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Lhasa to Shigatse Train Schedule, Tickets & Travel Tips

Written by Senior Expert Celine Schneider|Updated: 2024-04-17

The Lhasa to Shigatse train journey provides a seamless transit from Lhasa, Tibet's capital, to Shigatse (日喀则), the cultural heart of Rear Tibet, and even further to the unparalleled Everest Base Camp. This captivating expedition, spanning approximately three hours, immerses you in mesmerizing landscapes of Tibet, valuing the voyage as much as the final destination.

The route unfolds an ever-changing canvas from the majesty of the Yarlung Zangbo River Valley to the serene expanses of the Tibetan Plateau, interspersed with vast barley fields and snapshots of traditional Tibetan lifestyles. The climax of the journey lies ahead, in an encounter with Mount Everest, the world's highest peak.

This Lhasa to Shigatse train guide is designed to enhance your travel experience. It provides detailed information on the train schedule, the ticket procurement process, notable sights along the route, and essential tips for travelers, ensuring you make the most of your journey from Lhasa to Shigatse.

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  • triangleLhasa to Shigatse Train Facts, Distance & Map
  • triangleLhasa to Shigatse Train Schedule
  • triangleLhasa to Shigatse Train Price & Facilites
  • triangleLhasa to Shigatse Train Railway Station
  • triangleHighlights Along the Lhasa to Shigatse Train Journey
  • triangleDo I Need a Tibet Permit for Lhasa to Shigatse Train
  • triangleTips for Taking the Train from Lhasa to Shigatse
  • triangleHow to Plan a Lhasa to Shigatse Train Tour?
  • triangleTake Tibet Train Tours with Asia Odyssey Travel

Lhasa to Shigatse Train Facts, Distance & Map

The train journey from Lhasa to Shigatse spans a distance of 253 kilometers. It starts by heading south along the Lhasa River, passing through Duilong Deqing County and Qushui County. The route then turns westward, following the majestic Yarlung Zangbo River upstream. As it traverses the stunning Yarlung Zangbo River Gorge, covering nearly 90 kilometers, the train passes through remarkable landscapes. Finally, it reaches the southwestern Tibetan town of Shigatse after crossing Nimu and Renbu County.

Lhasa to Shigatse train
Tashilunpo Monastery, Shigatse
Lhasa to Shigatse train
The train from Lhasa to Shigatse is a high-speed train
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Lhasa to Shigatse Train Schedule

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Lhasa to Shigatse Train Price & Facilites

Seat Facilities Price
Second Class Seat 3+2 seat layout, ample legroom 64 RMB
First Class Seat 2+2 seat layout, more spacious legroom 103 RMB
Business Class Seat Leather seats, reclining seats with armrests 225 RMB

Second class seat is the most economical and budget-friendly option, with a 3+2 seat configuration. This choice provides satisfactory comfort for short journeys.

First class seat features a more spacious 2+2 seat layout, offering higher comfort levels. The seats provide more space and enhance the overall travel experience.

Business class seat on the Lhasa to Shigatse train is a luxurious epitome. The seats can recline into flat beds, making it ideal for family travel.

All Lhasa to Shigatse trains have dining cars where passengers can purchase meals, snacks, and beverages. Enjoy the enchanting Tibetan scenery while sipping a cup of hot tea or coffee, creating unforgettable travel memories.

Lhasa to Shigatse train
Second class seat
Lhasa to Shigatse train
First class seat

Lhasa to Shigatse Train Railway Station

Lhasa Railway Station

All high-speed trains from Lhasa to Shigatse depart from Lhasa Railway Station (拉萨火车站). This station is a significant transportation hub in the city of Lhasa. Located in Liuwu New Area, Doilungdêqên District, it's about 20 minutes’ drive from the city center. The specific address is Liuwu New Area, Doilungdêqên District, Lhasa, Tibet (拉萨市堆龙德庆区柳梧街道). The station is easily accessible from different parts of Lhasa, with multiple bus and taxi services available.

s is standard with domestic train travel in China, passengers will need to present their passports and Tibet Permit and undergo security checks when entering the station and boarding the train.

Shigatse Railway Station

The high-speed train from Lhasa concludes its journey at Shigatse Railway Station (日喀则火车站). Located in the Samzhubzê District of Shigatse City, it's the second largest railway station in Tibet and the final stop of the Lhasa-Shigatse Railway. As part of the Xinjiang-Tibet Railway, it also serves as a connecting link. The specific address is Samzhubzê District, Shigatse City, Tibet (日喀则市桑珠孜区色占路).

Lhasa to Shigatse train
Lhasa Railway Station
Lhasa to Shigatse train
Shigatse Railway Station

Highlights Along the Lhasa to Shigatse Train Journey

Spectacular Yarlung Tsangpo River Valley

After departing from Lhasa, the train winds its way through the awe-inspiring Yarlung Tsangpo River Valley for about 90 kilometers. This scenic journey offers panoramic views of the majestic river snaking its way through the mountains. The lush, fertile fields along the riverbanks paint a beautiful picture that's sure to remain etched in your memory.

Insight into Tibetan Life

This train journey provides a unique perspective on the daily lives of the Tibetans who live along the railway line. During spring, you might witness locals sowing barley seeds in the fields, whereas in autumn, you can see the hardworking locals harvesting their crops. The sight of Tibetan herders with their grazing yaks and sheep lends an authentic touch to your Tibetan experience.

Autumnal Splendor

Autumn transforms the fields along the route into a golden spectacle. The sight of the harvested fields dotted with neatly arranged stacks of hay adds a charming rural feel to your journey. The small, square-shaped stacks are an interesting feature that further enriches the visual feast during your Lhasa to Shigatse train journey.

Lhasa to Shigatse train
The train offers a scenic view of bountiful harvests
Lhasa to Shigatse train
Lhasa to Shigatse train passes through Yarlung Tsangpo River Valley

Do I Need a Tibet Permit for Lhasa to Shigatse Train

Yes, for your journey by train from Lhasa to Shigatse, you will need a Tibet Travel Permit. This permit will be checked when you board the train. If your ultimate destination is Everest Base Camp, which is located more than 340 kilometers away from Shigatse, you will also require a Foreigner's Travel Permit.

Feeling overwhelmed by the process? No need to worry! As experts in Tibet travel, Asia Odyssey Travel has successfully organized the dreams of over 10,000 travelers who wish to explore Tibet each year. If you book our Tibet travel packages, including the renowned Everest tour package, we will take care of the application for your Tibet Travel Permit and Foreigner's Travel Permit at no additional cost. You can simply focus on enjoying your journey while we handle the rest.

Lhasa to Shigatse train
 
Lhasa to Shigatse train
 

Tips for Taking the Train from Lhasa to Shigatse

Book in Advance: Train tickets for the Lhasa to Shigatse route can sell out quickly, especially during peak tourist season. Therefore, booking your tickets well in advance is highly recommended.

Prepare for Altitude: Both Lhasa and Shigatse are at high altitudes. If you're not used to such heights, it may be beneficial to spend a few days in Lhasa to acclimatize before embarking on the train journey.

Dress in Layers: The temperature can vary greatly between day and night in Tibet, so dressing in layers is a good idea. This can also help you adjust to changes in temperature inside and outside the train.

Carry Your Passport: As with any domestic travel in China, ensure you have your passport with you at all times. You will be required to show it when boarding the train.

How to Plan a Lhasa to Shigatse Train Tour?

A typical train journey from Lhasa to Shigatse takes about 4-6 days. You can allocate approximately 2-3 days in Lhasa to visit renowned landmarks such as the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Sera Monastery. Afterward, you can board the train to Shigatse and explore the cultural center of the Tibetan hinterland, including the famous Tashilhunpo Monastery. Alternatively, you can continue your journey to Everest Base Camp to witness the allure of the world's highest peak up close.

If you have ample time, another option is to embark on a scenic overland route from Lhasa, passing through captivating sites like Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier, en route to Shigatse. From there, you can proceed to Everest Base Camp before returning to Shigatse and boarding the train back to Lhasa. This route typically takes around 7-8 days of travel time.

Lhasa to Shigatse train
Potala Palace, Lhasa
Lhasa to Shigatse train
Visit Tibet Everst Base Camp

Take Tibet Train Tours with Asia Odyssey Travel

As a seasoned travel agency specializing in Tibet travel for over 10 years, Asia Odyssey Travel has established offices and local teams worldwide, including major Chinese cities conveniently connected to Lhasa, Tibet (Xizang), by train and flights. Expanding tour destinations in China provides a Panoramic Tibet Travel Experience with diverse optionsThat's why we have meticulously crafted Tibet Train Tours starting from various major Chinese cities, ensuring an immersive, all-inclusive journey with a wide range of choices.

You can opt for our Tibet Train Tour starting from Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Xian, Xining, Chongqing, Hong Kong and more cities in China or even from Bhutan or Nepal!

There is no need to worry about booking train tickets to Tibet, language barriers, or anything you can think of, as we have you covered every step of the way! If you prefer to travel at your own pace Asia Odyssey Travel will always map out the Best Travel Plan for you, so you can simply hop on the train and start your Grand Tour of Tibet!

If you have any questions about this article, please contact us by submitting the following form and we'll immediately get back to you.

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