Beijing to Lhasa Train Journey

One of the most famous and picturesque travel routes in the world, the road from Beijing to Lhasa combines spiritual mysticism, ancient culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. Despite being in China, the two cities depict two vastly distinct worlds inside the same nation. This is a thorough explanation of the route, complete with travel, cultural, and geographic information:

Beijing to Lhasa by Train – The Legendary Qinghai-Tibet Railway

Basic Information

• Train Name/Number: Z21 (Beijing to Lhasa)
• Distance: Approximately 3,757 kilometers (2,335 miles)
• Duration: Around 40 to 41 hours
• Frequency: Daily
• Start Station: Beijing West Railway Station
• End Station: Lhasa Railway Station

Main Stops along the Way:

1. Beijing West Railway Station (Start)
   • Elevation: 44 m
   • Departure: ~8:00 PM
2. Shijiazhuang (Hebei)
   • Major industrial city
3. Taiyuan (Shanxi)
   • Famous for coal mining
4. Zhongwei (Ningxia)
   • Crosses the edge of the Gobi Desert
5. Lanzhou (Gansu)
   • On the banks of the Yellow River
6. Xining (Qinghai)
   • Gateway to the Tibetan Plateau
   • Passengers undergo oxygen adaptation here
7. Delingha / Golmud (Qinghai-Tibet Plateau)
   • From Golmud, the train starts its climb
   • Entry into Qinghai-Tibet Railway
   • Begins oxygen supply system in carriages
8. Tanggula Pass (Tibet)
   • World’s highest railway point: 5,072 m (16,640 ft)
   • Stunning views of the snowy peaks
9. Nagchu (Tibet)
   • Scenic Tibetan landscapes start to dominate
10. Lhasa (Tibet Autonomous Region - End)
11. Elevation: ~3,650 m (11,975 ft)
12. Arrival: ~12:30 PM (on Day 3)

Traveling from Beijing to Lhasa by train offers a unique opportunity to experience diverse landscapes across China, culminating in the breathtaking views of the Tibetan Plateau.The journey covers approximately 3,757 kilometers and takes about 40 hours.​

Train Schedule and Duration:

• Train Number:Z21

Departure:Beijing West Railway Station at 19:53​       

Arrival:Lhasa Railway Station at 11:36 on the third day​

Duration:Approximately 39 hours and 43 minutes​

Route and Major Stops:

The train traverses through eight provinces, making several key stops:

1. Shijiazhuang North​
2. Taiyuan​
3. Zhongwei​
4. Lanzhou​
5. Xining​
6. Delingha​
7. Golmud
8. Nagqu

These stops offer glimpses into China's varied terrains and cultures before reaching Lhasa. ​

Ticket Classes and Prices:

The train offers three classes of seating:​

1. Soft Sleeper:Approximately CNY 1,144 (USD 158)​
2. Hard Sleeper:Approximately CNY 720 (USD 99)​
3. Hard Seat:Approximately CNY 360 (USD 50)​

1. Beijing

• Highlights: Great Wall of China, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Hutongs.
• Tip: Spend 1–2 days before boarding the train to explore the capital.

2. Xian (Optional Stopover)

• Note: Not a regular stop on Z21, but worth visiting if you're breaking your journey.
• Highlights: Terracotta Army, Ancient City Wall, Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
• Tip: If taking a longer overland route (by separate trains), include Xian.

3. Xining (Qinghai Province)

• This is where the Qinghai-Tibet Railway officially begins.
• Highlights:
  • Qinghai Lake– China’s largest saltwater lake.
  • Kumbum Monastery (Ta’er Si)– Important Tibetan Buddhist monastery.
  • Dongguan Mosque– Blending Chinese and Islamic architecture.

4. Golmud

• Gateway to the Tibetan Plateau.
• Highlights:
  • Kunlun Mountains– Stunning snow-capped scenery seen from the train.
  • Desert and salt flats– Very stark and surreal landscapes.

5. Tanggula Pass (On the Train)

• Highest railway pass in the world – 5,072 meters (16,640 ft).
• Highlights: Snow-covered mountains, pure blue sky, yaks grazing.

6. Nagchu (Tibet)

• A remote highland town.
• Highlights: Authentic Tibetan atmosphere, vast grasslands.

7. Lhasa (Tibet Autonomous Region)

• Final destination. The spiritual and cultural heart of Tibet.
• Highlights:
  • Potala Palace– The iconic former home of the Dalai Lama.
  • Jokhang Temple– Holiest temple in Tibetan Buddhism.
  • Barkhor Street– A spiritual walking circuit and local market.
  • Sera and Drepung Monasteries– Historic centers of Buddhist learning.