Is there a train to Ngari? How many kilometers is it from Lhasa to Ngari?
Traveling to Xizang is no longer as tough as it used to be. You can fly to Lhasa. First-time visitors to Xizang are advised not to take a flight, as it may easily trigger altitude sickness. Most travelers choose to take the train along the Qinghai-Xizang Railway to Lhasa. It is reported that the Sichuan-Xizang Railway (Route 318) is currently under construction, and before long, people will be able to travel the Sichuan-Xizang route by train.
Since Ngari is a border area of China, a border permit is mandatory for entry. You can apply for the permit free of charge at your place of household registration, which is valid for 3 months. Alternatively, you can get it in Lhasa via travel agencies at a cost of 200 yuan, with a 1-month validity period.
There is no railway service to Ngari for now, and chartered vehicles are the most popular choice among travelers.
Why choose a chartered car or carpool for the trip to Ngari?
As we all know, Ngari sits at a high altitude with sparse population, yet stunning scenery stretches all the way. To fully enjoy the journey, renting a private vehicle is the top option, and carpooling is another good choice. Many tourists come to Xizang in pairs, and they only need two more companions to share an off-road vehicle. Whether you travel in a group of two or three, it is quite easy to find fellow passengers during the peak travel season.
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