Tibet Travel Guide for Foreign Tourists: 4 Major Railway Stations
Currently, the Tibet railway network is getting denser and denser. The world-known Qinghai-Tibet Railway has shortened the distance between Tibet and other Chinese cities. Within Tibet, the Lhasa-Shigatse Railway and the Lhasa-Nyingchi Railway connect the three major tourist cities, keeping the train travel time between them within four hours.
Generally speaking, even if you choose to start from Xining, the starting point of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, it still takes you 20 hours by train to reach Lhasa. For some tourists who just want to have a light experience of the Tibet train journey, this duration is very unfriendly. Alternatively, if one chooses to travel freely among the railway stations within Tibet, even the elderly and children can easily digest the short-distance journey. Next, I will introduce four major railway stations, and you can easily connect these railway stations.
Lhasa Railway Station: The Final Station of All Trains to Tibet
No matter which city you choose to depart from to take a train to Tibet, you will find that they all meet in Xining and arrive in Lhasa uniformly via the Qinghai-Xizang Railway. So it is not an exaggeration to say that Lhasa Railway Station (3,650m) has the largest passenger flow in Tibet. Lhasa Railway Station is located on Tongzhan Road in Liuwu New Area, Doilungdeqen District, only 10 kilometers away from the urban area of Lhasa. From here, there is an average daily 4-hour intercity bullet train and a 5-hour regular-speed train to Nyingchi. Even more surprisingly, it only takes you a little over two hours to travel from Lhasa to the second largest city, Shigatse. A stable frequency of three trains per day gives you more options.
Shigatse Railway Station: The Closest Railway Station to Mount Everest
Shigatse Railway Station (3,850m) is located in Zhan Dui Village, Jia Cuoxiong Township, Sangzhuizi District. The convenience of its geographical location enables you to reach the urban area of Shigatse and visit Tashilhunpo Monastery within a 10-kilometer drive. This station is also the terminal of the 250-kilometer-long Lhasa-Shigatse Railway. Conversely, there are also three intercity bullet trains departing from Shigatse to Lhasa on average every day. If you want to go from this railway station to Nyingchi Railway Station or Nagqu Railway Station, you need to transfer at Lhasa Railway Station. Even though it is the railway station closest to the Everest Base camp, it still takes 6 to 7 hours by car to get there after getting off.
Nyingchi Railway Station: The Gateway to Peach Blossom Village
The Nyingchi Railway Station (3,000m), located in Zire Village, Bayi District, Nyingchi, is part of the famous Sichuan-Tibet Railway. The Lhasa-Nyingchi Railway, which is approximately 400 kilometers long, runs through the southern valley of Tibet between the Gangdise Mountains, the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains and the Himalayas, greatly facilitating the travel between the two cities. It only takes about a dozen of minutes by car from this railway station to reach the grandest venue of the Nyingchi Peach Blossom Festival, Gala Peach Blossom Village.
Nagqu Railway Station: The Gateway to Northern Tibet
Nagqu Railway Station (4,500m) is located in Mendi Township, Seni District, Nagqu. The train route between Nagqu Railway Station and Lhasa Railway Station is an extension of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, spanning 300 kilometers, with a single journey duration of approximately 4 hours. This railway station is located at the southern edge of the Qiangtang Grassland, taking you on a totally new journey.
Conclusion
These four major railway stations can all be connected to each other by a direct or connecting train. What kind of train journey do you expect? A professional travel consultant specializing in designing Tibet private customized tours is waiting for your contact.
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39 Comment ON "Tibet Travel Guide for Foreign Tourists: 4 Major Railway Stations"
Asked by Jacob Keis** from N/A
Train booking
We are a group of 15 (perhaps 17) who need to take the June 8th 15:27 train from Xining to Lhasa. We need to book this soon so prompt reply would be helpful. We are getting our permits from an agent and should have them in 6-8 days.
Asked by Nirm** from Australia
Hi, I’m interested in doing the Mount Kailash tour. I only have holidays from 20/09 to 4/10 this year. Do you have a tour that includes these dates? How much would the tour be? Are the flights, visas, passes and permits included in your prices? Thank you kindly. Regards, Nirmala (Nationality: Australian Group Size: 1 person Arrival Date: 20/09/26) Nationality: Australian Group Size: 1 person Arrival Date: 20/09/26
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.