Z8801 was the train first launched service between Lhasa and Shigatse in 2014. The Lhasa to Shigatse Railway is an extension of Qinghai to Tibet Railway with altitudes ranging from 3,600 to 4,000 meters which is called “the rail on clouds”.
After 3 years, Train Z8801 is renovated and upgraded for multifunctional services including café, bar, music room, reading corner, lactation room. On July 23, 2017, the train was launched as the new name “The Ancient Tangzhu Road”(唐竺古道). The new train has been redesigned in accordance with the Tibetan style where passengers can immerse themselves in the local culture. This train will certainly give you a new experience to visit Tibet.
The Lhasa to Shigatse railway covers 248 km with stops at Quxu County, Nyemo and Rinbung. The whole journey takes approximately 3 hours.
Lhasa to Shigatse Train Schedule
Train No. | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Distance | Ticket Price | |||
Z8801 (Lhasa-Shigatse) | 08:30 | 11:25 | 2.55hr | 248km | ¥169.5 (soft sleeper) | ¥111.5 (hard sleeper) | ¥82.5 (soft seat) | ¥40.5 (hard seat) |
Z8803 (Shigatse-Lhasa) | 15:20 | 17:59 | 2.39hr | 248km | ¥169.5 (soft sleeper) | ¥111.5 (hard sleeper) | ¥82.5 (soft seat) | ¥40.5 (hard seat) |
Lhasa
Lhasa has an elevation of 3650 meters and sits at the center of the Tibet Plateau. It is one of the highest cities in the world. Lhasa, which means "Land of the Gods" has a history of over 1300 years. It towers as a huge magnet attracting those who want to explore its culture. When you travel to Lhasa, you must visit Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace and Barkhor Street.
Shigatse
Shigatse is the second biggest city in Tibet which sits in Tibet’s most fertile land and it is 300 km away from Mt. Everest, the world’s highest peak. Besides the importance for its location, the city is also the center of culture, economy and politics for Tibet. When you travel to Shigatse, you must see Tashilunpo Monastery, the largest monastery in the city, also traditionally the seat of the Panchen Lama, one of the spiritual leaders in Tibet.