What to Avoid Packing for the Tibet Train?
Your safety and the safety of everyone on the train are the top priority. Please follow the rules regarding prohibited items to avoid delays.
When it comes to flammables, the Tibet train has zero tolerance—and for good reason. First up: alcohol. You can bring some wine, beer, or spirits, but only if they're less than 70% alcohol by volume. The total amount can't exceed 3 liters, and the bottles need to be tightly sealed with clear labels—no loose or homemade drinks allowed. Then there are obvious dangers like gasoline, kerosene, diesel, and benzene—these are completely forbidden.
While self-heating meals might seem perfect for long train rides, they are prohibited due to their flammable chemical heating elements. The good news is that you are still allowed to bring instant noodles, as the train provides boiling water.
Liquids and aerosols are where most travelers accidentally hit snags, so let's keep it simple. For aerosol cans—think sunscreen sprays, hairspray, or hair dye—you can bring one can per type, as long as each can is no more than 150 milliliters. The total for all aerosols combined can't exceed 600 milliliters.
For non-aerosol items with flammable ingredients, like perfume, cologne, or floral water, the rules are tighter: each bottle must be under 100 milliliters, and you can only bring one of each. Trust me, I've seen travelers have their favorite perfume confiscated because it was a 150ml bottle—save the big bottles for your hotel and pack a small travel size instead. This isn't just a Tibet train rule, but it's strictly enforced here, so don't chance it.
Power banks are a must for capturing photos of Tibet's stunning landscapes, but there's a catch. You can bring power banks as long as they're clearly labeled with their capacity, and that capacity doesn't exceed 27,000 mA. Anything larger than that is prohibited—security checks will flag it, and you'll have to leave it behind.
If you're planning to bring a knife for camping or picnics during your Tibet tour, think again. Any knife with a blade longer than 60 millimeters is prohibited on the train. That means no large pocketknives, hunting knives, or kitchen knives. It's not worth the hassle—you can buy small, safe tools in Lhasa if you really need one.
Luggage Weight and Size: Don't Overpack
Tibet train luggage rules are straightforward, but easy to overlook. Each adult can carry up to 20 kilograms of luggage, and kids get 10 kilograms each. For size, each bag's length, width, and height combined can't be more than 160 centimeters. If you're bringing poles (for trekking near Everest Base Camp, maybe), they can't be longer than 200 centimeters.
Conclusion
Lhasa is a city teemed with plenty of shops selling all the essentials you might forget. If you have items that are too big or restricted for the train, you can ship them to your Lhasa hotel in advance. Most international shipping services or local Chinese couriers deliver to major hotels in Lhasa, so you can travel light and pick up your packages when you arrive.
Related Articles & Posts
37 Comment ON "What to Avoid Packing for the Tibet Train?"
Asked by An** from N/A
Best time to travel for the Linka festival
Hey, I'm looking to travel to the Linka festival with my partner. When is the best time to go this year? Thanks!
Asked by Goldliam Soo** from N/A
lm from nyc in the usa how much is your 13 day Mt Kai lash tour in September or June
Hi, lm from nyc in the usa how much is your 13 day Mt Kai lash tour in September or June? And approximately how much would would the airfare be round trip? Thank you
Asked by Liliana Me** from Macau
plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April
Hi! I would like to plan a 7-8days trip for me and my boyfriend in April (3rd to 10th ideally) to Nepal, Tibet, and, if possible, Bhutan. Do you think it would be doable? Based on what I read, there are some places/things to do to consider: Nepal: Everest Base Camp trek and the Annapurna Circuit, ancient temples, sacred sites like Lumbini, Kathmandu, Tibet: The Potala Palace in Lhasa and the Jokhang Temple. eventually the holy Mount Kailash or the high-altitude plains. Bhutan: Thimphu, Paro, and the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. To take part in cultural traditions, yoga, meditation... Of course I am open to any recommendations you could make. For your reference, we are both based in Asia: him, in Bangkok and myself in Macau. Thank you so much for the information you could provide and, if possible, an estimated budget for your offer.
Asked by Ke** from Singapore
Cycling Tour to Mt Kailash
Hi , we are planning a Cycling Trip once Tibet opens for Tourism. The plan is we shall arrive to Kathmandu , travel to the border and enter via Kerung. Can you pls send a day to day Itinerary starting from Kerung - Lake Manasarovar - Darchen - Asthapath. We shall go around Kailash on foot and resume Cycling back to Kerung. We are a Group of 6-8 persons. Thanks Pls send ur reply to Kevin
Asked by Debo** from USA
Please can you tell me the prices and dates for the Tibet Luxury Tour.
Also, could you please provide a detailed itinerary - I want to see how many hours are spent on buses/vehicles. Thank you! Deborah
Asked by S** from HongKong
Tibet Tour from HK
May I know if holding Mainland Travel Permit for HK Residents. is it also need to get the visa permit to Tibet and what is the procedure if need to apply? Thank you
Asked by Na** from USA
Is Kailash Mansarovar Trip open for Indian Passport Holder?
Is it open for Indian Passport Holder?
Asked by A** from Singapore
Enquiry on private tour
We are planning a trip from Hong Kong to Tibet during the 12th to 21st of April. We want a private tour that covers all the scenic places as well as the EBC. Please advise an itinerary along with the cost breakdown. Thanks.
Asked by Na** from Canada
We would like to take the train from Xining to Lhasa
Asked by Gr** from Canada
The "Tibet Entry Permit" should be apply