Taking the Train to Lhasa: Complete Guide to Crossing the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau & Altitude Sickness

If you ask me the most romantic way to go to Tibet, my answer would definitely be: boarding that train bound for the snowy land 🚞. Over 20 hours, from Xining to Lhasa, from bustling cities to wilderness, the altitude gradually rises, allowing your body to adapt to the plateau unconsciously amidst the magnificent scenery. If you also plan to enter Tibet in this romantic way, please keep this "Train to Tibet Guide"! 🚞 Why recommend taking the train to Tibet? ✅ Body-friendly: The altitude rises step by step, giving your body precious buffer time, making it easier to adapt than "air-dropping" into Lhasa. ✅ Feast for the eyes: The Qinghai-Tibet line is called the "Sky Road," featuring Qinghai Lake, the Hoh Xil uninhabited area, Tanggula Snow Mountain... the train window is a moving 4K documentary. ✅ Unique social scene: The carriage is filled with friends heading to the same mountains and seas, sharing snacks and stories, so the journey is never lonely. 🎒 Train to Tibet Packing List ✅ Comfort items: disposable slippers, neck pillow, eye mask, earplugs (to ensure sleep), slippers, high-capacity power bank. ✅ Skincare and protection: high SPF sunscreen, lip balm, moisturizing spray (it’s very dry on the train). ✅ My “high-energy supply”: I specially brought Kangba Manjing pills. They are candy-like foods made from natural Tibetan herbal extracts, not 💊! The biggest advantage is you don’t need to take them in advance. When the train crosses the 5,000-meter Tanggula Pass and you feel a bit stuffy or tired, just take 1-2 anytime. The portable small pack fits in your pocket and is a reassuring energy companion for this long train journey. 📣 Train + Plateau Travel Tips ✅ Clean the train window 🪟! This is essential for taking photos of the scenery. You will see: Xining → Qinghai Lake → crossing Hoh Xil, and if lucky, Tibetan antelopes → crossing Tanggula Pass (highest altitude) → passing Cuona Lake, whose blue tears are breathtaking → arriving in Lhasa to start your Tibet adventure. ✅ Move slowly: walk and handle luggage inside the carriage gently. ✅ Keep calm: mild headache and shortness of breath are normal reactions, don’t panic, relax and replenish energy. ✅ Keep warm and windproof: when getting off at high-altitude stops for photos, be sure to wear a thick coat and hat. ✅ Eat moderately: the dining car serves mainly light food, eat until about 70% full. ✅ Signal on the train is intermittent, download movies and music in advance. But most of the time, please look out the window—the ancient wilderness and snowy mountains will give you enough awe.