Bathroom of Tibet Trains

When you come to a new environment, you need a process of adaptation. Not adapting to the new environment may cause physical discomfort, such as stomachache. Therefore, no matter where you go, toilet and bathroom are extremely important. If toilet and bathroom are easily available, which can help you have a better travel. Travel to Tibet by train is an adventure in itself, it’s a long trip no matter where you start to get to your destination. On Tibetan trains, there are toilets, public sinks and hot water dispensers to meet your basic needs. Toilet and bathroom facilities of Tibet trains are relatively perfect.

Toilet on Tibet Trains

There are two toilets at the left and right ends of each carriage on the Tibetan trains, irrespective of gender. Luckily, both Asian toilet and Western toilet are available, the toilets are western-style in the Soft Sleeper Carriages and Chinese toilet in the Hard Sleeper Carriages and Hard Seats Carriages. Generally speaking, they are kept clean and toilet paper is available. Of course, for those travelers who have a disability, the trains also have disabled access toilets. The disabled access toilets are bigger than the normal ones, which is convenient for people who sit in wheelchair. Inside the toilet, there is a emergency button in case of various emergencies.

There is one water basin and one dustbin in the toilet. Toilet papers are also prepared, but you’d better bring your own supply of toilet paper just in case, especially near the end of the journey. In the bathroom, you can see two buttons, a green one and a red one. After you use the toilet, you can push the green one to flush the toilet. If you feel sick suddenly or some other emergency occurs, just push the red button to seek help and the train attendant will come at soon.

Public Washing Sink

The public washing sink is outside the toilets, the facilities consist of three sinks with running water at room temperature, and each is fitted with a liquid soap dispenser. And a big mirror on the wall can be used for shaving and makeup. Since it is a long journey to Tibet, this area is convenient for passengers to wash face and brush teeth. You are supposed to prepare a quick-drying towel before your train journey. In the morning and at night, the sinks area will be busy because the sinks are shared by all passengers in the carriage usually. You’d better try to avoid the busy time in the morning about 7-9 AM or evening from 6-9 PM. 

Hot Water Dispenser

If you have a habit of drinking warm water, tea or coffee, don’t worry about not having hot water, there is a hot water dispenser on the opposite of public sink providing hot water for all passengers. On some trains, the dispenser can only dispense boiled hot water, and you can get the water directly. On other trains, there is an indicator light on the dispenser. If the red light is on, the dispenser is heating the water and the water is undrinkable. When the light turns to green, you can get the boiled water. 

Warm Tips

1. Toilets are not available when the train stop at the railway station;
2. The toilet facilities on the train are not as bad as you imagine, for those who are outside the western countries for the first time, it may come as a bit of a shock, but you will soon get used to it.
3. Be careful when you get hot water from dispenser. If you feel too thirsty to wait for cool water, buy one from the food trolley on the train and do not drink the water from the tap of the public sinks or toilet.
4. Remember to bring enough toilet paper and tissue during the journey, for not everywhere provides tissue.
5. The toilets are shared and there is no private washroom even in any Soft Sleep Cabin. The washrooms in Soft Sleep Carriages are usually cleaner than those in Hard Sleeper Carriages and Hard Seat Carriages.
6. In order to keep the toilet facilities clean, please flush after use and do not throw the litter carelessly.
7. Some important signs on the trains are also in English, so you can know which button to push when you need.
8. You can’t take shower on the Tibet train. Since it is usually a long time journey to get to Tibet by train from mainland China, it is suggested to bring wet papers with you.