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Taking the Train into Tibet from Chengdu
Fri 05 Oct 2007 Post by : invisible
Category : travelling
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Author CHENGDOO
Issue 4
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Covering a distance of 3,360 kilometers, the journey from Chengdu takes about 45 hours and passes through Guangyuan, Baoji, Lanzhou, Xining, and Ge’ermu, and Nagchu before arriving in Lhasa. The air-conditioned “T22/23” (“T” stands for “tèku� i,” or “express”) departs from Chengdu at 8:36 p.m. and arrives on the third day in Lhasa at 5:21 p.m. Ticket prices range from RMB330 for a hard seat and RMB920 for a lower-berth soft sleeper. The return T24/21 train, departing from Lhasa at 10:45 a.m. and arriving in Chengdu on the third day at 8:25 a.m., is just under 46 hours. Ticket prices are the same as for the T22/23 train.
While the train has been in operation for over a year now and can accommodate nearly 1,000 passengers, tickets are still relatively difficult to get a hold of, indicating the popularity of the route. Passengers are limited to purchasing two sleeper tickets or three seat tickets at any given time.
Staff aboard the train are required to master phrases in Mandarin, English, and Tibetan as well as have a working knowledge of Tibetan customs and the scenery the train passes through.
travel to Lhasa requires a Tibet-entry permit, which can be arranged for you by a travel agent — many hostels offer this service, and some offer door-to-door service as well. Additionally, travel to other areas of Tibet requires a second “alien’s travel permit,” also referred to as a PSB permit.
Many travelers experience altitude sickness due to the rapid ascent. Over-the-counter medicine for this can be purchased very easily at most pharmacies. travelers are generally advised to begin their dosage prior to departure. Other altitude-related symptoms, such as nosebleeds, are also common. All trains are equipped with extra oxygen.
The Chengdu North Railway Station can be reached at 83320031, 83322088, or 83332499.
The article was first published in chengdoo CITYLIFE issue No.4
