Safety on Tibet Trains: Is Tibet Train Safe? How to Ensure Safety?

As the world’s highest railway, the Qinghai-Tibet railway is one of the most mysterious attractions for many foreign tourists. Due to the lack of detailed information about this railway, most people may want to know whether it is safe for them to take a Tibet train tour in China. On one hand, tourists want to know whether it is safe for their health to take a train to Tibet in such a high-altitude area. On the other hand, they also want to know the personal safety issues on the train. Here with Tibet Tourism, you will get the chance to realize that you can totally be relaxed and enjoy your Tibet train tour since you will remain safe along the road. Through this article you will learn that traveling to Tibet by train is absolutely safe.

Three basic services for a safe Tibet train tour

(1) A strict security check will be done before boarding to keep your safety

Before boarding the Tibet train, all passengers must go through a strict security check, which is an essential step to ensure everyone’s safety. Upon arriving at the train station, you need to present valid identification such as your passport, train ticket, and Tibet Travel Permit for identity verification. Only passengers are allowed to enter the waiting hall.

You need to pass the identity verification

Then, your luggage will be screened through security equipment, which usually includes X-ray scanning and metal detectors. Liquids, sharp objects, and flammable or explosive items are strictly prohibited on board. For special items such as bicycles, there are specific size restrictions. You can check the detailed luggage regulations for Tibet trains before your trip.

(2) Policemen are on board safeguard throughout the journey

There are railway police officers on board throughout the entire journey. They are responsible for maintaining order inside the train and ensuring the safety of all passengers. If you encounter any unexpected situation during the trip, you can always seek help from them or the train attendants. In addition, the police will patrol the corridors to ensure the safety of passengers and their belongings at night.

Policemen are on board safeguard throughout the journey

(3) Oxygen supply system ensures safety from altitude sickness

Foreign tourists who are not living in the high altitude area will easily experience high altitude sickness when they take a train to get to Tibet. Their body will feel the increasing altitude and react to it. Thus, they will start to feel uncomfortable on the train. If you start to have a headache, you need to realize that it is not a big deal. You can keep yourself relaxed and pay attention to other things.

But all Tibet trains are well-equipped with two oxygen systems to make sure that every passenger can acclimate to the high altitude easily. The Tibet train will climb gradually to get to Tanggula Pass - the highest point, 5072m on Qinghai-Tibet Railway, after passing Golmud. It will be the time when the dispersion system of oxygen starts to work. It will pump oxygen into the train stably and constantly to keep the oxygen concentration the same as in Lhasa. In this way, passengers will be able to acclimate to the high altitude after they arrive in Lhasa and start their amazing tour in Tibet.

Oxygen supply system ensures safety from altitude sickness

However, in case some passengers cannot acclimate to the low oxygen concentration environment, the train also provides another system that is for personal use. It can be found everywhere on the train. If you are not sure where it is, you can ask for help from one of the train attendants. They will be glad to show you the right place and show you how to use it. As the train reaches Golmud, the train attendants will distribute the oxygen tubes to every passenger to connect the oxygen outlets once they feel it is necessary to breathe more oxygen to help reduce the symptoms of high altitude sickness. However, please do remember to tell other passengers in the next seat or in your cabin that you are not feeling well. When your symptoms get worse, ask for help from train attendants, and they will get you a doctor to make sure that your sickness can be properly treated.

Solo travelers, especially female travelers, are advised to check the following tips to ensure your safety

For solo travelers, especially female travelers, it is recommended to make thorough preparations before your trip. Keep your personal documents and valuables safe, and avoid placing them in visible or public areas. Additionally, when purchasing tickets, it is advisable to choose a hard sleeper, as the semi-open layout of the hard sleeper carriage provides a relatively greater sense of security. Although soft sleeper carriages offer more comfort and privacy, sharing a closed space with three strangers, particularly if any are of the opposite sex, may make you feel uncomfortable.

How can I ensure the safety of my luggage and personal belongings on Tibet trains?

On the trains to Tibet, there are several places for passengers to deposit their luggage. If you are in a soft sleeper compartment, you can put your luggage in the luggage closet above the door. It should be the safest place on Tibet trains since each compartment of soft sleeper has a lockable door. If you are in a hard sleeper car, you can only put your luggage under the lower bunks or on the luggage rack above the window by the aisle side. You will not be able to see your luggage all the time. But generally speaking, your luggage will remain safe all the time since there will be railway policemen patrolling day and night. However, a train is also a public place and you'd better keep your personal articles with you.

Eating and drinking on the Tibet train are also very safe

On Tibet trains, your food safety is strictly ensured. All meals provided in the train’s dining car undergo rigorous hygiene inspections to meet food safety standards. Hot meals, cold dishes, and beverages are all professionally prepared and properly stored.

Fresh food on the Tibet train

The food on board typically combines Tibetan and Chinese cuisine, with set meals available as well as options for individual dishes. However, Western-style meals are not offered on the train. If you are not accustomed to Chinese food, you can bring some bread, sandwiches, or snacks.

Whether at the departure station or in Lhasa, the train stations are very safe.

All train stations in China are equipped with security screening equipment and professional security personnel, who inspect all passengers and luggage entering and exiting the station to ensure the safety of public areas. Patrol staff also regularly check various parts of the station. In addition, station staff provide guidance and assistance, making your waiting and boarding process smoother and more reassuring.

Lhasa Train Station maintains excellent public security, allowing you to exit the station smoothly. Furthermore, upon your arrival, our tour guides and drivers will meet you at the exit and safely escort you to your hotel.

Additional tips for a safe and comfortable Tibet train tour

(1) Since oxygen is supplied inside the train carriages, smoking is strictly prohibited on Tibet trains. You can only smoke on the platforms at the train stations along the route.

(2) To ensure a smooth boarding process and complete the security check, it is recommended that you arrive at the train station at least one hour in advance. Train stations can be very crowded, so allow enough time to avoid rushing. Arriving early also gives you a chance to familiarize yourself with the station, locate the waiting area and boarding gate, and start your journey in a more relaxed and organized manner.

(3) During your trip, please keep your Tibet Travel Permit and identification documents safe. China implements a real-name ticketing system, so you are required to present a valid ID when entering the train station and boarding the train. Losing these documents may affect your travel plans.

Conclusion

Taking the Tibet train is one of the safest ways to enter Tibet. From the moment you arrive at the station to board the train until you reach your destination and leave the station, a complete set of security measures is in place. Onboard, an oxygen supply system helps you avoid altitude sickness. Additionally, if you book our Tibet tour, we provide complimentary pick-up service, safely escorting you from the train station to your hotel.