Tibet Train Medical Services: What is Available and How to Stay Healthy

For first-time travelers taking trains to Tibet, you may worry about altitude sickness and other health issues during the journey. In fact, Tibet trains are extremely safe, offering medical services and oxygen supply to ensure passengers’ health.

To ease your worries and anxieties, in this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly what medical support you can expect on board, when to seek help, how to use the oxygen systems effectively, and share our best tips for staying healthy throughout your journey.

What Medical Services Are Available on Tibet Trains?

Trained staff for medical assistance

Since this is the world’s highest railway—where passengers may experience altitude sickness and other health issues—every Tibet train has doctors and nurses on board to look after their health.

They will assist you in consulting the on-board doctor for proper treatment. The train is also equipped with common medications and first-aid equipment to guarantee that every passenger receives timely and effective medical assistance.

There is a special requirement for traveling on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway: each passenger must fill in a "Health Registration Form" about their personal health information. This helps doctors gain a better understanding of the patient's condition in case of acute illnesses.

Two types of oxygen supply systems

Meanwhile, every Tibet train is equipped with two types of oxygen supply systems: dispersed oxygen system and private oxygen outlets.

Dispersed oxygen system: Once the train passes Golmud—where the altitude really starts climbing—this system begins to operate automatically. It mixes extra oxygen into the air from the air-conditioning system, making the train’s overall oxygen level feel similar to what you’d get at lower heights. That helps cut down on the chance of bad altitude sickness.

Private oxygen outlets: For passengers with more severe symptoms of altitude sickness, extra oxygen is available from these private oxygen outlets. Whether you’re in a hard seat or a soft sleeper, these outlets are within arm’s reach. In sleeper cabins, they are usually marked with a red label so you can easily spot them.

For most of the time, if you’re dealing with mild altitude sickness, getting enough rest and using the train’s oxygen supply can help ease it. However, if your altitude sickness gets bad, you should seek help from the train crew at the first moment.

The train medical staff member is measuring a passenger's blood pressure in the sleeping berth.

When Should I Ask for Medical Help on the Tibet Train?

If you’re not feeling well when you board—maybe a cold, a headache, or feel unusually tired—let the train staff know right away. Once the staff know your health condition, they can take special care of you. They may check on you periodically, tell you how to deal with your symptoms, or even provide oxygen early on.

Also, any time you feel uncomfortable or experience symptoms of altitude sickness during the journey, never hesitate to seek help. Everyone reacts a bit differently to high altitudes; some might get a headache or feel dizzy, while others may experience shortness of breath, nausea, loss of appetite, or trouble sleeping. If you spot any of these things, or just feel generally unwell—even if they seem mild—don’t hold back from asking for help. The earlier you address them, the easier they are to manage.

When and How to Use Oxygen Supply on the Tibet Train?

When to start using oxygen

Oxygen isn’t just for “emergencies”—it’s a tool to help you stay comfortable. Here are some common signs that it’s time to reach for that oxygen tube:

(1) A persistent headache that doesn’t go away with rest
(2) Shortness of breath, even when you’re sitting still
(3) Dizziness or lightheadedness that worsens when you stand up
(4) Nausea or a general feeling of being “unwell”

Some travelers worry that using oxygen “too early” will make their bodies “dependent” on it, but that’s a myth. In reality, using oxygen when you first feel symptoms helps your body acclimatize more smoothly.

How to use individual oxygen systems effectively

The way to use the individual oxygen outlets is quite simple, but it helps to know the steps beforehand. Here’s a quick guide:

(1) Ask the staff for an oxygen tube: The outlets are under your seat or in berth area, but the tubes (which connect to the outlet and go into your nostrils) are usually kept by the crew. Just ask a staff member, and they’ll bring you one—no need to worry about extra charges; they’re free for passengers.

(2) Locate the oxygen outlet: In sleeper cabins, outlets are often near the head of the bed, with a red cover labeled “Oxygen Outlet.” In seated areas, they are under your seat. If you can’t find it, simply ask the staff, and they will point it out.

(3) Connect the tube and then breathe normally: First, remove the red cover from the outlet. Then push one end of the tube firmly into the port. Once it’s connected, gently put the other end (the part with the two little prongs) in your nostrils.

Oxygen starts flowing on its own once the tube is connected—no need to press any buttons. Just breathe in and out like you normally do, and you’ll feel more comfortable in a few minutes.

(4) Disconnect when you feel better: Once your symptoms let up—say your headache clears or breathing gets easier—just pull the tube out of the outlet to disconnect. Put the red cover back on the outlet, and return the tube to the staff.

Every Qinghai-Tibet train is equipped with oxygen outlets for passengers to use.

Travel with Us for a Hassle-free Tibet Train Experience

Before the train departs: We’ll take care of all the important things you need before leaving, so you don’t have to worry. Firstly, the Tibet Travel Permit is a must to enter Tibet, and we will handle the application on your behalf, obtaining it before your train tour. We’ll also secure your train tickets in advance, and we’ll get you soft sleeper tickets to ensure you have a comfortable train journey.

During the train ride: We are always here for your entire trip and you can get 24/7 assistance with any issues. Whether you feel altitude-related discomfort, have questions about the journey, or need help talking to the train staff, we will provide solutions immediately.

After the train arrives: After the train arrives: We offer a station pickup service for all our clients—there’ll be a staff member who’ll take you straight to the hotel to rest up. Afterwards, a local guide will take you on a wonderful tour of Tibet's history, culture, and natural scenery.

Every tourist traveling to Tibet requires a Tibet Travel Permit.

More Tips for Staying Healthy during Your Tibet Train Tour

1. Stay hydrated, but avoid excess alcohol and caffeine: The air in Tibet is dry, and people need more water in high-altitude areas. Try to drink 3-4 liters of water a day, but skip the beer, wine, or strong coffee—they’ll dry you out more and might make altitude sickness worse.

2. Eat light, nutritious meals: The train’s dining car has plenty to choose from, but better to eat small meals more often than big heavy ones. Foods like rice, noodles, and vegetables are easier to digest, while fatty or spicy foods might upset your stomach. And don’t overeat—your body’s already working hard to get used to the altitude.

3. Get plenty of rest: Your body’s gonna need energy to get used to the altitude, so get as much sleep as you can. If you’re in a sleeper cabin, take naps during the day if you like it. Don’t stay up late or wander around the train for no reason—save that energy for exploring once you get there.

4. Avoid strenuous activity: During the train tour, things like repeatedly climbing up and down the berth ladders (for upper or middle bunks), hauling heavy luggage through narrow aisles, or rushing between carriages can wear your body out faster at high altitude. So take it slow—move at a relaxed pace, and if your bags are heavy, just ask someone to help.

5. Dress in layers: The temperature on the train can swing a lot, especially as you go higher up. Wear layers so you can take stuff off or add more on easily—getting too hot or too cold stresses you out, and that’ll make altitude symptoms worse.

6. Stay in a positive mood: Getting stressed or feeling all anxious makes altitude sickness worse, so just try to take it easy and enjoy the trip. Listen to music, read a book, or chat with the people around you. The more relaxed you stay, the easier your body’ll handle the altitude.

Conclusion

Riding the train to Tibet is one of those trips you’ll never forget, and with a little preparation, it can be a healthy one too. The medical services on board—from trained staff to oxygen systems—are all there to help you out.

Knowing when to ask the medical staff for help and how to use the oxygen systems really matters. Drink enough water, rest up, and keep an eye on how you’re feeling, and you’ll be all set to soak in every minute of the journey.

Here at Chinatibettrain, we want to give you a trip that is not just memorable, but safe and healthy too. From the tips before you board to the support once you’re there, we’ll be with you all the time.