Xining Tibet Train Tour

Xining Tibet Train Travel FAQs & Travel Tips

• Can I Book Tibet Train Tickets Myself Online?

  Well, theoretically you can book Tibet Train tickets yourself on 12306 China Railway’s official English website and Trip.com.Yet, in reality, due to the shortage of Tibet train tickets, and more importantly foreign nationals can’t board the Tibet train or flight to Lhasa until you get the Tibet Travel Permit through a pre-booked Tibet tour with a local Tibet travel agency, the best solution is to allow us to help you secure the Tibet train permit to Tibet.

• What Travel Documents Are Needed to Board the Xining Tibet Train?

  According to the policy of the Tibet Tourism Bureau, overseas travelers can only visit Tibet through a pre-arranged guided tour with a local Tibet travel agency like us.You need to show your Tibet Travel Permit applied from your Tibet travel agency, together with your valid passport and Tibet train ticket to board the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Lhasa. So, it would be a hassle-free solution to rely on us to help you get a Tibet Travel Permit and Tibet train ticket to embark on your Tibet train journey.

• Any Jaw-dropping Window Views I Expect to See along the Xining to Lhasa Train?

  Definitely! The highlighted views of the world’s highest train start to unfold after the Tibet train leaves Golmud for Lhasa. In the daytime, you are expected to see:

  Qinghai Lake (3,260m): One of the largest and highest saltwater lakes in the world.
  Mt. YuZhu (6,178m): Marvel at the stunning vista of snow-capped Youzhu peak, parts of Kunlun Mountain Ranges.
  Kekexili Nature Reserve (4,600m): Keep your eyes wide open to spot any Tibetan antelopes, wild yaks, wild asses, alpine foxes, etc. if you are in luck.
  Tuotuo River (4,547m): Witness the majestic flow of the Tuotuo River, one of the headwaters of the Yangtze River, meandering through the Tibetan plateau.
  Tanggula Mountain Pass (5,068m): This is the highest point on the railway, offering awe-inspiring peaks and dramatic scenery of the Tanggula Mountain Range.
  Tsonag Lake (4,600m): Feast your eyes with the serene and one of the highest fresh lakes.
  Qiangtang Grassland (4,500m): Enjoy the endless stretches of grassy plains, dotted with Tibetan yaks and nomads' tents in summer.

• What Is the Best Time to Travel on the Xining to Lhasa Train?

  Though the Xining to Lhasa train journey can be enjoyed all year round, certain times of the year may be more appealing to different travelers.

  June to August, though being the high season of Tibet travel, offers you a perfect time to see the grasslands in their full greenery, and glittering alpine lakes and experience the beauty of snow-capped mountains along the Tibet train journey.

  April to May and Sept to Oct promise pleasantly mild weather, crisp air, and stunning visibility for trekking, cycling, kora (pilgrimage), etc. You may also combine your Tibet train tour with major Tibetan festivals such as Saga Dawa, and Shoton festivals, to explore the Tibetan traditions.

  Starting from November, the off-season for Tibet travel means easier access to soft sleeper tickets along your preferred Tibetan train route. You can enjoy a less crowded Tibet train cabin and wander through the holy Lhsaa city with more pilgrims for an immersive Tibetan experience. Meanwhile, you can book 5 star hotels with less money.

• Are There Any Altitude Sickness Precautions on the Xining to Lhasa Train?

  Definitely! As the world’s highest train, the Tibet train is equipped with an advanced oxygen system. As the train heads to Golmud, the train staff will activate the oxygen supply system, ensuring the safe amount of oxygen level within the carriages. The train cabins are air-sealed like a plane, protecting you from harsh climate and thin air outside the harsh plateau environment. Additionally, you may easily access the piped-in oxygen through a special socket beside each seat or berth to ease altitude sickness symptoms such as headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, etc.

• Tibet Train Ride vs Flying to Tibet, Which Is Better for Acclimatization to High Altitude?

  The rumor has it that taking the Tibet train to Lhasa helps better acclimatize to altitude sickness, compared with flying to Tibet. However, the reality is that traveling by train to acclimate to Lhasa’s high altitude only helps a little.

  Since the Tibet train carriages are pressured with pumped-in oxygen, it’s pretty similar to traveling on air. Remember, altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of your health and fitness level. It has more to do with your natural ability to adapt to high elevation.

  While the Tibet train journey does help in acclimatization given the gradual ascent and slower speed than a plane, it's not a guaranteed solution. Many travelers may still experience mild altitude sickness during the journey, such as lightheadedness or dizziness. But, no worries!

• What Are the Classes of Seats Available on the Xining to Lhasa Train?

  There are three kinds of seats on Xining to Lhasa train. For the utmost comfort and privacy, go for the soft sleeper ticket if it is available.

  Hard Seat: As the name suggests, a hard seat offers a basic stiff seat for passengers. You will see 98 passengers packed into a single carriage. It’s the most economical option for the Tibet train while sacrificing comfort and privacy.

  Hard Sleeper: Hard Sleeper is a mid-range Tibet train ticket. A Hard sleeper carriage can commodate six passengers in bunk beds, with bedding provided in triple-tier bunks. There is a curtain and table available, but there is no door. Do keep any valuables close if you move around the train.

  Soft Sleeper: Soft Sleeper is the most comfortable and popular option. Soft sleeper cabins are more spacious and only accommodate four passengers in bunk beds, with TVs available for each passenger and a lockable door for privacy. You may use seated toilets in the bathrooms and a designated place to store your luggage above the door.

• What Can I Eat Aboard Xining to Lhasa Train?

  Well, there is a dining carriage on the train where you can savor traditional Chinese food such as Kung Pao chicken (Spicy chicken with peanuts), Mapo tofu (Spicy tofu with minced meat), Gong Bao shrimp (Spicy shrimp with vegetables), fried rice with various toppings such as egg, vegetables, and meat, tomato egg stir-fry, noodles, etc.

  If you don’t want the fuss of going to the dining carriage, during 3 meal times, the staff pulling the food trolley loaded with boxed meals is another option. For breakfast, you can choose from pickles and eggs to bread and milk, which is just 10CNY.

  Note that Western cuisines are rarely found on Tibet trains. Besides, you can stock up on small snacks, biscuits, and fruit to enjoy and share with berth mates aboard the Tibet train. Don't forget to bring a thermos bottle to get free boiled water at the dispenser at the end of each carriage.

• Are There Restrooms and Shower Facilities on the Tibet Train?

  There are two kinds of restrooms in the Tibet train: squat toilets and Western-style (seated) toilets. Do bring your own toilet paper. The sink basins are available at the ends of carriages for general washing up. The showing facilities are not available on the Tibet train.

• How Early Should I Arrive at the Train Station for Check-in?

  Usually, there is a long line to board the Tibet train at most train stations, and for foreign nationals, you need to present your Tibet Travel Permit, passport, and train ticket for more security checks. So, do arrive earlier at the station between 45 minutes to 1 hour before the train leaves for Lhasa.

• Are There Any Restrictions on Luggage Size or Weight?

  The maximum limit of free cabin luggage for each passenger is 10 kg for children (including those free of tickets), 35 kg for diplomats, and 20 kg for other passengers. The maximum dimension of each item is 160 cm in total (rod-shaped items 200 cm) for traditional trains; the maximum weight for each item is 20kg. Foldable wheelchairs used by people with disabilities are not included in the above range. Daggers, three-edged knives, and explosives are forbidden. Additionally, it's recommended to pack lightly and bring only essential items, as space in the train cabins can be limited.

• How Much Does It Cost for Xining Tibet Train Journey?

  The cost for a Xining Tibet train journey mainly comes from the Tibet train tickets. Prices for soft sleeper tickets is CNY781/107USD, hard sleeper is CNY495/68 USD. Besides, If you book a Tibet train ticket from the travel agency, the extra service fee is also expected (300-500 RMB). The rest is the cost of food on the Tibet train, you can budget $10-15 for daily dining aboard the Tibet train.