Thanks to the development of the Tibet Railway, you can now not only take the famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Lhasa, but also enjoy train rides within Tibet itself. There are two scenic train routes: one from Lhasa to Shigatse and the other from Lhasa to Nyingchi. Both offer a convenient and relaxing way to take in the stunning landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to travel around Tibet by train. You’ll learn about the two train routes, how to buy tickets, what travel permits you need, and which tours include train travel, etc. Keep reading to plan your perfect train journey in Tibet!

2 Train Routes Available within Tibet: A Short Experience Recommended

Currently, there are two main train routes operating within Tibet: the Lhasa to Shigatse line and the Lhasa to Nyingchi line. Contrary to what you might assume, both train routes are quite modern and well designed, with oxygen supply, air conditioning, and a design speed of up to 160 kilometers per hour.

If you want to enjoy a relaxing train experience as part of your Tibet tour, these two routes are perfect for you. The Lhasa to Shigatse train can take you closer to the famous Tibet Everest Base Camp, while the Lhasa to Nyingchi train offers a chance to experience the unique stunning landscapes in eastern Tibet.

However, the two train routes only cover a relatively short distance compared to the vast land of Tibet. Therefore, it’s best to include them as part of your broader itinerary, rather than taking the train trip on its own. This way, you can enjoy a mix of travel styles while exploring more highlights during your Tibet journey.

Join our most popular Lhasa to Everest Base Camp tour for smooth travel experience!

Lhasa to Shigatse Train - A Convenient Route Towards Mount Everest

For tourists heading toward Everest Base Camp in Tibet, the train from Lhasa to Shigatse offers a convenient travel option. First launched in 2014, the route is an extension of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway and covers a distance of 253 kilometers from Lhasa to Shigatse.

The train departs from Lhasa three times daily and takes only about 2 hours and 20 minutes to reach Shigatse, the second largest city of Tibet. Along the way, you will enjoy a far view of the Yarlung Tsangpo River Valley and catch glimpses of traditional Tibetan villages.

Train No.	Dep./Arr.	Duration	Frequency
Z8801 Lhasa-Shigatse	08:10/10:39	2h 29m	Daily
C887 Lhasa-Shigatse	13:00/15:20	2h 20m	Daily
Z8803 Lhasa-Shigatse	15:05/18:11	3h 06m	Daily

Once in Shigatse, you can continue overland to Everest Base Camp or even to the Gyirong border. You can also explore the iconic attractions in Shigatse itself, like the famous Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama.

Lhasa to Nyingchi Train - A High-speed Train Ride through Scenic Eastern Tibet

If you want to enjoy a high-speed train experience, then you can try the Lhasa to Nyingchi bullet train. As the first bullet train route in Tibet, it opened to the public in 2021 and takes just around 4 hours to cover the 435-kilometer journey.

There are two trains from Lhasa to Nyingchi every day, both leaving in the morning. One is the high-speed bullet train (C-series), which takes about 3 hours and 40 minutes. The other is a regular K-series train, which takes about 5 hours and 20 minutes.

Train No.	Dep./Arr.	Duration	Frequency
C881 (Lhasa-Nyingchi)	07:55 / 11:36	3h 41m	Daily
K8901 (Lhasa - Nyingchi)	08:40 / 14:00	5h 20m	Daily

The train journey allows you to explore the breathtaking landscape of eastern Tibet, including the deep Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon, the crystal-clear Nyang River, and more. Besides, as the seasons change, you will enjoy different scenery along the way, like the peach blossoms in spring.

How to Buy a Train Ticket in Tibet? Book Easily through Us

There are several ways to book your ticket for either the Lhasa to Shigatse train or the Lhasa to Nyingchi train. You can book online through the official website of China Railway (12306.cn) or purchase your ticket directly at the train station. Tickets typically go on sale 15 days before the departure date.

For a hassle-free experience, we recommend using our booking service - especially if you're concerned about language barriers or wasting time in long queues. As a leading Tibet tour operator based in Lhasa, we offer personalized ticket booking assistance. We can help you select your preferred seats and departure dates, and ensure you receive your ticket on time.

We can help you obtain your train ticket when you book your Tibet tour with us.

What Documents to Prepare for Train Travel in Tibet? Tibet Travel Permit is Essential

When boarding a train in Tibet, you need to show your Tibet Travel Permit. The permit is a must for all international tourists visiting Tibet and should be obtained before you enter the region. We will help you get it as long as you book your Tibet tour with us. Just remember to contact us at least 20 days in advance for a smooth processing.

If train travel is only a part of your overall itinerary, and you plan to visit more remote regions like Everest Base Camp or Mount Kailash, additional permits will be needed. These may include the Aliens’ Travel Permit, the Military Permit, etc. But don’t worry - we will handle all these necessary documents to ensure you a worry-free travel experience.

Recommended Tibet Tours with Train Travel

To fully enjoy the highlights of Tibet while experiencing an exciting train journey, here we have carefully designed several popular tours that include the main train routes. Choose the one that best suits your interests and travel needs.

1. Lhasa - Shigatse - Mount Everest Tour (7-8 Days)

This route follows the itinerary of the popular 8-day Lhasa to Everest Base Camp tour. You’ll start with a few days of sightseeing in Lhasa, exploring iconic landmarks like the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. Then, travel overland to Shigatse, passing stunning sights such as the turquoise Yamdrok Lake and the Karola Glacier.

From Shigatse, continue to Everest Base Camp, where you’ll have the chance to admire the world’s highest peak and take in unforgettable sunset or sunrise views. After your visit to EBC, head back to Shigatse and take the return train to Lhasa.

This way, you won’t miss any of the highlights between Lhasa and Everest Base Camp. At the same time, you can enjoy a relaxing and scenic train ride after your adventurous journey - just before your tour comes to an end.

2. Lhasa - Nyingchi Discovery Tour (4-5 Days)

For a short trip to eastern Tibet, you can take the train from Lhasa to Nyingchi. From there, explore stunning natural attractions such as Lulang Forest, Ranwu Lake, and Basum Tso Lake. In spring and summer, the region is especially beautiful, with blooming peach blossoms and rhododendrons adding vibrant color to the landscape.

This route is perfect for those who want to focus on the natural beauty of Nyingchi, while also experiencing authentic Tibetan culture. We can arrange visits to local Tibetan families, where you’ll have the chance to try activities like Tibetan archery or learn how to make traditional Tibetan butter tea.

3. Tibet Train Exploration Tour

If you are a train enthusiast, you can combine the classic Qinghai-Tibet train journey with the two main train routes within Tibet. Start your journey by taking the train to Lhasa from Xining or other major cities like Beijing, Chengdu, Xi’an. Although the journey takes at least 22 hours, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway.

After arriving in Lhasa, you can continue your adventure by taking a train to either Shigatse or Nyingchi. This gives you a different kind of train travel experience within the plateau region. Please note that you’ll need to book separate tickets for the Qinghai-Tibet train and the trains within Tibet.

Join our well-designed Lhasa to Everest Base Camp tour for an unforgettable experience!

Travel Tips for a Comfortable Train Ride in Tibet

Train travel in Tibet is generally smooth and enjoyable, as the trains are well-equipped with oxygen supply and air conditioning. While there are more tips can enhance your comfort:

1. Dress in layers: Temperatures in Tibet can vary greatly between regions and from day to night. Even in summer, it’s a good idea to bring a warm jacket for chilly evenings or mornings. Dressing in layers lets you adjust easily between the warm train cabins and the cooler outdoor temperatures.

2. Stay hydrated and rest well: Tibet has a dry climate, and the air-conditioned train can make it feel even drier. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and try to get enough rest - especially as your body adjusts to the high altitude.

3. Don’t bring oxygen bottles on board: Many travelers consider carrying portable oxygen bottles to help with altitude sickness. However, these are not allowed on the train. There’s no need to worry, as all Tibet trains are equipped with oxygen supply systems to help passengers breathe more easily at high elevations.

4. Bring your own snacks and drinks: While basic meals and drinks are available on board, it’s always nice to have your favorite snacks and bottled water with you. This not only keeps you comfortable but can also save you money, as items sold on the train are usually more expensive.

Conclusion

Exploring Tibet by train adds a unique and memorable experience to your journey. Whether you’re heading west to Shigatse or east to Nyingchi, these routes offer breathtaking scenery and a relaxed way to travel between Tibetan highlights. With proper planning and necessary permits, you can enjoy a wonderful and seam-less rail journey.

If you have more questions about train travel in Tibet, feel free to contact us. As the leading Tibet tour operator with years of experiences, we are always here to help you enjoy a pleasant and worry-free trip to Tibet!