Tibet Train Toilet & Hygiene Guide: Washing Sink, Toiletries, and Hygiene Travel Tips

Traveling to Tibet by train from the major cities in China will take 22 hours to 55 hours, depending on the departure city. It makes restrooms very important for tourists when they are on the Tibet trains. In fact, you don’t need to worry about toilets and public sinks on the trains to Tibet since the facilities are above average standard compared with other places. This article will help you understand the toilets, washing sinks, and hygiene tips on Tibet train, so that you will have a great Tibet train tour along the rail.

Two Kinds of Toilets on Tibet Train: Chinese-sytle Squat Toilet & Western-sytle Sitting Toilet

Unlike traditional train toilets, the facilities on Tibet trains have been significantly improved in all carriages (soft sleepers, hard sleepers, and hard seats). The trains not only operate at high altitudes, but also maintain relatively high hygiene standards.

Toilets on Tibet trains are placed at the left and right ends of every carriage. Tourists can go to it whenever they want except for the time when trains stop. All those toilets are well-designed and the staff will keep them clean all the time. The Toilet Waste Collection System on the train will collect human waste and keep them in vacuum collectors to avoid polluting the environment on the railway.

There are Chinese-style toilets, Western-style toilets and also toilets for the disabled. Chinese-style toilets and Western-style toilets are available in soft sleeper carriages, while hard sleeper carriages and hard seat carriages only have the squat type. People in wheelchairs can use the larger-sized toilet that is equipped with a handrail to make it easy for them. There are indicator lights to show passengers whether the washrooms are vacant or not. Passengers can see the light from their seats. If it shows the red light, it means that there is someone using the washroom. If you see the light turn green, it means that you can use it right now.

Inside the toilets, passengers can use the water basin, the dustbin in the toilet, a green flush button, and a red emergency button. The green button can be pushed to flush the toilet after using it. And when there is an emergency, when passengers are in the toilet, they can push the red button to call for a train attendant to help them. There are toilet papers when the trains depart from the station. But it may be used out soon.

Public Washing Sinks on Tibet Train

A public washing sink is available at the end of every carriage. It is for passengers to clean, shave, and wash themselves. Usually, there are three sinks, offering water at the room temperature. Tourists need to bring their own towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc. Since the sinks are for all passengers, you’d better avoid the busy time in the morning and in the evening to use it. Or you may need to line up and wait for others to finish washing. One tip for you - do not drink the water from the water pipe since the water is not drinkable. The water dispensers on Tibet trains provide free drinkable water for passengers.

Can I Take a Shower on Tibet Train?

There is no room for you to take a shower on the train. However, you can use the train's public sinks or toilets for handwashing and simple cleansing. You can take a shower before boarding the Tibet train to ensure comfort and hygiene during the journey.

You should avoid washing your hair or getting your body wet on the train, which can easily lead to a cold or even worsen altitude sickness.

For easy cleaning and personal hygiene, carrying sanitary wipes and disposable towels is a very practical option. They can help you quickly clean your face and body when you don't have access to a shower.

Toiletry Packing List for Tibet Train Tour

Since there is no toiletry on the train, you're recommended to prepare a set of personal hygiene products, like facial cleanser, toothbrush, toothpaste, quick-drying towel, wet wipes, disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer, skin care products, a comb, etc.

Hygiene Tips for Tibet Train Tour

1) Whether it is essential toiletries or optional personal cares, it is recommended to bring travel-sized items. You’ll have more space for other things.
2) Men had better bring your own shaving supplies.
3) For passengers who are sensitive to hygiene, you can bring disposable toilet seat covers or use squat toilets whenever possible.
4) Avoid using the restroom when the train arrives at the station. The staff will lock it to clean during the stop. It is recommended to plan your toilet time in advance.
5) You shall bring your own tissues or toilet paper, as they are not offered on Tibet train.

Conclusion

The Tibet Trains offers basic and clean restroom facilities, including squat toilets, sitting toilets, and convenient handwashing areas. Although there are no shower facilities on Tibetan trains, you can prepare personal toiletries in advance to keep you clean and comfortable during your long Tibet train journey, and enhance your overall travel experience. At the same time, please abide by the public health regulations on the train and use public facilities in a civilized manner, so as to create a clean, orderly, and friendly travel environment.