chinese and Tibetan-style dishes and enjoy your meal while appreciating beautiful views outside the window. You can get snacks and drinks from mobile food carts as well. You can also bring some food and fruit with you in case you don’t get used to the food served on the train.

Faqs on Golmud to Lhasa Train Trip

How to deal with altitude sickness on the train?

Usually, spending a day at an altitude of around 2500 to 3000 m can help you reduce the effect of altitude sickness. Golmud Station is at an altitude of 2829 m (9281 ft). So if you stay in Golmud for one or two days, you may be less likely to have a severe effect.

Oxygen supplies on the train also provide you with a comfortable environment. After starting from Golmud (2806 m or 9216 ft), the average altitude gradually climbs to 4000-4500 m (about 13000-15000 ft). The oxygen diffusing system starts to pump oxygen into the carriage as the train departs Golmud. Don’t worry that you may have a severe effect because each train has a doctor to ensure your comfortable travel. Ask for help if you feel extremely sick.

Can tourists take a shower on the train?

Unfortunately, there is no bathroom but washing basins for brushing and washing hands on the train. You can bring wet tissue and disposable underwear.

What to See along Golmud Lhasa Railway?

Golmud-Lhasa section captures the most beautiful landscapes along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. With the train riding on the Tibet Plateau, you can enjoy the stunning scenery unfolding before your eyes. You will find the mirror-like lake surface reflecting the blue sky and white cloud, the snow mountains stretching long, and wild yaks rambling in the great wildness.

Yuzhu Peak

You will first be greeted by Yuzhu Peak, a part of Kunlun Mountain range. Soaring to a height of 6178 m (20269 ft), it is snow-capped all year long. Taking the train from Golmud to Lhasa, you can admire it from a distance, feeling its towering height and breathtaking beauty.

the Yuzhu Peak

Hoh Xil Nature Reserve

Hoh Xil, also known as Kekexili, is situated in the northwest part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It’s one of the largest and highest nature reserves in China, home to many rare species such as snow leopards, Tibetan antelope, and wild yaks. From the window of the train, you may catch a glimpse of these wild animals roaming the grassland.

Tuotuo River

Originating from the glaciers of Jianggendiru Snow Mountains, the highest peak of Tanggula Mountain range, Tuotuo River is the official headstream of Yangtze River. From the train, you can appreciate the tranquil river.

Tanggula Mountain Pass

At an altitude of 5,231 m (17,162 ft), Tanggula Mountain Pass is the highest point on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway and a natural border between Qinghai and Tibet. Tanggula Station is renowned as the highest railway station in the world at 5,068 m (16,627 ft). Here against the heavenly blue sky, the snow-white mountains with ancient glaciers provide a spectacular view.

Cuona Lake

Cuona Lake, the world’s highest freshwater lake, is the closest lake to the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, so you can appreciate the clear and green lake through a window. Against the blue sky and the mountains beyond, the lake is exceptionally enchanting.

Conclusion

A train trip from Golmud to Lhasa will leave you a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The astonishingly spectacular scenery along the railway makes your Tibet travel more indelible. If you are inspired and plan to take Tibet Train, we, Tibet Horizon, can help you figure out the best travel plan. Please feel free to ask us for more information.