Tibet Train Journey to Everest Base Camp

Currently, there are several train starting points leading to Tibet, with the most popular ones originating from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Xining. Among these, the Xining to Lhasa section is the essence of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, a mandatory passage for all trains entering Tibet, and is hailed as the "Sky Road." This route passes through renowned attractions such as the Hoh Xil and Tanggula Mountain Pass, allowing you to experience the vast and boundless plateau scenery right from the train. It is recommended to choose a train departing from Xining, as the Xining to Lhasa section takes approximately 21 hours, a duration that is not overly long to avoid travel fatigue, and international flights are also more frequent. Upon arrival in Lhasa by train, you will need to transfer to a high-speed train to Shigatse, the location of Everest Base Camp. Multiple high-speed trains depart daily from Lhasa to Shigatse, taking only about 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach Shigatse. However, it is important to note that the distance from Shigatse Railway Station to Everest Base Camp is quite far, approximately 300 kilometers, and the car journey will take 6 to 8 hours.

Why Lhasa is the Preferred Destination Over Shigatse for a Everest Base Camp Tour?

The elevation of Shigatse city is about 3,800 meters, while the elevation of Everest Base Camp is between 5,200 to 5,300 meters. Traveling directly by train to Shigatse from a low-altitude area, tourists' bodies may not be able to quickly adapt to such high altitudes, making them prone to altitude sickness. If tourists do not have enough time to gradually adapt to the altitude in a lower elevation area before immediately heading to the higher altitude of Everest Base Camp, the risk of altitude sickness will significantly increase. Lhasa, with an elevation of 3,650 meters, provides a better environment for acclimatization. Therefore, a more recommended travel route is to spend a few days in Lhasa, acclimatizing to the high-altitude environment while feast your eyes on Lhasa's core attractions such as the Potala Palace.

As the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region, Lhasa is home to a rich historical and cultural atmosphere and abundant tourism resources. Famous attractions like the Jokhang Temple and the Potala Palace are located here, carrying profound Tibetan Buddhist culture and historical heritage. Staying in Lhasa allows you to stroll along Barkhor Street, experience the unique local customs and culture, taste specialties such as butter tea and Tibetan noodles, visit various historically significant temples, and gain a deeper understanding of Tibet's past and present. These are indispensable highlights of a trip to Tibet. Heading directly to Shigatse would mean missing out on these experiences, unable to fully appreciate the charm of Tibet. After concluding your Lhasa itinerary, on the way to Everest Base Camp, you can also enjoy the Karola Glacier and Yamdrok Lake.

Ticket-Booking Tips for Tibet Tour

During the peak travel season from July to August, train tickets to Tibet can be in high demand. To ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey, it's recommended to book your tickets 15 days in advance through the official 12306 website or the mobile app. The website and app support multiple languages, making it accessible for international travelers. You can choose from different seating options, including hard seats, hard sleepers, and soft sleepers, depending on your budget and comfort preferences. Hard seats are the most economical choice, suitable for those on a tight budget and short-distance travel. Hard sleepers offer basic bedding and a compartment with multiple berths, providing a more restful option for overnight journeys. Soft sleepers, on the other hand, offer more privacy, with smaller compartments and more comfortable beds, ideal for travelers seeking a higher level of comfort.

Conclusion

If you have any questions or need further assistance in planning your trip, don't hesitate to reach out. Let us help you create the perfect itinerary for your dream journey to the roof of the world!