With China Tourist Visa Resumed,
Tibet Tours for All around the Globle are Available Right Now!

It is the best time to join our Tibet small group tour in 2024 at the best local price.
+ 86-28-81754631
TOP
listicon

Tibet Train Tour in Different Seasons: When is the Best Time for a Stunning View of Tibet Railway

January,25 2024 BY Master Catherine Jigme 0 COMMENTS

If you're planning a trip to Tibet and have time to spare, taking the Qinghai-Tibet train is a popular choice for good reason. The journey offers a non-stop display of stunning landscapes through the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau from Xining to Lhasa, from towering mountains to sprawling plains. But remember, the views change with the seasons, so timing your trip right is key to enjoying the best sights the train route has to offer.

The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is A Journey Through Endless Splendor

The Qinghai-Tibet Railway offers an endless parade of stunning vistas, earning its nickname as the "sky road." Spanning 1,956 kilometers from Xining to Lhasa, every stretch of the journey is picture-perfect.

Starting with the serene Qinghai Lake, the largest saltwater lake in China, the Tibet train journey then takes you across the ethereal Chaka Salt Lake, whose white expanse merges with the horizon, provoking deep reflection. The route climbs past the majestic Kunlun Mountains, providing a rugged, natural spectacle.

Tibet train across the Qinghai LakeThe Tibet train journey then takes you across the Qinghai Lake.

Wildlife enthusiasts will be thrilled as the train skirts the edges of Kekexili, home to herds of Tibetan antelope in their natural habitat. The train continues, winding through the vital Sanjiangyuan region, the birthplace of the Yangtze, Yellow, and Mekong Rivers, where the landscape transforms into a lush wetland mosaic.

The dreamlike views carry on as you pass by Lake Cona, where the sacred Mount Zhara Lhatse casts its reflection upon the lake's surface. Journeying through the vast Damxung Prairie and over the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains, a sea of snow-capped peaks surrounds you.

Your approach to Lhasa is heralded by the expansive Yarlung Tsangpo River, guiding you to the heart of Tibetan spirituality. The Tibet train tour is nothing short of heavenly, with every scene worthy of remembrance.

Summer: The Best Time to Ride the Qinghai-Tibet Railway

Traveling to Tibet by train in the summer, between July and September, is a treat for the eyes. The Tibetan plateau is awash with green, and the landscapes along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway are at their most stunning.

During this time, Qinghai Lake sparkles like a jewel, bordered by blooming flowers that complement the mountain scenery. Lush grasslands peppered with livestock and wildflowers stretch out before you, with the plateau's iconic mix of snow-capped mountains, rolling grasslands, and tranquil lakes on full display. Crossing the Kunlun Mountains, you’re treated to the sight of shining glaciers and vibrant mountain flora.

Summer is also prime viewing time for wildlife; you might spot antelope, wild donkeys, or even the elusive snow leopard from the train window. Lhasa, at the railway's end, is sunny and lively, with Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street bustling with happy visitors.

Remember, summer is peak season, so train tickets, particularly sleeper cabins, can be scarce. Planning ahead is crucial. Consider booking your Tibet train ticket through a travel agency or a ticketing service to avoid complications.

Winter: Ideal for Snow-Scapes on the Tibet Train Journey

Winter, from November to March, is a magical time for a train trip to Tibet for those enchanted by snowy scenes. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway winds through a landscape transformed into a fairy-tale tableau: snow-cloaked mountains, icy blue lakes, and meadows blanketed in white. Iconic sights like Qinghai Lake, the Kekexili region, and the Kunlun Mountains become even more captivating under the snow, creating a dream-come-true for photographers.

An added advantage of visiting Tibet in winter is that it's Tibet's off-season, making train tickets more accessible and attractions less crowded. This quieter season offers a serene and untouched view of Tibet, allowing for an authentic experience. In the stillness of winter, you can immerse yourself in the local culture, try Tibetan winter delicacies, and enjoy the peaceful, snowy charm of this unique region.

Opt for Daylight Trains on Golmud-Lhasa Route for Best Tibet Views

If you're traveling to Tibet by train, don't miss the Qinghai-Tibet Railway's daytime views, especially between Golmud and Lhasa. This stretch offers the most stunning scenery, best enjoyed in daylight for a truly unforgettable trip.

Many Tibet trains head to Lhasa daily, but most pass through Golmud at night, missing the scenic highlights. To catch these views, you need to be on one of the few trains that cover the Golmud-Lhasa section during the day.

Qinghai-Tibet Railway in summerEnjoying the stunning landscapes along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway during the daytime.

Below is a list of train numbers that offer daytime journeys through this scenic route:

Daytime Train Services from Xining to Lhasa via the Scenic Golmud-Lhasa Route

Train Number Departure from Xining Arrival at Golmud Arrival at Lhasa Scenic Viewing Quality
Xining-Lhasa Z9817 21:10 3:08 17:10 100%
Xining-Lhasa Z165 19:26 1:34 15:05 90%

Daytime Train Services from Lhasa to Xining via the Scenic Golmud-Lhasa Route

Train Number Departure from Lhasa Arrival at Golmud Arrival at Xining Scenic Viewing Quality
Lhasa-Xining Z8982 9:25 23:39 6:25 100%
Lhasa-Xining Z166 11:50 2:41 9:15 90%

Please Notice:
The above timetables are for your reference only. The schedule for the Xining to Lhasa train is subject to change due to seasonal variations and other factors. Always check in with us for the latest updates on Qinghai-Tibet train services.

Experience Year-Round Wonders on a Tibet Train Tour

The Qinghai-Tibet Railway cuts through landscapes that change dramatically with the seasons. Spring unveils awakening meadows and swathes of vibrant flowers. In summer, the thawing snow reveals crystalline lakes and green pastures teeming with life, straight out of a storybook. Autumn paints the grasslands in a golden hue beneath a stark blue sky, with the gentle sun and breathtaking alpenglow on the mountains. Winter wraps the world in a blanket of snow, turning the landscape into a serene, storybook scene along the railway tracks.

Though the railway's vistas are arguably most striking in July and August, these months also draw the largest crowds. Conversely, winter offers its own snowy spectacle and the added benefit of less competition for train tickets to Tibet.

Remember, choosing a train that passes from Golmud to Lhasa during daylight is essential to witness the route's most scenic views.

In essence, your train trip to Tibet will be adorned with distinct seasonal charms at any time, which is the essence of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway's magic.

If you can, consider experiencing the journey during different seasons—the Qinghai-Tibet train promises new delights with each visit.

Master Catherine Jigme

About the Author - Master Catherine Jigme

With exceptional passion and outstanding leadership, Mrs. Catherine has dedicated herself to Tibet inbound tourism and China tour for 15 years. As one of the handful females who see great potential of Chinese inbound tourism, Catherine has made great contribution to promoting Tibet tourism and enhancing the employment of Tibetans and prosperity of local Tibetan community.

Over the years, she travelled overseas with Tibet Tourism Bureau many times to promote Tibet tourism. Currently, Catherine works as the marketing director of Tibet Vista, an opinion leader behind the whole team of Tibet Vista.

Most Popular Tibet Tour Packages

Have a Question?
Leave your question here or email our travel experts directly at inquiry@tibettravel.org

0 Comment ON "Tibet Train Tour in Different Seasons: When is the Best Time for a Stunning View of Tibet Railway"

Check All Tibet Travel FAQs Here