Things You Need to Know before Booking Tibet Train Tickets
While the Qinghai-Tibet Railway offers breathtaking views and a gradual ascent to high altitude, it's not the perfect choice for every traveler. Let's walk through some key points to help you decide.
Tibet Travel Permit: Your Non-Negotiable Ticket
First things first: as a foreign traveler, you cannot board the train to Tibet without a Tibet Travel Permit. Your journey must be organized through a licensed Tibet tour agency, which will arrange your permit, itinerary, and accommodations in advance. While this might seem restrictive, it's designed to ensure your safety and compliance with local regulations.
Sleep Matters: Are You a Light Sleeper?
One of the most overlooked aspects of the Tibet train journey is sleep quality. The train runs along high-altitude tracks with constant rhythmic clanking and occasional swaying—sounds that can be soothing to some but disruptive to others. If you're a light sleeper or rely on absolute quiet to rest, you may find yourself waking up multiple times during the night. Since proper rest is crucial for acclimatization, a sleepless night on the train could leave you fatigued just as you arrive in Lhasa. If you already struggle with sleep in unfamiliar environments, you might want to reconsider.
Time: The 21-Hour Reality
Many travelers underestimate the time commitment of the train journey. Even if you board at Xining—the starting point of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway—you're looking at a solid 21-hour ride to Lhasa. While the scenery is stunning, the experience demands patience. If your Tibet itinerary is tight—say, 5 to 7 days—spending nearly a full days on the train might not be the best use of your time. Flying into Lhasa could free up more time for exploring monasteries, lakes, and cultural sites instead.
Comfort and Privacy: Sharing Space with Strangers
The soft sleeper is the most comfortable class available on the Tibet train, but it's still a shared experience. You'll be in a cozy compartment with three other passengers, and bathroom facilities are shared among multiple cabins. For travelers accustomed to the privacy and luxury of high-end hotels, this can feel restrictive. There's no private shower, no personal space to unwind in solitude, and limited mobility. If you value comfort and privacy above all, the train may not meet your expectations.
Avoid Hard Seats
While budget travelers might consider hard seats to save money, this is one scenario where frugality isn't worth the sacrifice. A hard-seat ticket means sitting upright in a crowded carriage for the entire journey—no reclining, no guaranteed personal space, and very limited restroom access. At high altitude, this can quickly become unbearable and may leave you exhausted upon arrival. If soft or hard sleepers are sold out, it's better to adjust your plans or consider flying instead.
Conclusion
You don't have to figure it out alone. A trusted Tibet travel agency can help you weigh the pros and cons based on your needs!
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35 Comment ON "Things You Need to Know before Booking Tibet Train Tickets"
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