Train to Tibet by Qinghai-Tibet Railway

At present, many cities in China have direct trains to Lhasa, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Lanzhou and Xining. The train to Lhasa will use Xining as the transfer station. That is to say, you can consider going to Xining from other city by train or by air and then take the train from Xining to Lhasa for about 21 hours.

Why is Entering Tibet by Train Attractive?

The railway into Tibet is called the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, known as the "Heavenly Road". This is a great human project with multiple Guinness World Records that has overcome world-class difficulties.

The highest railway in the world: It covers 960 kilometers above 4,000 meters above sea level, with the highest point being 5072 meters above sea level.

The longest plateau permafrost tunnel in the world: It has the Kunlun Mountain Tunnel which is 1686 meters long.

The highest speed of the plateau permafrost railway in the world: The speed of the permafrost section of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway reaches 100 kilometers per hour, and the non-permafrost section reaches 120 kilometers per hour.

The train to Tibet is not only a crystallization of human wisdom, but also opens a window for you to witness various stunning landscapes of nature. It passes through scenic spots such as Qinghai Lake, Kunlun Mountain, Kokohili, Sanjiangyuan, Northern Tibet Grassland, and Potala Palace. Gradually from the vast plain into the plateau, you can see magnificent mountains along the way. The Kunlun Mountains lie in front of you, with their towering peaks, and the snow on the mountains does not melt all year round. There are also vast grasslands Qinghai Lake. In summer, with green grass and blooming wild flowers, flocks of yaks and sheep graze leisurely on the grasslands. The train will also pass through Kokohili No Man's Land. This is a paradise for wildlife, and you may see Tibetan antelopes running across this vast land.

On the train, there will be passengers of different ethnic groups, including Tibetans, Han, etc. You can take this opportunity to communicate with them and learn about Tibetan customs and culture.

Many toursits are very concerned about the cost of traveling to Tibet, and it is relatively cheaper to enter Tibet by train than to fly to Tibet.

Tips for Taking the Train to Tibet

Most importantly, you are required to present passport, Chinese visa and Tibet Travel Permit during the security check of the train to Tibet. Except for Xi'an, Chongqing and Lanzhou, which require the original Tibet Travel Permit, other cities can present a copy of the Tibet Travel Permit.

Before entering Tibet, you can prepare some anti-altitude sickness medicines such as Rhodiola rosea. It can help your body adapt to the altitude environment, and it is generally recommended to start taking it 1-2 weeks before departure.

Plan your itinerary in advance and buy your tickets as early as possible, as the tickets of train to Tibet usually exceed the supply. In terms of time selection, be careful to avoid peak travel period, such as Chinese holidays.

Don't worry too much about oxygen supply. The oxygen supply system of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway provides passengers with effective relief measures for altitude sickness, ensuring the safety and comfort of the journey.