How to Plan Tibet Train Tour

A Tibet train tour is a fantastic way to experience the stunning landscapes of Tibet, with the added excitement of traveling on the world’s highest railway. The journey is not just a way to get to Tibet – it’s an adventure in itself, offering scenic views of the Tibetan Plateau, the Himalayas, and unique cultural encounters along the way. Here’s a guide to help you plan a seamless Tibet train tour.

1. Understand the Tibet Train System

Tibet is connected to mainland China by the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, which is considered one of the most scenic and high-altitude train journeys in the world. The primary route starts from Xining in Qinghai Province and passes through key cities such as Golmud, Lhasa, and Nagqu.

Starting Points:

  • Xining (Qinghai Province)

  • Chengdu (Sichuan Province)

  • Beijing (Capital of China)

  • Shanghai (East Coast of China)

  • Xi’an (Historical Capital of China)

Main Route:

  • Xining – Lhasa: The Qinghai-Tibet Railway from Xining to Lhasa is the most common route and offers mesmerizing views of the Tibetan Plateau.

Duration:

  • Xining to Lhasa: 22–24 hours

  • Beijing to Lhasa: 40 hours

  • Chengdu to Lhasa: 35 hours

2. Plan Your Train Journey

Select Your Starting Point

The most popular starting point for Tibet train tours is Xining, which is connected to Lhasa by a direct train. However, for those traveling from other parts of China, major cities like Beijing, Chengdu, and Xi’an also offer trains to Lhasa.

Beijing to Lhasa: This journey is long but incredibly scenic, crossing through the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, offering unique experiences of Tibetan culture and landscapes along the way.

Chengdu to Lhasa: A popular route for those starting from southwestern China, passing through picturesque mountains and Tibetan villages.

Xi’an to Lhasa: Known for its historic significance, Xi’an is home to the Terracotta Army. Taking a train from here to Lhasa will let you combine history with an adventure.

Booking Train Tickets

Train tickets can be booked through travel agencies, official China Railway websites, or local stations. It’s advisable to book your tickets well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons like Chinese New Year or Tibetan New Year.

Ticket Types:

  • Hard Seat: Cheapest but least comfortable.

  • Soft Seat: More comfortable but still basic.

  • Hard Sleeper: A more affordable option with bunks.

  • Soft Sleeper: More comfortable, with private compartments for rest and sleep.

Check for Train Availability

Train tickets to Tibet are in high demand, especially during the tourist season (May to October). Be sure to book your tickets at least a few weeks ahead of time to secure your spot.

3. Acclimatization to High Altitude

Tibet’s train journey takes you to an altitude of over 3,600 meters (12,000 feet) above sea level, and in some areas, it reaches over 5,000 meters (16,400 feet). Proper acclimatization is essential to avoid altitude sickness.

Tips for Altitude Acclimatization:

Hydrate well: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the journey.

Avoid strenuous activity: Take it easy during the first few days of your trip.

Consider taking altitude medication: You may want to speak with a doctor before your trip to discuss medications that can help with altitude sickness.

During the train ride, oxygen is provided in the cabins, especially when the train passes through very high-altitude regions.

4. Best Time to Travel to Tibet by Train

While Tibet is an incredible destination year-round, the train journey is best experienced during certain seasons:

Summer (June to August): This is the most popular time to travel to Tibet. The weather is mild, and all train routes operate smoothly.

Autumn (September to November): This is a great time to visit if you want to avoid the peak season crowds. The weather is still mild, and the landscapes are stunning, especially with the autumn colors.

Winter (December to February): While this is the off-season, winter trips can be magical with fewer tourists. It’s also the best time to catch the Tibetan New Year (Losar). However, weather conditions can be harsher, so be prepared for cold temperatures.

Spring (March to May): Early spring can be chilly but offers a quieter experience before the summer tourist rush.

5. Essential Travel Permits

To travel to Tibet, you will need special permits, including the Tibet Travel Permit. This permit can only be arranged through a licensed tour operator, as independent travel to Tibet is not permitted.

Tibet Travel Permit: Required for all foreign tourists to enter Tibet. It is usually applied for by your travel agency once you have booked your tour.

Aliens’ Travel Permit: If you plan to visit areas outside of Lhasa, such as Shigatse or Everest Base Camp, you’ll need additional permits arranged by your tour operator.

Make sure your travel agency arranges these permits well in advance of your train journey.

6. Packing for Tibet Train Tour

Packing for a Tibet train tour requires careful consideration, especially because of the high-altitude conditions and the long journey.

What to Pack:

Warm Clothing: The train’s interior is heated, but temperatures can drop significantly at higher altitudes, so pack insulated jackets, sweaters, and thermal wear.

Sun Protection: Tibet is known for its strong UV rays. Be sure to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and lip balm.

Medication: If you suffer from altitude sickness, bring along some basic medication. Carry any personal medications, as medical facilities can be sparse.

Snacks and Water: While food and drinks are available on the train, you may want to bring your own snacks and drinks for convenience.

Camera: The view from the train is nothing short of spectacular, so don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning scenery.

7. Onboard Experience

The journey itself is an experience worth savoring. The train offers some amazing views of the Tibetan Plateau, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and snow-capped mountains. Many passengers also enjoy the experience of meeting fellow travelers and Tibetans.

Dining on the Train: Food is available onboard, but it can be limited, so packing your own snacks is a good idea. There are dining cars where you can purchase hot meals.

Oxygen Supply: As the train passes through high-altitude regions, oxygen is provided to passengers to prevent altitude sickness.

Social Experience: The train ride offers a chance to interact with other travelers and learn more about Tibetan culture from the locals onboard.

8. Once You Arrive in Lhasa

After your scenic train journey, you’ll arrive in Lhasa, Tibet’s capital and the spiritual heart of the region. Spend time visiting iconic sites such as:

Potala Palace

Jokhang Temple

Barkhor Street

Sera and Drepung Monasteries

The high-altitude environment means that you’ll need to take it easy for the first few days to acclimatize before exploring.

A Tibet train tour offers an unforgettable journey to the Roof of the World, blending comfort with adventure. By properly planning your route, preparing for the high-altitude conditions, and understanding the permit process, you can ensure a smooth and enriching experience. The journey to Tibet by train is not just a trip – it’s an incredible way to embrace the culture, history, and natural beauty of this remarkable region.

Tibet Train Tours | Top 10 Tibet Train Tour Packages 2025

Planning to take the famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway? Tibet’s train journey offers a unique experience to explore the stunning landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau while helping to alleviate altitude sickness. With the convenience of modern trains equipped with oxygen supply systems, the journey offers you a comfortable ride through one of the highest railways in the world.

Here’s a guide to help you plan your Tibet Train Tour. Our TOP 10 Tibet Train Tour Packages are carefully selected for their flexibility and popularity. Feel free to contact us for customized Tibet train travel tailored to your preferences!

The Qinghai-Tibet Railway: A Unique Journey

The Qinghai-Tibet Railway stretches 1,956 kilometers across the Tibetan Plateau, connecting Xining (2,200m) in Qinghai Province to Lhasa (3,650m) in Tibet. The train travels at an altitude of over 4,000m, and the highest point of the journey reaches 5,072m above sea level.

Trains to Lhasa depart from several gateway cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xining, and Xi’an, offering you the chance to witness breathtaking views of the plateau, snow-capped mountains, vast grasslands, and remote Tibetan villages along the way.

Join our China Tibet Train Tours to discover Tibet’s natural wonders, including Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, Mount Everest Base Camp, and Mount Kailash, all while immersing yourself in Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Why Travel by Train to Tibet?

Modern Trains: Equipped with oxygen supply systems and pressurized carriages, the trains ensure comfort even at high altitudes, making it easier to acclimatize while traveling.

Scenic Views: The train journey provides unparalleled views of grasslands, snow-capped mountains, high-altitude lakes, yaks, and Tibetan herders’ tents.

Authentic Tibetan Experience: Traveling by train lets you witness Tibet’s remote landscapes and local culture as you approach Lhasa, Gyantse, and Shigatse.

4 Best Tibet Train Tour Packages

We have designed select China Tibet Train Tour Packages to cater to those who love the slower pace of train travel. These tours cover some of the most popular train routes, offering plenty of time to take in the unique scenery along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway and explore top Tibetan cities like Lhasa, Gyantse, and Shigatse.

Here are some of our most popular Tibet train tour packages:

1. 11 Days Tibet Train Tour from Shanghai with Everest Base Camp & Namtso Lake

Route: Shanghai – Lhasa – Yamdrok Lake – Shigatse – Everest Base Camp – Damxung – Namtso Lake – Lhasa

Highlights: Embark on an unforgettable journey from Shanghai to Tibet, and explore the majestic Himalayas, Yamdrok Lake, Mount Everest Base Camp, and the sacred Namtso Lake.

Duration: 11 Days

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2. 10 Days Qinghai-Tibet Railway Tour from Xining to Lhasa & Everest Base Camp

Route: Xining – Lhasa – Yamdrok Lake – Gyantse – Shigatse – Everest Base Camp – Shigatse – Lhasa

Highlights: Take the Qinghai-Tibet Railway from Xining to Lhasa, passing through high-altitude lakes and grasslands. Explore Everest Base Camp and the cultural treasures of Shigatse.

Duration: 10 Days

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3. 10 Days Chengdu & Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Tour via Qinghai-Tibet Railway

Route: Chengdu – Lhasa – Gyantse – Shigatse – Mt. Everest – Gyirong Port (China-Nepal Border)

Highlights: This overland adventure takes you from Chengdu to Kathmandu, passing through Lhasa, Shigatse, and Everest Base Camp, and culminating at the Gyirong Port, the border between China and Nepal.

Duration: 10 Days

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4. 14 Days China Tibet Nepal Overland Tour with Great Wall, Terracotta & Mt. Everest

Route: Beijing – Xian – Lhasa – Shigatse – EBC – Gyirong Border – Kathmandu

Highlights: Explore China’s iconic landmarks like the Great Wall of China and the Terracotta Warriors before heading to Lhasa and Everest Base Camp. The journey ends with an overland adventure to Kathmandu in Nepal.

Duration: 14 Days

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9 Tibet Train Tour Packages from 3 Popular Gateway Cities

You can board a train to Tibet from several major cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xian, and Xining. Many of the trains to Lhasa will pass through cities such as Xining, Xian, Lanzhou, or Golmud. The convenience of traveling from these gateway cities makes your Tibet train journey easy and efficient.

Here’s a quick look at the most popular departure cities for your Tibet train tour:

Beijing to Lhasa, Tibet Train Tours

Duration: 40.5 hours

Highlights: Explore Beijing’s iconic landmarks, such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, before boarding the train to Lhasa for an epic journey.

Shanghai to Lhasa, Tibet Train Tours

Duration: 47 hours

Highlights: Shanghai is the largest city in China and a major departure point for Tibet. Experience the journey from Shanghai to Lhasa while passing through beautiful Tibetan landscapes.

Xining to Lhasa, Tibet Train Tours

Duration: 21 hours

Highlights: The quickest way to reach Lhasa, departing from Xining – the starting point of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway.

Other Popular Tibet Train Tours

1. 13 Days Beijing to Lhasa with Everest Base Camp Tour by Train

Route: Beijing – Lhasa – Gyantse – Shigatse – Mt. Everest – Lhasa

Duration: 13 Days

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2. 9 Days Classic Tibet Train Tour from Beijing

Route: Beijing – Lhasa

Duration: 9 Days

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3. 8 Days Tibet Train Tour from Beijing | Beijing Xining Lhasa

Route: Beijing – Xining – Lhasa

Duration: 8 Days

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4. 7 Days Hong Kong Tibet Train Tour from Xining to Lhasa & Namtso Lake

Route: Hong Kong – Xining – Lhasa – Namtso Lake – Lhasa

Duration: 7 Days

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5. 10 Days Tibet Nepal Tour from Xining to Lhasa & EBC, Overland by Gyirong Border

Route: Xining – Lhasa – Gyirong Border (China-Nepal Border)

Duration: 10 Days

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Why Choose Our Tibet Train Tours?

Tailored Itineraries: We offer customized packages to meet your specific interests and schedule.

Expert Guides: Our experienced team will guide you through every step of the journey, ensuring you get the most out of your Tibet train adventure.

Competitive Prices: We provide the best value with high-quality service.

Flexible Packages: Whether you prefer a classic tour or an adventurous overland journey, we have a package that fits your needs.

Taking the train to Tibet is one of the most scenic and comfortable ways to explore this mystical land. With several starting points, including Beijing, Shanghai, Xining, and Chengdu, you can customize your Tibet Train Tour to suit your preferences. From the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to the top landmarks like the Potala Palace, Mount Everest Base Camp, and Kailash, this journey offers a unique perspective of Tibet’s natural beauty and rich culture.