Malaysians must see! Tibet train in and out of Tibet full strategy: buy tickets, compartment selection, plateau countermeasures once taught to the end!

> Malaysians must see! Tibet train in and out of Tibet full strategy: buy tickets, compartment selection, plateau countermeasures once taught to the end!

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Want to go to Tibet? If you have a chance to ride the highest train in the world once - [Qinghai-Tibet Railway], you must try it!
The Qinghai-Tibet Train travels from the plains to the Tibetan Plateau, with yaks and antelopes in the grasslands, snow-capped mountains and lakes outside the window, as if it were a journey of "walking slowly in the sky".

But! If you don't prepare the [Entry Letter], buy the wrong [Train Ticket], or even choose the wrong [Boarding Place], you might get stuck at the platform and waste your vacation for nothing.

This article is for Malaysian and Singaporean travelers to prepare for the [Qinghai-Tibet train full strategy], teach you toShould I choose to go into Tibet by train or out of Tibet by train?The program will teach you how to buy a ticket, how to choose a compartment, and the secret of avoiding plateau reaction, all at once!

Scenery along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway

Is it better to take a train into Tibet or out of Tibet?

This is the most common question asked by travelers from Singapore and Malaysia. Many Chinese travel guides recommend 'taking the train into Tibet' on the grounds that you can slowly acclimatize to the altitude. HoweverThe situation is different for foreign guests:

  • According to the following elevation map, you can see the elevation of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway after starting from XiningIt's actually going up pretty fast.It's not a gentle climb, going straight over 5,000 meters into the Tanggula Pass.
  • Although the train has an oxygen supply, but many people do not sleep well overnight, arrived in Lhasa when the body is already tired, coupled with the sudden rise in altitude, but more prone to plateau reaction.
  • Some people even get headaches, chest tightness, nausea, as soon as they get off the train.The first day of the trip was a washout..

Qinghai-Tibet line (Xining → Lhasa) altitude change diagram

5000 m 4000 m 3000 m Xining Xining Delingha prefecture level city in Inner Mongolia Delingha Golmud (city in Kyrgyzstan) Golmud source of Changjiang or Yangtze river Tuotuohe Dangla or Tanggula mountain pass on the Qinhai-Tibet plateau Tanggula Pass Nagchu town and prefecture in central Tibet Nagqu Lhasa Lhasa 2275 m 2982 m 2829 m 4547 m 5072 m 4500 m 3650 m

Description: Folding line to the west 2275 m From and up to Tanggula Pass 5072 mThe data are approximate and are based on the actual day's operation.
Note: The elevation profile starts at 2,275 m in Xining and peaks at 5,072 m at Tanggula Pass. All elevations are approximate and may vary depending on actual train operation. All elevations are approximate and may vary depending on actual train operation.

✅ Suggestion: fly into Tibet, train out.

There are three benefits to this:

  • Risk reduction: Fly to Lhasa first to save your energy and rest a few days before the trip; wait for your body to adapt to the plateau, then take the train to see the scenery along the way.
  • Experience the full: By the time you leave Tibet your body is already acclimatized to the plateau and you can really enjoy the scenery along the way without getting a headache the whole trip.
  • More flexible hours: There are direct flights from Malaysia to Chengdu, so you can be flexible with your return trip.
Thoughtful little reminder:
CITS-China2Go's group tours are complimentary! ★Plateau Inconvenience Insurance★!
★Car for the whole journey Medical Oxygen Cylinder★, and stick with ★Good Car Good Lodging★.
We don't sell oxygen, we don't sell doctor's visits and injections, we only use the best equipment for you to ensure that your journey to the plateau is safe and comfortable.

Where is the best place to hitch a ride into Tibet?

For Malaysian and Singaporean travelers, the best options areFly to Chengdu and connect to Lhasa.

  • Many direct flights from Malaysia: There are flights to Chengdu from Kuala Lumpur and Penang, with intensive schedules and many options.
  • Easy to stay in Chengdu: You can have a day or two of fun, eat hot pot and stroll through the Broad and Narrow Alley before catching a flight into Lhasa.
  • Reducing the risk of high altitude sickness: Easy rest on the first day after flying to Lhasa, safer than train into Tibet.

Where is the best place to hitch a ride out of Tibet?

  • Recommended RoutesLhasa → Xining, this is the best section of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, along the way the scenery from the plateau to the grassland, the change is very spectacular.
  • Why is it enough to go to Xining? The stretch after Xining is more scenic and longer, so it's more time efficient to fly straight back.
  • timing: You can choose to take the night train and sleep your way to Xining, and then take a flight back to Chengdu or directly back to Malaysia during the day.
qingzang-train-cover qingzang train xining-lhasa

How do I buy a train ticket for Qinghai-Tibet?

online ticketing

China Railway 12306 official website/App can be booked, but it requires a Chinese cell phone number and payment method, which is a bit tricky for Malaysians and Singaporeans.

travel agent booking

The most convenient way, directly let the travel agency to help book tickets, to save time and do not have to worry about buying. But there will be a handling fee!

Little reminder:
we focusing on inbound casual and small-group semi-self-guided tours. The booking fee is very reasonable!
It is recommended that if you are looking for another travel agent to book on your behalf, make sure you go online yourself to see if the price is reasonable to avoid being overcharged.

Recommendations for the selection of carriages

hard sleeper (a type of sleeper train ticket class with a harder bunk)

Hard sleepers are the most popular carriages on the Qinghai-Tibet train and offer very good value for money.

  • Store Structure: 6 berths per box, upper/middle/lower level, no doors.
  • vantage: It's affordable, you can lie down and sleep, and it's a lot more comfortable than a hard seat.
  • drawbacks: Smaller space, less privacy, noisy when crowded.
  • Recommended Stalls: Lower or middle bunks are the most convenient, and you don't have to climb too high to get on and off the bus.

Ideal for first time Tibet train travelers on a medium budget who want to save money and get a good night's rest at the same time.

Rigid Horizontal Train 2026 Introduction Details

soft sleeper (a type of sleeper train ticket class with a softer bunk)

Soft sleepers are the most comfortable option for those who want a better rest and don't want to work too hard on their trip.

  • Store Structure: 4 berths per compartment, 2 top/bottom, with doors that can be closed.
  • vantage: More space, good privacy, quieter environment and wider beds than hard sleepers.
  • drawbacks: Tickets are expensive, need to be booked in advance, and may be harder to grab in high season.

Perfect for travelers who are traveling with their parents, are older, are afraid of noise, and want to get a good night's sleep.

Qinghai-Tibet Railway soft sleeper car introduction 2026 contains details of oxygen equipment, etc.

Hard seat (not recommended)

Hard seat is the cheapest fare, but not for long distance travel.

  • seating plan: Regular seats, similar to a long-distance train, with no way to recline.
  • drawbacks: It's easy to get backache and rest when you have to sit for 30+ hours; it's easy to get tired and increase the risk of high altitude sickness for those who enter Tibet for the first time.

Not recommended! Not recommended! Definitely not for foreign guests!!!!!

Should do the introduction of direct hard seat to Lhasa

Introduction to the interior facilities of Qinghai-Tibet Train

Many people who take the Qinghai-Tibet train for the first time will be curious: what is it really like on the train? In fact, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway has very good train facilities, so you don't have to worry about the journey being too hard!

oxygen delivery system

Oxygen supply systems are available throughout and are of two types:

  • diffusible oxygen delivery: Continuous release of oxygen in the cabin for more comfortable air.
  • suction oxygenation: Each bunk has an interface to insert an oxygen tube for direct oxygen intake.
Little reminder:
The oxygen supply interface is free to use, and can be used immediately if you are uncomfortable.But you need to buy straws from the stewardess., to help relieve altitude sickness.
Oxygen supply port and equipment introduction of Qinghai-Tibet Railway 2026

Bathroom & Washroom

There are public restrooms and sinks in each car that are open all day.

  • There are two types of restrooms: bidet and squat.
  • It is recommended to bring wet wipes and disposable toilet pads for ease of use
Little reminder:
Trains are not particularly nice, so be sure to prepare your own hygiene products, such asCleaning wipes, disposable toilet seatetc.
There are no shower facilities on board, so it is advisable to take a shower in advance before boarding the bus.

Security & Services

  • There is a conductor on duty in the car throughout the day who can assist with emergencies.
  • Lights will be turned off at night for your convenience.
  • Each car has an emergency call button to contact the conductor in the first instance.
Qinghai-Tibet Railway Toilet

How can Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) be avoided?

Many Maasin travelers are most worried about plateau reaction, in fact, if you are well prepared, you will be fine:

  • Start a regular routine a week before departure and get enough sleep.
  • Drink plenty of water and don't talk or run loudly on your trip.
  • You can prepare Rhodiola rosea or medications recommended by your doctor.
  • Rest on the first day of your arrival, don't take a shower and don't exercise strenuously.

Baggage Preparedness Checklist

  • warm clothingTibet has a large temperature difference between day and night, so be sure to bring a jacket or down jacket in the morning and evening.
  • Sunscreen products: Sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm, the plateau has strong UV rays, so be sure to protect yourself from wind, sun and dryness.
  • cleaning product: Wet wipes and towels, as you can't shower on the train or at Everest Base Camp, it's important to maintain basic cleanliness.
  • Snacks & Thermos: Hot water is available on the train and during the trip to make noodles and drinks.
Little reminder:
The air in the highlands is dry and there is a big difference in temperature, so it is recommended to prepare extra moisturizers and replacement clothes.Don't forget your thermos.You can always fill it with hot water to warm it up.
Tibet Tourism 2026 China International Travel Service (CITS) Guests at Everest Base Camp

Exclusive Tibet Train Suggestions for Malaysians & Singaporeans

From the letter of entry to Tibet, ticket purchase and carriage selection, to plateau reaction, luggage preparation and train interior facilities, you now have a complete mastery of the full strategy of Qinghai-Tibet train.
The safest and most comfortable arrangement for travelers in Malaysia and Singapore is:Fly into Tibet, train out to Xining.The most important thing is that you can preserve your strength, reduce the risk of high altitude sickness, and enjoy the most scenic part of the railroad.

Thoughtful Reminder:
It is important to choose a reliable trip and travel agent.CITS China International Travel Service China2GOThe tour group itinerary complimentary plateau inconvenience insurance, the whole good car good accommodation, the car is equipped with medical oxygen cylinders, do not sell oxygen, do not sell injections to see the doctor, only the best equipped to protect your journey.

In short, the Qinghai-Tibet Train is a fantastic journey of a lifetime that must be experienced, but only if you are well-prepared can you truly enjoy the snow-capped mountains, grasslands and starry skies along the way.
Whether you're traveling from Malaysia or Singapore, if you plan it the right way, you can easily complete this world's most beautiful train journey and bring back memories of Tibet that are truly yours.

Want to take the Qinghai-Tibet train but afraid of the lack of time?
Highly recommend this one! Five-day trip to Lhasa, Qinghai-Tibet Whoo!

Recommended Itinerary

西藏五天|探秘拉薩青藏5日|青藏火車、拉薩、山南
You don’t need a long holiday to visit Tibet — even 5 days are enough for an unforgettable journey! Come once, and you’ll definitely want to return. At least while Tibet is still not overly commercialized, hop on the Qinghai–Tibet Railway and enjoy the timeless charm of Lhasa.

China International Travel Service-China2Go (CITS)

China2Go is our newly established inbound travel division, specializing in creating in-depth China travel experiences for global Chinese, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan travelers, and Malaysian and Singaporean VIPs. Whether you want to explore the magnificent highlands of Tibet, the colorful ethnic groups of Yunnan, the historical footsteps of the Silk Road, or the slow life of the water towns of the South China Sea, we offer customized itineraries for individuals, families and corporate groups. Combining CITS's over 70 years of professional travel experience and national ground transportation resources, the new division is committed to providing travelers with more intimate, reassuring and exciting China travel solutions with the latest service concepts. Contact us now to experience a different kind of in-depth China tour!