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1. How to get to Tibet by train?
The Qinghai-Tibet Railway connects Lhasa in Tibet with major cities in Chinese mainland, including Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Xining. Currently, Tibet trains run daily between Lhasa and Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Lanzhou, Xining, and Xi'an, and depart every other day from Chengdu and Chongqing. You can board the Tibet train in one of these cities and take the scenic ride directly to Lhasa.
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2. What is the best time to travel to take a Tibet train trip?
Taking a Tibet train to Lhasa is a popular choice for tourists as it offers a glimpse of the stunning scenery along the ride.
The best time to rake a Tibet train ride is generally from April to June and from September to October. During these months, the weather is relatively stable, with clear skies and mild temperatures, making the view outside the windows clearer. Also at this time, the scenery along the way is stunning: the grasslands are lush and green, the lakes are glittering with sunlight, and the peaks are covered with snow.
Summer is also and good time to travel along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway as the green grasslands are dotted with flowers and the lakes and glaciers are shining under the sun. However, June to September is China’s peak travel season so the Tibet train ticket may sell out quickly. If you want to appreciate the summer landscape on the Tibet train, our dedicated personnel will help you handle ticket purchasing.
If you want to appreciate snowfields, you can take a Tibet train in winter. During this time, the meadows and mountains are thick in snow, painted into a holy white land. The lakes are ice blue, immersed with a tranquil and captivating charm. Usually, there are fewer travelers in winter so the tickets are more accessible. However, the weather may be cold.
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3. What permits are needed to join a Tibet train tour?
To enter Tibet by train, travelers typically need the following permits:
Tibet Travel Permit: This permit is issued by the Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) and is required for all foreign travelers visiting Tibet.
Aliens' Travel Permit: Travelers traveling to partially restricted areas such as EBC, Basumtso Lake, Samye Monastery, etc. need to obtain Aliens’ Travel Permit via Tibet Travel Agency (like Tibet Horizon).
Military Area Entry Permit: Travelers visiting military-sensitive areas such as Mount Kailash, Lake Manasarovar, etc, need to apply for a Military Area Entry Permit.
Our Xizang tour packages include Tibet Travel Permit and all the necessary Tibet travel documents. If you book with us, we’ll help apply for the permits needed to ensure a smooth and worry-free Tibet train tour.
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4. How to book a Tibet train ticket?
You can buy a Tibet train ticket on China Railway’s official website https://www.12306.cn/ or its app “Railway 12306”. You can also 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 is to book online with us. Specializing in Tibet tour, we can guarantee you the Tibet train ticket and arrange a smooth and wonderful China Tibet train trip for you.
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5. How to collect Tibet train ticket?
If you book your train ticket with us, we can deliver your Tibet train ticket to your hotel. In other cases, 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 not enough time to get your ticket.
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6. How to board Tibet train?
If you choose to collect your ticket by yourself, bring your passport and Tibet Travel Permit to collect your train ticket after reaching the railway station of your departing city. Or you can enter the station directly with your tickets.
After going through security check 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.
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7. What are the facilities on Tibet 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. 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. A 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 fruits with you in case you don’t get used to the food served on the train.
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8. What to see on Tibet train?
Yuzhu Peak: Soaring to a height of 6,178m, it is snow-capped all year long.
Kekexili: 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.
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.
Cuona Lake: It’s the world’s highest freshwater lake and the closest lake to the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, with clear and green waters against the blue sky and the mountains beyond.
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9. How to deal with possible altitude sickness on Tibet train?
Taking a train on the Tibet Plateau with an average altitude of over 4,000 meters, it’s common for some tourists to experience altitude sickness when taking China Tibet train tour. The symptoms of altitude sickness can include headache, nausea, and dizziness.
To minimize the effect of altitude sickness, it is important to allow time to acclimate to the high altitude and to take precautions to prevent altitude sickness. Travelers should drink plenty of water, eat light meals, and avoid alcohol or caffeine.
Besides, Tibet trains are equipped with oxygen supplies. After starting from Golmud, the oxygen diffusing system starts to pump oxygen into the carriage. If you feel uncomfortable, you can also use oxygen outlets or take some medications. 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.
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