Xining: Why It's the Top Departure City for Train to Tibet
The Qinghai-Tibet Railway officially begins in Xining, and every train bound for Lhasa (whether it starts in Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou) must stop here. The stretch from Golmud to Lhasa climbs to over 4,000 meters, requiring special trains with oxygen systems and frost-resistant chassis. All long-distance trains switch to these high-altitude-ready carriages in Xining. Therefore, it's the most seamless way to kick off your Tibet travel, with all logistics centralized for your convenience.
Time-Saving & Flexible: Perfect Schedules for Every Traveler
Xining wins big when it comes to travel efficiency. Direct trains to Lhasa take just 21–22 hours, cutting your journey time in half compared to departing from Beijing (40+ hours) or Shanghai (48+ hours). That means less time cooped up on a train and more time exploring Lhasa, Lhasa's surrounding monasteries, or Xining itself. Plus, there are 5–6 daily trains covering morning, afternoon, and evening departures—choose a sunrise departure to watch the landscape wake up, or an overnight train to save on accommodation. And if you're coming from other Chinese cities, high-speed trains from Lanzhou (2 hours) or Xi'an (3 hours) make Xining easy to reach.

Your Perfect Plateau Buffer: Beat Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness is a top worry for Tibet travelers—and Xining solves it brilliantly. At 2,261 meters, it's high enough to let your body gently adjust to thinner air, but much lower than Lhasa's 3,650 meters. Spend 1–2 days here before your train, and you'll drastically reduce the risk of acute mountain sickness. The city's mild climate (6–8℃ annual average, cool summers around 28℃) makes acclimatization comfortable, and there are dedicated plateau medical centers if you need advice.

The Scenery Starts Here: China's Most Beautiful Train Ride
The Qinghai-Tibet Railway from Xining to Lhasa is often called "China's most beautiful landscape corridor," and for good reason. You'll glide past Qinghai Lake, China's largest saltwater lake, where golden rapeseed flowers dance alongside turquoise water in summer. Then you'll enter Hoh Xil, the sacred home of Tibetan antelopes—keep your camera ready for sightings of these graceful "plateau elves." Next come the snow-capped Kunlun Mountains and Tanggula Pass (5,072 meters), a stunning mix of natural grandeur and engineering marvel. Finally, the vast Qiangtang Grassland unfolds, with lakes sparkling like scattered gems—pure magic from start to finish.

Xining Itself: A Treasure Trove of Culture & Nature
Xining is worth exploring on its own. Dive into its rich culture with a visit to Ta'er Monastery, one of Tibetan Buddhism's six great Gelugpa monasteries, famous for its butter sculptures, murals, and tapestries. For a taste of religious diversity, head to Dongguan Great Mosque, one of northwest China's largest, where the blend of Han, Tibetan, and Islamic architecture is breathtaking—don't miss the powerful five daily prayers. Nature lovers can day-trip to Riyue Mountain, where Princess Wencheng once paused on her journey to Tibet, or Chaka Salt Lake's bigger sibling, Chaerhan Salt Lake, home to a "10,000-foot silver bridge" of solid salt.
Conclusion
Let's make it happen—your unforgettable Tibet travel starts in Xining.


35 Comment ON "Xining: Why It's the Top Departure City for Train to Tibet"
Asked by Liliana Me** from Macau
plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April
Hi! I would like to plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April (3rd to 10th ideally) to Nepal, Tibet, and, if possible, Bhutan. Do you think it would be doable? Based on what I read, there are some places/things to do to consider: Nepal: Everest Base Camp trek and the Annapurna Circuit, ancient temples, sacred sites like Lumbini, Kathmandu, Tibet: The Potala Palace in Lhasa and the Jokhang Temple. eventually the holy Mount Kailash or the high-altitude plains. Bhutan: Thimphu, Paro, and the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. To take part in cultural traditions, yoga, meditation... Of course I am open to any recommendations you could make. For your reference, we are both based in Asia: him, in Bangkok and myself in Macau. Thank you so much for the information you could provide and, if possible, an estimated budget for your offer.
Asked by Ke** from Singapore
Cycling Tour to Mt Kailash
Hi , we are planning a Cycling Trip once Tibet opens for Tourism. The plan is we shall arrive to Kathmandu , travel to the border and enter via Kerung. Can you pls send a day to day Itinerary starting from Kerung - Lake Manasarovar - Darchen - Asthapath. We shall go around Kailash on foot and resume Cycling back to Kerung. We are a Group of 6-8 persons. Thanks Pls send ur reply to Kevin
Asked by Debo** from USA
Please can you tell me the prices and dates for the Tibet Luxury Tour.
Also, could you please provide a detailed itinerary - I want to see how many hours are spent on buses/vehicles. Thank you! Deborah
Asked by S** from HongKong
Tibet Tour from HK
May I know if holding Mainland Travel Permit for HK Residents. is it also need to get the visa permit to Tibet and what is the procedure if need to apply? Thank you
Asked by Na** from USA
Is Kailash Mansarovar Trip open for Indian Passport Holder?
Is it open for Indian Passport Holder?
Asked by A** from Singapore
Enquiry on private tour
We are planning a trip from Hong Kong to Tibet during the 12th to 21st of April. We want a private tour that covers all the scenic places as well as the EBC. Please advise an itinerary along with the cost breakdown. Thanks.
Asked by Na** from Canada
We would like to take the train from Xining to Lhasa
Asked by Gr** from Canada
The "Tibet Entry Permit" should be apply
Asked by Tam** from Singapore
Sightseeing Potala Palace
Asked by Ka** from Singapore
plan to travel to Mount Kailash