Taking a train to Tibet is more than just a trip—it’s an adventure. The journey treats you to breathtaking scenery, from snow-covered mountains and endless grasslands to tranquil lakes, all while the train makes its way along the world’s highest railway, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway.

Most tourists opt to take the train from Xining, a journey of around 20 hours. However, many travelers also depart from Chengdu, Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou to experience the stunning views across China. These trips take approximately 34.5, 40, 44.5, and 53 hours, respectively.

Given the length of the trip, careful planning is essential. What you pack can significantly impact your experience. In this article, we'll go over all the must-have and recommended items to ensure your Tibet train journey is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Qinghai-Tibet Railway train.

Must-Pack Items: Food, Drinks, Snacks, and Some Fruits

The train does have a dining car, it provides a chance to enjoy a warm meal. Breakfast usually includes steamed buns, porridge, and pickled vegetables, while lunch and dinner are traditional Chinese-style, featuring two dishes with rice. You can also order stir-fried dishes separately, with most options being Sichuan cuisine, price ranges from 50 to 80 RMB. Vendors on board sell instant noodles, fruit, and snacks, prices are typically about 30% higher than on the ground.

While the Tibet train does offer meals and snacks for sale, they may not always match your taste preferences, and the variety can be limited. Packing your favorite snacks, drinks, and a few fruits can make a world of difference. Think of things like crackers, instant noodles (hot water is available on the train), fruits, and nuts to keep you going through the long journey. However, it's not recommended to bring too much, since you don’t want to overload yourself.

Dining Car on the Tibet train.

Must-Pack Items: Slippers, Comfortable Clothes/Pajamas and Personal Hygiene Products

Unlike food and beverages, the train doesn’t provide items like comfortable clothing, pajamas, or personal hygiene products. Since comfort is essential on a long-distance journey, packing soft clothes or pajamas is a recommended, especially for a restful sleep. If you're leaving a hotel the same day you board the train, consider bringing a pair of slippers from the room. The hard floors and long hours of sitting or walking can be uncomfortable without something soft to wear.

For personal hygiene, don’t forget essentials like toothpaste, a toothbrush, a face towel, and other toiletries you regularly use. The bathrooms on the Tibet train are clean and functional but offer only basic supplies, so having your own makes freshening up easier. Bringing hand sanitizer or wipes for added convenience is also a good idea. Additionally, it's highly recommended to bring travel-sized versions of your favorite hygiene products.

Bathrooms on the Tibet train.

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Must-Pack Items: Books, iPad, Cards or Some Relaxing Video Games

One of the great aspects of a long train ride is that it offers ample time to savor the journey. While the breathtaking landscapes will captivate you for much of the trip, there will be moments when you’ll want additional entertainment to make the most of your time.

Whether you enjoy books, digital games, or watching movies on your iPad, having a variety of entertainment options can help the hours fly by. If you like socializing, consider bringing a deck of cards to make new friends on board. Traveling with family or friends? Card games can be a fun way to pass the time together.

It's important to note that certain sections of the train journey may experience poor signal reception. Therefore, it's wise to download any movies you want to watch before boarding. Instead of relying solely on electronic devices, consider sharing stories or highlights of the trip with those around you. This allows you to enjoy quality face-to-face interactions with your companions or meet new people along the way.

Our traveler meet new people on the Tibet train.

Must-Pack Items: Phone, Camera, and Battery Charger or Power Banks

The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is one of the most scenic train routes in the world, passing through breathtaking high-altitude landscapes that beg to be photographed. Make sure to pack your phone or a good camera to capture those magical moments—whether it’s the rolling grasslands, sparkling lakes, or towering snow-capped peaks.

Additionally, you can also consider bringing along a portable battery charger or power bank, since you don’t want to miss out on capturing a once-in-a-lifetime shot because your device ran out of battery! If you don’t prepare any power bank in advance, no worry, as there are enough charging points available in the train compartments and cabins.

Take a amazing photos in the Tibet train.

Must-Pack Items: Copy of Tibet Travel Permit and Passport

Tibet travel permits and your passport are essential for boarding the Tibet train. Once you book your itinerary with us, we’ll apply for the Tibet Travel Permit on your behalf and deliver it to you before you board the train. You cannot board the train to Tibet without both your Tibet Travel Permit and passport, as both documents will be checked starting at the train station.

It is recommended to have physical copies of your permit and passport on hand, as digital copies on your phone will not be accepted. Keep these documents secure yet easily accessible throughout your trip, as you’ll likely need to present them not only at train stations but also upon arriving in Tibet.

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Must-Pack Items: Some Cash and Personal Medicines

It's recommended to carry a small amount of cash, as this is useful for purchasing food, drinks, or souvenirs on board. Visa cards are not accepted, and most transactions in China rely on mobile payments. If you don’t use mobile payment, having cash on hand is essential. Additionally, train services may operate on a cash-only basis in some areas due to poor signal reception. Having some local currency will make it easier to buy snacks or grab a quick meal during your journey.

It’s advisable to pack any personal medications that cater to your specific health needs for your journey. Having these on hand can provide peace of mind, especially during a long trip. No worries, there is a qualified doctor available on the train to assist with any medical concerns, ensuring you have access to care if needed.

For those worried about altitude sickness, rest assured you don’t need to bring a portable oxygen tank. The train is equipped with a diffused oxygen supplyto help passengers adjust to the high altitude. Additionally, portable oxygen tanks are currently prohibited on the train due to safety regulations, as they are flammable and combustible.

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Suggested-Pack Items: Ear Plugs and Sleep Mask

Sleeping on a train can be a challenge, especially with the sounds of other passengers, the rattling of the tracks, and the movement of the train itself. To ensure a good night’s sleep, bring along earplugs and a sleep mask.

The earplugs will block out unwanted noise, while the mask will help you sleep by blocking out any stray light from the cabin or other passengers. These small items can make a significant difference in your comfort and help you wake up refreshed, ready to enjoy the next day of your journey.

Suggested-Pack Items: Disposable Bed Sheets and Covers

For those with a heightened sense of cleanliness or germaphobia, bringing disposable bed sheets and covers might provide peace of mind. While the train’s bedding is cleaned and changed, having your own set to use can make you feel more comfortable and relaxed.

These sheets are lightweight, easy to pack, and can be discarded after use. This small extra step can make a big difference if you're particular about hygiene and want to ensure a clean, cozy space to sleep.

Soft sleeper on the Tibet train.

The Suggested Luggage Size for Tibet Train: Less is Better

When it comes to packing for the Tibet train journey, less is definitely better. The train compartments are compact, and there’s limited storage space for large suitcases or bulky bags. Opt for a medium-sized backpack or a small rolling suitcase that can fit under your seat or in the overhead rack.

Not only will this make moving around the train easier, but it’ll also save you the hassle of lugging around too much baggage once you arrive in Tibet. Be selective with your packing and prioritize the essentials to keep your luggage light and manageable.

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More Insider Tips

Stretch Often: Since you’ll be sitting for long periods, take the opportunity to stand up and walk around the train when possible. A bit of movement will keep your body feeling good.

Practice Patience: Train journeys, especially long ones like this, require patience. Delays can happen, and the facilities might not be five-star, but staying flexible and focusing on the incredible experience will make the trip more enjoyable.

Charge Your Devices: If you’re bringing electronics, make sure they are fully charged before the trip. Power outlets are limited on the train, and having a power bank is a great backup plan to avoiding missing any great moments.

Clean the Windows: Before boarding the train in Xining, take a moment to clean the window nearest to you; this will allow for clearer photos during your journey.

Choose the right departure point: If a 40-50 hour train journey feels too long, you can fly or take the bullet train from Chengdu, Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou to Xining and catch the Tibet train from there. This option saves time while still allowing you to enjoy the views along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway.

Choose the right Beds: For senior travelers, opting for lower berths—whether hard or soft sleeper—is advisable, as they provide easier mobility and access during the journey.

Conclusion

The 2-day Tibet train journey is an unforgettable experience that combines adventure, culture, and stunning scenery. By packing wisely and preparing for the unique conditions onboard, you can ensure that your journey is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. From cozy slippers and entertainment to your essential travel documents and a good camera, each item you bring will help enhance this once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Roof of the World. Contact us for more details about Tibet train and travel tips to Tibet!