Travel Visa & Permit
It is necessary for all visitors to China to obtain a pre-entry China visa. Please contact your travel professional or a Chinese embassy/consulate for details on obtaining a visa and allow adequate time for processing.

Additionally, our guests traveling on the Northern Route journey require a Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) to enter Tibet. A Tangula reservation specialist will advise on the arrangement of obtaining this permit.

Altitude Preparation
The route between Beijing and Lhasa crosses the Tibetan plateau at a maximum altitude of 5,072 meters. Each Tangula train has an onboard oxygen enrichment system that allows guests to travel in greater comfort at these high altitudes. Should a guest feel the effects of high altitudes, oxygen can be accessed directly in their private suites and at various points in the other train cars. There may, however, be more severe side effects that could impact the enjoyment of your trip. A physician will also be onboard to assist, if necessary, during the highest points of the journey between Golmud and Lhasa.

Guests are advised to consult a doctor, and in some cases must consult a doctor, before traveling the Northern and Southern routes as both reach high altitudes. While at a significantly lower altitude than Lhasa, the Lijiang route reaches an altitude of 2,408 meters. All guests must sign a health declaration form before traveling.

Weather
The weather varies greatly across the areas covered by our trains; the following is a general indication.
All routes
Beijing’s spring and fall are mild and dry with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C during the day. Beijing generally has cold winters with highs reaching freezing but with little rain. Beijing’s annual rain is concentrated in July and August when temperatures average 32°C.

Northern Route
Summers in Xining are cool and comfortable, rarely exceeding 25°C. Light rainfall is evenly distributed between April and October and winter temperatures from December to February are generally around 0°C.

Lhasa’s rainy season is between June and September – heaviest in July and August, when the average daytime high temperatures rise up to 25° C. Winter is dry and clear with bright sunshine and surprisingly mild daytime temperatures, frequently above 10° C, but with cold nights, often below -10° C between December and February.

Southern route
Guilin is warm throughout the year, with temperatures reaching 32° C in the summers between July and September; and between 5°C and 12°C in the winter. Guilin’s heaviest rains fall between April and August though other months can be rainy also.

Lijiang’s temperature range is very similar but slightly cooler due to its higher altitude and with most of its rain falling from May to October.
Luggage and Space
Although Tangula's suites are roomy and comfortable, trains in general offer limited storage. Each suite has enough storage space for two suitcases each less than 33 x 70 x 50 cm (13 x 28 x 20 inches), therefore guests are advised to make arrangements for excess luggage which cannot be stored within the suite. Tangula can assist guests with arrangements for their luggage to be stored in their booked pre-boarding hotel or to be forwarded to them ready for their onward journey after disembarkation from the train.

Dress Code
Throughout the day guests are advised to wear casual, comfortable clothing and shoes appropriate for walking during off-train excursions. Check with your travel professional for special items you might want to pack for your destination and the time of year you are traveling.

Dining room attire is casual during the day; evening attire is smart casual, such as casual dresses or pants for ladies, and sport shirts and slacks for gentlemen. Ties and jackets are not required. Casual daytime attire is not considered acceptable after 6:00pm. Footwear and shirts are required in all public areas of the train.

There are bathrobes and slippers in each private suite for your use during the journey, however, they are not to be worn in public areas. No laundry service is offered on the trains.

Child Policy
Because of the nature of the Tangula Luxury Trains journey and experience all passengers must be 16 years of age or older.

Smoking Policy
Tangula has a strict no smoking policy. This ensures a comfortable living atmosphere at all times for everyone on board the train as they use the suites, walk along the train, or sit with others in the Scenic and Dining areas.

Terms & Conditions
Please read Tangula's Conditions of Carriage available in the Terms & Conditions section this website, or obtain a copy of the same from the Tangula Reservations Center or your travel professional, before booking your journey.