Q: what is the better way to get to Tibet? Should I travel by air or by road?
A: Time is a deciding factor as well as health and budget considerations. Traveling by air is the fastest way to see Tibet, but it is also the most expensive and provides less time to acclimatize the high altitude. Traveling by road is economical and travelers can also have a gentle process of acclimatization to the harsh condition of the plateau, but it is slower and sometimes not very comfortable due to the very poor road conditions.
Q: Should I travel by the Sichuan-Tibet Highway or Qinghai-Tibet Highway?
A: Of all the highways linking China and Tibet, Sichuan-Tibet and Qinghai-Tibet highways are the most frequently used. Sichuan-Tibet Highway is the most beautiful tour itinerary to Tibet by road, but it is also the most dangerous. It is frequently subject to natural disasters and equipped with only the most basic facilities, so it is fit only for those who like to go off the beaten track. While, Qinghai-Tibet Highway is the safest road to Tibet, with good facilities, it lacks exciting sceneries. So it is attractive to those who maybe traveling to Tibet for the first time and have an aversion to flying.
Q: How is the condition of trains on Tibet Railway? How can I buy a ticket easily?
A: Since its opening in July 2006, Tibet Railway has proved to be very successful. The design of the trains not only considers the peculiar natural environmental conditions of the plateau, but also the safety and comfort of passengers.
The trains are among the most advanced in China, which are fully equipped with soft berths, hard berths, soft seats and hard seats, as well as washing closets, hot water, and other basic facilities. Walking into the carriage, you'll find the floor is covered with the gorgeous red Tibetan carpets, and all signs are in the three languages of English, Chinese and Tibetan. The wash room provide for three persons at a time, with Tibetan styled mirrors. And every train has an attendant familiar with all three languages as the translator. Between Qinghai and Tibet, oxygen is provided on the train, and every seat has facilities for oxygen inhalation. You can refer to Tibet Railway to learn more about it.
Due to the comfort of the railway, the train has become quite crowded and tickets can be difficult to obtain. All seats are subject to ticketing and now can be booked 10 days in advance of travel. You should book it in advance to avoid disappointment, as an alternative you can split your trip and first travel to Lanzhou, Xining or Golmud by air or coach, and then take the train.
Q: I want to change the schedule of my trip, how can I change or return the airplane ticket? How about the fees?
A: The airplane ticket can be exchanged or returned at the original point of issue. Non-discounted tickets can be exchanged free of charge, while a 10% service charge is applied when tickets are returned.
Q: How is the transportation inside Tibet?
A: Transportation between Lhasa and other Tibetan locations is convenient. There are flights between Lhasa and Chamdo, and trains run from Nakchu to Lhasa. There are also three passenger stations in Lhasa from which coaches are to other parts of Tibet. Finally, hire cars are available and for those who are backpacking hitchhiking is always a possibility.
