How You Can Ride the Tibet Railway

The Tibet Railway opened in China on July 1, 2006, the longest railroad built to cross a plateau in the world. For the first time, travel to one of the most inaccessible, and beautiful, locations in the world is available to world travelers.

The Tibet Railway extends for almost 2,000 kilometers and runs from seven major cities in eastern China; Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xinjing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Lanzhou to Lhasa, Tibet and is considered one of the most ingenious modern engineering feats in the history of modern man.

Due to altitude, terrain and environmental issues, Tibet Railway construction has made efforts to protect not only the train itself, but also the environment surrounding the railway. Riding the railway to Tibet is the adventure of a lifetime. Be forewarned however, that if you're used to creature comforts and aren't willing to rough it a little, this trip might not be for you.

Visitors must obtain a Tibet Travel Permit before you'll be allowed to enter the region, but such permits can be acquired from the Tibet Tourism Bureau. This document typically costs around US$25. Check with China Tours websites for additional information on visas and special travel permits. Before obtaining a train ticket for the journey to Tibet, passengers must read the health precautions and also fill in a health registration form.

In addition to a Tibet Travel Permit, those who carry non-Chinese passports must also obtain an Alien Travel Permit as well as obtaining a valid passport and visa to visit Tibet. Normal visas for China travel can be obtained from Chinese consulates in your country. Also, be advised that the Chinese government prefers group tours to Tibet and permits are only issued to tour groups traveling with a Chinese tour guide. A tourist office will help you obtain all necessary visas and permits.

In Shanghai, tickets for the Tibet railway are available at Shanghai Railway Station and the Shanghai South Railway Station, which are usually open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m, at ticket offices for soft seats. Other ticket booths close earlier, so it's wise to do your research ahead of time. In Zhengzhou, the only place to purchase Tibet Railway tickets is at the Zhengzhou Railway Station, and in Nanjing, you must go to the Nanjing Railway Station.

Depending on where you pick up the train, and whether you purchase a ticket for a soft or hard seat, price averages range from US$50 for a hard seat to US$100 for an upper berth in a 'hard sleeper'. For an upper berth in a 'soft sleeper' be prepared to pay about US$160, with prices in between for options in both hard and soft sleeper car categories.

The Tibet Railway crosses three mountain ranges and countless rivers and lakes, a beautiful journey for healthy travelers. Thin air and mountain sickness are common to travelers not used to the cold, the altitude and the thinner air. Be advised that a thorough physical examination is necessary to insure that you aren't suffering from any heart, kidney or lung illnesses or problems.

When traveling to Tibet via the Tibet Railway, be sure to take plenty of water and fruits or snacks with high calories, like candy. After arriving in Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet, take it easy. Avoid smoking and drinking. Most visitors will experience shortness of breath until their lungs grow acclimated to the altitude, and while you may feel like you need one, try not to bathe too frequently while in Tibet as you want to avoid becoming chilled.

The Tibet Railway is called the Railway to the Roof of the World, and it is. The train stops at 45 stations along the way and passes many famous sights during its journey from eastern China, among them Qinghai Lake, the largest salt water lake in China and Ta'er Monastery. The Tanggula and Kunlun mountain ranges are breathtaking, as are wild animals, rivers and grasslands. Cuona Lake, called 'Heavenly Lake' by Tibetans, is the highest freshwater lake in the world.

The Tibet Railway train journey from Beijing to Lhasa takes up to two days. Be advised that sleeping compartments aren't private and the train will more than likely be booked to capacity. Don't expect luxurious appointments, but functional and standard accommodations, Chinese style. Visiting Tibet can be an adventure of a lifetime, but preparation and planning will take much of the surprise and difficulty away from the journey.