China travel
- China Tibet train
The train opened in July 2006 and is the highest railway in the world. There are several routes:
- Beijing - Lhasa
- Shanghai - Lhasa
- Chengdu - Lhasa
- Golmud - Lhasa
fares
Softsleeper fare Beijing or Shanghai to Lhasa is around ¥1300. A hardsleeper cost ¥850 and a hardseat is around ¥400. From Chengdu to Lhasa the train fares are a bit cheaper.
Train schedule Beijing - Lhasa
- Beijing West Station departure 21.30
- Xian arrival 8.36
- Lanzhou arrival 15.06
- Xining arrival 18.14
- Golmu arrival 5.23
- Nakchu arrival 15.47
- Lhasa arrival 20.00
Total distance from Beijing to Lhasa is 4064km.
Travel time is almost 47 hours.
Tibet permit
Besides a visa for China you also need a permit for Tibet (TTB Permit). If you want to travel outside Lhasa you need a second permit; the Alien Travel Permit.
Independent travelers can not apply themselves for a permit. You must travel in a (small) group and ask a travel agent to apply it for you. If you are alone or with your partner, the travel agency will form a travel group of independant travelers.
where apply for a permit
The Tibet permits can be applied at travel agencies in the large cities such as Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xian, Guangzhou, Lanzhou and Shanghai. All travel agencies in China have to sent the permit applications to the Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) in Lhasa. The TTB is the only one who can issue the permits.
price of permit
The price of the travel permit varies. One travel agency can charge higher fees than the other. The regular price is ¥50 but likely you will be charged 400-800 Yuans. (commission for the travel agency and other helping agencies in Lhasa) If you book a tour at the travel agency, the price of the permit will be cheaper.
Traffic Hotel Chengdu (2007)
Tibet train map (Qingzang railway)
The (blue)part Xining - Golmud was completed in 1984.
The (green)part Golmud - Lhasa was opened in 2006.
The highest point of the railway is the Tanggula Pass at 5072 meter.
More than 960 km (80% of the Golmud-Lhasa section) is at an altitude of more than 4000 meter.
luxury train Beijing - Lhasa
In spring 2009, the Tangula Luxury Train will start a service between Beijing and Lhasa.(Nothern Route) The train will have 15 passenger cars including 12 accommodation cars, a scenic lounge car and two dining cars. There will be a maximum of only 96 guests. Prices are not cheap: a 4 night train journey Beijing - Lhasa will cost $5500 p.p excluding 15% service charge. The single supplement is $4125. In November/December the rate is $4400. It is also possible to go to Lijiang (Southern Route). Fare for this 4-day trip is $5000 p.p.
Tibet in 2009
After the riots in March 2008, Tibet was closed for foreigners. It was reopened on June 25th, 2008. The requirements for visiting Tibet are more strictly than before.
Requirements are yet that the nights of your entire stay in Tibet tour must be booked in advance, you must travel in a group and there must be a tourguide.
Lhasa hotels
- Four Points By Sheraton Lhasa Hotel (5star)
- Brahmaputra Grand Hotel Lhasa (5star)
- Jardin Secret Hotel (4star)
- Century Grand Hotel (4star)
- Lhasa Hotel (4star, 388Yuan)
- Sun Island Hotel (3star)
- Lhasa River Hotel (3star)
- Minshan Jinsheng Hotel (3star) - Lhasa Rama Kharpo Hotel (2star)
- Tashi Choten Hotel
- Phuntsok Khasang International Youth Hostel
- Eagle Land Guest House
contact us
tibetchinatrain.com 2009