FAQ on Qinghai-Tibet Railway train
As Qinghai-Tibet Railway will be put into trial operation on this Saturday, net friends show great passion and interest on this sky road. We have selected some questions raised by netizens as reference.
Q1. Where the train will depart from in Beijing?
A: The train will depart from at the Beijing West Railway Station.
Q2. When the train will leave Beijing and return from Lhasa?
A: As scheduled, the train T27 will leave Beijing at 21:30 and arrive in Lhasa at 20:58 on the third day after 47 hours and 28 minutes' running.
The train T28 will start from Lhasa at 8:00 am. and come back to Beijing west at 8:00 am. on the third day with a 48-hour-trip.
Q3. Where are the tickets issued?
A: Passengers can purchase tickets at the following railway stations, Beijing West Railway Station, Lanzhou Railway Station, Chengdu Railway Station, Xining Railway Station and Chongqing Railway Station.
Related Consulting Telphone Number:
Beijing West Railway Station: 86-10-95105105
Shanghai Railway Station: 86-800-820-7890
Chengdu Railway Station: 86-28-83322088 83332499
Lanzhou Railway Station: 86-931-4922222
Chongqing Railway Station: 86-23-63862607
Xining Railway Station: 86-971-8192832
Q4. How much does the ticket cost?
Q5. How many trains will operate in a day?
A: As planned, there will be both a train running from opposite directions in the four express train lines including Beijing west-Lhasa line, Chengdu(Chongqing)-Lhasa express train line, Shanghai(Guangzhou)-Lhasa and Xining(Lanzhou)-Lhasa express train line.
Q6. Can foreigners take these trains?
A: Yes, of course you can. Qinghai-Tibet Railway train welcomes all the passengers from home and abroad.
Q7. How long it will take to travel to Lhasa by train?
A: Please refer to the following lines:
***Beijing-Lhasa
Train T27 will start from Beijing West Railway Station at 21:30 and arrive at Lhasa Railway Station at 20:58 on the third day after 47 hours and 28 minutes' running.
Train T28 will depart from Lhasa Railway Station at 8:00 am. and arrive in Beijing west at 8:00 am. on the third day with a 48-hour-trip.
***Shanghai-Lhasa
Train T164/5 will start from Shanghai at 16:11 and arrive in Lhasa at 19:50 on the third day running for 51 hours and 39 minutes after 4,373 kilometers.
Train T166/3 will start from Lhasa at 08:32 and arrive in Lhasa at 13:45 on the third day running for 53 hours and 13 minutes .
Train leaves Shanghai or Guangzhou alternatively that means a train leaves either Shanghai or Guangzhou every other day.
***Guangzhou-Lhasa
Train T264/5 will start from Guangzhou at 10:29 and arrive in Lhasa at 19:50 on the third day running for 57 hours and 21 minutes after 4,980 kilometers.
Train T266/3 will start from Lhasa at 08:32 and arrive in Guangzhou at 19:37 on the third day running for 59 hours and 5 minutes .
Train leaves Shanghai or Guangzhou alternatively that means a train leaves either Shanghai or Guangzhou every other day.
***Chengdu-Lhasa
T22/3 train will leave Chengdu at 18:18 and arrive in Lhasa at 18:28 on the third day with a trip of 2 hours and 10 minutes.
T24/1 train will set out from Lhasa at 9:05 am. and get to Chengdu at 9:55 am on the third day after 48 hours and 50 minutes.
***Lanzhou-Lhasa
K917 train will leave Lanzhou at 16:45 and arrive in Lhasa at 22:30 on the second day with a trip of 29 hours and 45 minutes.
K918 train will set out from Lhasa at 9:32 am. and arrive in Lanzhou at 15:45 on the second day after running for 30 hours and 13 minutes.
***Chongqing-Lhasa
Train T222/3 will start from Chongqing at 19:20 and arrive in Lhasa at 18:28 on the third day running for 47 hours and 8 minutes.
Train T224/1 will set out from Lhasa at 9:05 am. and arrive in Chongqing at 9:55 am. with a trip of 48 hours and 50 minutes.
***Xining-Lhasa
K917 train will set out from Xining at 20:07 and arrive in Lhasa at 22:30 on the second day after running for 26 hours and 23 minutes.
K917 train will start from Lhasa at 9:32 am and arrive in Xining at 12:19 am. on the second day with a trip of 26 hours and 47 minutes.
Q8. How many people can every train contain?
A: 14 compartments are set on every train including 2 cushioned berths compartments with 64 persons, 8 semi cushioned berths compartments with 480 persons and 4 ordinary seats compartments with 392 persons. So the total capacity of the train is 936 persons.
Q9. How many tickets can I buy one time?
A: Every passenger can only purchase at most two berth tickets or three seat tickets once.
Q10. Visas or travel documents required to travel to Lhasa and surrounding areas in Tibet?
A: Passengers should fill in a Health Registration Card when buying railway tickets to enter Tibet and a permit for entering Tibet is also needed for the foreign tourists. There are two documents required for foreign tourists who want to travel in Tibet.
***One is the China Visa.
Non-Chinese passport holders (including Taiwan)must have a valid passport and a visa (Travelers from countries having visa exemption agreement with HK do not need a visa) to visit Tibet. Visa can be obtained from the local China consulate in your country. If you are coming to Lhasa from Kathmandu, you'd better get China visa from Kathmandu because no matter you've already got the visa in your country or not, you must get a visa in Kathmandu, which is regulated in an official memo between China and Nepal.
***Another is Tibet Permit issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau.
TTB Permit - Tibet Entry Permit
When you fly from any city to Lhasa you will need to show this permit when you check in at the airport. Furthermore, whenever you buy a flight to Lhasa you need to show this permit. TTB permits are also needed by groups traveling by Land Cruiser but this will be arranged by the travel agency organizing the trip.
PSB Permit - Alien's Travel Permit
If you want to go further to the unopened areas, you need an Alien's travel permit issued by PSB of Tibet. It is called Alien's Travel Permit or PSB permit.
All kinds of people can get Tibet permit through a travel agency except diplomats, journalists, and government officials who should travel to Tibet under the arrangement by the Foreign Affairs Office of Tibet Government.
Q11. Where I can obtain the TTB permit ?
A. Here are the contact methods for Branch Offices of Tibet Tourism Bureau over China, please find the one you are easy to contact for to apply for Tibet-entrance permission.
( Source: China Tibet Info Center)
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Best time to visit Tibet
Although the Tibetan climate is not as harsh as many people imagine, be prepared for sudden drops of temperature at night, particularly in Western Tibet. The best time of year to be in Tibet is between April and early November, after which temperatures start to plummet.
However, in May and June there is a wind factor to consider and dust storms are not unusual. These are not pleasant if you're hitching or trekking but usually come in squalls and can be seen coming. Lhasa and Shigatse experience very mild weather between May and November although July and August can be rainy. These two months usually see around half of Tibet's annual rainfall.
The best season for touring in Tibet is from April to early November. But various routes have their own golden times:
Lhasa, Tsedang, and Shigatse: As the weather and tourism facilities in these places are quite good, so you can visit them in anytime for enjoying the breathtaking scenery!
Lhasa---the border of Nepal/China: This area is not available for tourists from Dec-Jan because of the sowed land; every August, the rain season, landslide will be occurred!
Mt. Everest area: it is too cold to the tourists visiting this area from Oct to April! But the beauty of the roof of the world will move you in anytime!
Ali (Mt.Kailishi): You can enjoy the wonder in this area at the time of every May, June, July, Sep, Oct without the trouble of the landslide by the big rain & snow.
East Tibet: Don't touch this area in winter and in Jul, Aug, as there will be a terrible landslide in summer and frozen load in winter!
North Tibet: Since it is too high with the average altitude at 4,500M, you only can appreciate her beauty in summer!
( Source: China Tibet Info Center)
However, in May and June there is a wind factor to consider and dust storms are not unusual. These are not pleasant if you're hitching or trekking but usually come in squalls and can be seen coming. Lhasa and Shigatse experience very mild weather between May and November although July and August can be rainy. These two months usually see around half of Tibet's annual rainfall.
The best season for touring in Tibet is from April to early November. But various routes have their own golden times:
Lhasa, Tsedang, and Shigatse: As the weather and tourism facilities in these places are quite good, so you can visit them in anytime for enjoying the breathtaking scenery!
Lhasa---the border of Nepal/China: This area is not available for tourists from Dec-Jan because of the sowed land; every August, the rain season, landslide will be occurred!
Mt. Everest area: it is too cold to the tourists visiting this area from Oct to April! But the beauty of the roof of the world will move you in anytime!
Ali (Mt.Kailishi): You can enjoy the wonder in this area at the time of every May, June, July, Sep, Oct without the trouble of the landslide by the big rain & snow.
East Tibet: Don't touch this area in winter and in Jul, Aug, as there will be a terrible landslide in summer and frozen load in winter!
North Tibet: Since it is too high with the average altitude at 4,500M, you only can appreciate her beauty in summer!
( Source: China Tibet Info Center)
Tibet Tour Carrying Money
Carrying Money
A money belt or pocket sewn inside your clothes is the safest way to carry money. Velcro tabs sewn to seal your pockets shut will also help thwart roving hands. Keeping all your eggs in one basket is not advised - guard against possible loss by leaving a small stash of money (say US$100) in your hotel room or buried in your backpack, with record of the travellers cheque serial numbers and your passport numbers. ( Source: China Tibet Info Center)
A money belt or pocket sewn inside your clothes is the safest way to carry money. Velcro tabs sewn to seal your pockets shut will also help thwart roving hands. Keeping all your eggs in one basket is not advised - guard against possible loss by leaving a small stash of money (say US$100) in your hotel room or buried in your backpack, with record of the travellers cheque serial numbers and your passport numbers. ( Source: China Tibet Info Center)
Tibet Tour Credit Cards
Credit Cards
Credit cards are gaining more acceptance in China for use by foreign visitors in major tourist cities. Useful cards include Visa, Maaster Card, American Express, JCB and Diners Club. They can be used in most mid-range to top-end hotels (three star and up), Friendship Stores and some department stores. Note that it is still impossible to use credit cards to finance your transportation costs; even flights have to be paid for in cash.
Credit card cash advances have become fairly routine at head branches of the Bank of China, even in places as remote as Lhasa. Bear in mind, however a 4% commission is generally deducted. ( Source: China Tibet Info Center)
Credit cards are gaining more acceptance in China for use by foreign visitors in major tourist cities. Useful cards include Visa, Maaster Card, American Express, JCB and Diners Club. They can be used in most mid-range to top-end hotels (three star and up), Friendship Stores and some department stores. Note that it is still impossible to use credit cards to finance your transportation costs; even flights have to be paid for in cash.
Credit card cash advances have become fairly routine at head branches of the Bank of China, even in places as remote as Lhasa. Bear in mind, however a 4% commission is generally deducted. ( Source: China Tibet Info Center)
Tibet Travel permit -documents
Travel Documents
Non-Chinese passport holders (including those of Taiwan, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR and other countries) must have an Alien's Travel Permit as well as a valid passport and a visa (Travelers from countries having visa exemption agreement with Hong Kong do not need a visa) to visit Tibet. A visa can be obtained from the local Chinese consulate in your country. Since the government encourages group tours to Tibet the permit is issued only to tour groups traveling with a Chinese tour operator. Your travel agency will represent you to facilitate the application process. A permit for Tibet usually costs around 200 Rmb. ( Source: China Tibet Info Center)
Non-Chinese passport holders (including those of Taiwan, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR and other countries) must have an Alien's Travel Permit as well as a valid passport and a visa (Travelers from countries having visa exemption agreement with Hong Kong do not need a visa) to visit Tibet. A visa can be obtained from the local Chinese consulate in your country. Since the government encourages group tours to Tibet the permit is issued only to tour groups traveling with a Chinese tour operator. Your travel agency will represent you to facilitate the application process. A permit for Tibet usually costs around 200 Rmb. ( Source: China Tibet Info Center)
Tibet Tour Visa
A Brief Intro to the Tourist Visa
There are two documents required for foreign tourists who want to travel in Tibet. One is the Chinese Visa, which you can apply for in Chinese Embassy in your place. Another is the Alien's Travel Permit issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau.
Non-Chinese passport holders (including those of Taiwan, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR and other countries) must have an Alien's Travel Permit as well as a valid passport and a visa (Travelers from countries having visa exemption agreement with Hong Kong do not need a visa) to visit Tibet. Visa can be obtained from the local China consulate in your country. Since the government encourages group tours to Tibet the permit is issued only to tour groups traveling with a Chinese tour operator. Your travel agency will represent you to facilitate the application process. A Tibet permit usually costs around 200 Rmb.
Permit for Entrance in Tibet
For the Tibet Tour we'll obtain a permit. It'll take us 3 - 7 days. The following details of the travelers are required for the processing of the visa: name, nationality, passport number, sex, date of birth and occupation.
Visa Obtained in Kathmandu
Visa for Tibet can be obtained from the Chinese Embassy in Katmandu. Application has got to be made a minimum of 7 days before the commencement of the trip. Visa can be obtained by paying a surcharge up to 3 days before the trip departure date. Original passports are required for application of visa. The following details of the travelers are required to be submitted to the Chinese Embassy for the processing of the visa: name, nationality, passport number, sex, date of birth and profession along with one passport size photograph. Please note that visa for Tibet obtained elsewhere has still got to be endorsed by the Chinese Embassy in Katmandu. Regular visas for China are not valid for travel into Tibet from Nepal.
Surcharge: A surcharge of US $ 40.00 on Tibet visa is applicable for British, Canadian, Belgian, Cameroon, Brazilian, Irish, French and Dutch Nationals. ( Source: China Tibet Info Center)
There are two documents required for foreign tourists who want to travel in Tibet. One is the Chinese Visa, which you can apply for in Chinese Embassy in your place. Another is the Alien's Travel Permit issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau.
Non-Chinese passport holders (including those of Taiwan, Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR and other countries) must have an Alien's Travel Permit as well as a valid passport and a visa (Travelers from countries having visa exemption agreement with Hong Kong do not need a visa) to visit Tibet. Visa can be obtained from the local China consulate in your country. Since the government encourages group tours to Tibet the permit is issued only to tour groups traveling with a Chinese tour operator. Your travel agency will represent you to facilitate the application process. A Tibet permit usually costs around 200 Rmb.
Permit for Entrance in Tibet
For the Tibet Tour we'll obtain a permit. It'll take us 3 - 7 days. The following details of the travelers are required for the processing of the visa: name, nationality, passport number, sex, date of birth and occupation.
Visa Obtained in Kathmandu
Visa for Tibet can be obtained from the Chinese Embassy in Katmandu. Application has got to be made a minimum of 7 days before the commencement of the trip. Visa can be obtained by paying a surcharge up to 3 days before the trip departure date. Original passports are required for application of visa. The following details of the travelers are required to be submitted to the Chinese Embassy for the processing of the visa: name, nationality, passport number, sex, date of birth and profession along with one passport size photograph. Please note that visa for Tibet obtained elsewhere has still got to be endorsed by the Chinese Embassy in Katmandu. Regular visas for China are not valid for travel into Tibet from Nepal.
Surcharge: A surcharge of US $ 40.00 on Tibet visa is applicable for British, Canadian, Belgian, Cameroon, Brazilian, Irish, French and Dutch Nationals. ( Source: China Tibet Info Center)
About Tibet & The Trans-Himalayas
About Tibet & The Trans-Himalayas
Tibet, one of the extra ordinary destinations where indeed adventure lurks around every corner. Its name the "Roof of the world" is not a mere statement. The valley bottoms of tibet are highter than the highest mountains elsewhere.
Adventure on the road is never short on the beautiful Trans-Himalaya drive of over 970-kms, through four mountain passes, promising a panorama of a cultural and scenic diversity unsurpassable anywhere. The Buddhist monasteries of Drepung, once the largest; the Jokhang- a spirtual centre, and the awesome palaces of the dalai lama. Norbulingka or the Summer Palace and the Potala - the Traditional Seat are some of the highlights of visit.
Adventure on the road is never short on the beautiful Trans-Himalayan drive of over 970-kms, through four mountain passes, promising a panorama of a cultural and scenic diversity unsurpassable anywhere. The Buddhist monasteries of Drepung, once the largest; the Jokhang- a spirtual centre, and the awesome palaces of the dalai lama. Norbulingka or the Summer Palace and the Potala - the Traditional Seat are some of the highlights of visit.
Tibet, one of the extra ordinary destinations where indeed adventure lurks around every corner. Its name the "Roof of the world" is not a mere statement. The valley bottoms of tibet are highter than the highest mountains elsewhere.
Adventure on the road is never short on the beautiful Trans-Himalaya drive of over 970-kms, through four mountain passes, promising a panorama of a cultural and scenic diversity unsurpassable anywhere. The Buddhist monasteries of Drepung, once the largest; the Jokhang- a spirtual centre, and the awesome palaces of the dalai lama. Norbulingka or the Summer Palace and the Potala - the Traditional Seat are some of the highlights of visit.
Adventure on the road is never short on the beautiful Trans-Himalayan drive of over 970-kms, through four mountain passes, promising a panorama of a cultural and scenic diversity unsurpassable anywhere. The Buddhist monasteries of Drepung, once the largest; the Jokhang- a spirtual centre, and the awesome palaces of the dalai lama. Norbulingka or the Summer Palace and the Potala - the Traditional Seat are some of the highlights of visit. ( Source: China Tibet Info Center)
Tibet, one of the extra ordinary destinations where indeed adventure lurks around every corner. Its name the "Roof of the world" is not a mere statement. The valley bottoms of tibet are highter than the highest mountains elsewhere.
Adventure on the road is never short on the beautiful Trans-Himalaya drive of over 970-kms, through four mountain passes, promising a panorama of a cultural and scenic diversity unsurpassable anywhere. The Buddhist monasteries of Drepung, once the largest; the Jokhang- a spirtual centre, and the awesome palaces of the dalai lama. Norbulingka or the Summer Palace and the Potala - the Traditional Seat are some of the highlights of visit.
Adventure on the road is never short on the beautiful Trans-Himalayan drive of over 970-kms, through four mountain passes, promising a panorama of a cultural and scenic diversity unsurpassable anywhere. The Buddhist monasteries of Drepung, once the largest; the Jokhang- a spirtual centre, and the awesome palaces of the dalai lama. Norbulingka or the Summer Palace and the Potala - the Traditional Seat are some of the highlights of visit.
Tibet, one of the extra ordinary destinations where indeed adventure lurks around every corner. Its name the "Roof of the world" is not a mere statement. The valley bottoms of tibet are highter than the highest mountains elsewhere.
Adventure on the road is never short on the beautiful Trans-Himalaya drive of over 970-kms, through four mountain passes, promising a panorama of a cultural and scenic diversity unsurpassable anywhere. The Buddhist monasteries of Drepung, once the largest; the Jokhang- a spirtual centre, and the awesome palaces of the dalai lama. Norbulingka or the Summer Palace and the Potala - the Traditional Seat are some of the highlights of visit.
Adventure on the road is never short on the beautiful Trans-Himalayan drive of over 970-kms, through four mountain passes, promising a panorama of a cultural and scenic diversity unsurpassable anywhere. The Buddhist monasteries of Drepung, once the largest; the Jokhang- a spirtual centre, and the awesome palaces of the dalai lama. Norbulingka or the Summer Palace and the Potala - the Traditional Seat are some of the highlights of visit. ( Source: China Tibet Info Center)
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