Tibet Train Packing Guide: What to Bring for a Safe and Comfortable Journey

Unlike most other trains in China, the Tibet train not only offers breathtaking scenery but also takes you on a journey of at least 20 hours, with an average altitude above 4,000 meters. To make your train journey smoother and more enjoyable, it’s important to be well-prepared—especially when it comes to packing the right items.

Some travelers may feel confused about what to pack for such a long ride. That’s why we’ve created this detailed guide to walk you through everything you need to prepare, including essential travel documents, proper clothing, personal hygiene items, medications for altitude sickness, food and drinks, and even items for entertainment. By following this guide, you can pack wisely and start your Tibet train journey with confidence.

Essential Travel Documents for All Tibet Train Tours

1. Valid Passport and Chinese Visa

For foreign travelers, obtaining a Chinese visa is the very first step in starting their trip to Tibet. In 2025, citizens from 47 countries can enjoy a visa-free policy to enter China. If you are not from one of these countries, rest assured — you can easily apply for a Chinese visa through a Chinese embassy, consulate, or a Chinese Visa Application Service Center in your home country or a third country.

Also, you must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of departure. It must be presented when buying Tibet train ticket and checking in at the train station.

2. Tibet Travel Permit

Besides a Chinese visa, you also need a Tibet Travel Permit. It is also known as the “Tibet Visa”, and you cannot board the train or flight to Tibet without it. However, only licensed Tibet travel agencies can apply for this permit on your behalf. If you join our Tibet train tour, we’ll take care of the entire application process and ensure your permit is delivered before your journey begins.

Moreover, if you want to visit Everest Base Camp, Mount Kailash, or other remote areas in Tibet, you will also need to apply for the Alien’s Travel Permit or the Military Permit. Rest assured, we can also handle the application process for these permits, offering you a hassle-free Tibet trip.

Travelers are required to present their Tibet Travel Permit when taking a Tibet train.

Clothing and Personal Wear for Tibet Train Tours

Tibet's high-altitude climate is unpredictable, and the temperature on the train can also fluctuate—especially at night or when crossing mountain regions. To stay comfortable throughout the journey, the smartest option is to dress in layers so that you can easily add or remove clothes depending on the temperature fluctuations. Consider packing T-shirts, thermal shirts, light sweaters, and a down jacket.

As for pants, you can choose soft and stretchy ones for long sitting and sleeping periods on the train. If you have a sleeper berth ticket, bring a pair of slippers or slip-on shoes so you can easily get on and off your berth and move around. If you're traveling in a colder season, a knit hat, scarf, and gloves will be useful for keeping warm at higher elevations.

Don’t forget to pack some warm clothing for your trip to Tibet.

Hygiene Items and Toiletries for Tibet Train Tours

The train journey to Tibet is quite long, and passengers cannot take a shower onboard. Therefore, it is advisable to carry some hygiene items and personal toiletries. Essentials include a toothbrush, toothpaste, a small towel, soap, or travel-sized body wash. Since the train’s air can be dry, lip balm and moisturizer are highly recommended, especially for sensitive skin.

Don’t forget toilet paper—it often runs out quickly as there are many passengers. Additionally, a small bottle of hand sanitizer and a pack of wet wipes will be useful when the sink is busy or soap is unavailable. With all these items in your bag, you can stay fresh and comfortable throughout the journey.

Remember to carry some personal toiletries when traveling to Tibet by train.

Altitude-Sickness & Health Care Medicines for Tibet Train Tours

All Tibet trains are equipped with oxygen supply systems, but you may still experience mild symptoms such as headache, dizziness, or shortness of breath during the journey. Thus, bringing your own medication is highly recommended. The most commonly used medicines are acetazolamide (Diamox) and Rhodiola rosea supplements, which can help your body adjust more smoothly to higher elevations.

For people on regular medication or prescription drugs, make sure you have enough stock to last for your entire journey. It is also advisable to carry your prescription or a doctor's certificate, just as a precaution in case you need it.

In your first aid kit, make sure you include basic items like medicine for fever, painkillers, antiseptic liquid (like Dettol), antiseptic wipes, a few bandages, cotton swabs, anti-allergic cream or tablets, and other useful items.

Make sure you have some basic medicines in your first aid kit.

Food and Drinks for Tibet Train Tours

Both a dining car and a food trolley are available on Tibet trains, but they mainly offer Chinese-style and Tibetan-style dishes and snacks. If you have special dietary needs or simply want more options, it’s a good idea to bring your own food and drinks.

For main meals, you can bring instant noodles, self-heating rice, and self-heating hot pots. Boiling and cold water are available in every carriage to help you prepare a hot meal. For snacks, energy bars, nuts, dried fruits, bread, cookies, and chocolate are popular choices. Also, you can bring some fruits and vegetables like apples, bananas, carrots, and cucumbers.

For drinks, the Tibet train offers free hot water, and you can serve yourself a cup of tea or coffee anytime you want. If they are not what you like, you can also consider bringing fruit juice or milk. However, please note that high-alcohol beverages are not allowed on the train. In short, drinking plenty of water throughout the journey can help keep your body well-hydrated, so you can better cope with high-altitude conditions.

You can enjoy freshly cooked meals in the dining car on Tibet trains.

Comfort and Entertainment Items for Long Tibet Train Rides

The train journey to Tibet is long—it takes more than 30 hours from most departure cities. While the stunning scenery offers natural entertainment during the day, you may still feel bored, especially if you're traveling alone. A smart preparation can keep yourself comfortable and entertained.

For your comfort, consider packing a neck pillow, an eye mask, and a pair of earplugs—they are especially useful when you’re sharing a space with others. Besides, a travel blanket can provide extra warmth during the night. With these items, you can enjoy a relatively good sleep.

As for entertainment, you can download your favorite books, movies, podcasts, or music playlists before departure as the internet access is extremely limited during the trip. Some travelers find joy in simply sitting by the window and watching the scenery, so make sure your camera or phone is charged for those perfect moments. It can also help you pass the time if you enjoy writing or keeping a journal.

Listen to some of your favorite songs to pass the time on your train journey.

Conclusion

Packing is always an important part of preparing for a journey. If this is your first time taking a train to Tibet, be sure to check your packing list carefully. Also, remember to travel light, as carrying heavy luggage can quickly make you tired.

As a trusted Tibet travel agency, we not only help you figure out what to pack, but can also assist with obtaining the Tibet Travel Permit, booking train tickets, and planning your itinerary in Tibet. If you still have any questions about traveling to Tibet by train, please feel free to contact us—we’re ready to help at any time.