Train Facilities

• What electrical chargers will I need to bring with me?
The Shangri-La Express is equipped with a 220v ac plug sockets in the carriage corridors. There are also 220v and 110v plug sockets in the shower car. Please ensure that you have the correct adaptor for any electrical items that they may wish to charge while on board the train.

• Is there a First Aid kit on board?
We have a designated “Doctors Surgery” on board the train and this will contain a fully stocked first aid kit. There is also a first aid kit in each carriage, however, it is your responsibility to ensure that you have adequate supplies of any ongoing medication that you will need for the duration of the journey.

• Is there a safe in the cabin / onboard the train?
No. Our staff remains on with the train whilst we on excursions, so there is no need to worry about leaving your belongings on the train.

• Is there a shop on board?
There is not a shop on board but most general items can be purchased in the cities during the stops en route during the day. Foreign newspapers are not readily available outside of Beijing.

• Is there a DVD, book & game library on board?
There are games like scrabble and chess and a selection of books.

• Is smoking permitted?
Smoking in the cabins is strictly prohibited. You can smoke in specific designated areas at the ends of the train.

• Is there a laundry facility?
There is a laundry service on board. These are charged per item at the end of the trip. Payment can be made by cash or credit card.

• Are there any sort of communication links while we are on board?
There is mobile phone coverage in area, however it is not continuous. We do not have a satellite phone on board the train, but the Tour Manager can be contacted in emergencies on the mobile telephone number provided on the 24 hour emergency card provided in the travel wallets.

• Is there an internet and fax facility on board and if so, how much does this cost?
There is no internet or fax facility aboard the trains; however it is possible to check emails during certain stops en route. This may mean missing the excursion programme for that day.

• What is the evening entertainment programme?
There is a pianist on board in the bar car

Cabin Facilities

• What are the main differences between each of the cabin types?
There is only one type of cabin onboard the Shangri-La Express.

If you are travelling on the Silk Road tour, we use the Golden Eagle for the Russia and CIS section of the tour and the Shangri-La for the Chinese portion are used. If you have opted for Gold Class accommodation, then this entitles you to two inter-connecting cabins, a suite, on the Shangri-La. This gives you the option of using one in the day as your sitting room (when not sightseeing) and the other one as your bedroom.

• Do the cabins have en-suite facilities?
The Shangri-La does not have full en-suite facilities in each cabin, but has a washbasin shared between every two cabins. Toilets are located at the end of each car and are shared between 8 cabins.

Each departure features a newly built, state of the art shower car in the centre of the train which comprises of individual cubicles with hot and cold water and spacious dressing rooms. Accessible 24 hours, you can shower whenever is convenient.

• What style of beds are there in the cabins?
Each cabin features bunk style single beds

• Is there a hairdryer for use?
We provide hairdryers in the dressing rooms in the shower car.

• Is there a shaver point and electrical points inside the cabin?
There are electrical and shaver points in the shower car.

• How often is the cabin cleaned during the tour?
Car attendants clean the cabins daily.

• Can the attendant make up/down the beds suitable to my sleeping requirements?
Yes

• How often do the towels get changed?
Every three days

• What toiletries are provided and what brand are they?
Shampoo and shower gel are provided. They are our own brand.

• How is the cabin temperature and lighting controlled?
The lights are controlled within the cabin however the temperature is centrally controlled by the attendant.

• Is there one bed or two in a single compartment?
There are two bunk style beds in each compartment

• Is it noisy? Are ear plugs required?
The sounds of a moving train may disturb you, especially on the first night on board. However we have not had any comments about guests finding it difficult to sleep while on board, rather the motion rocks you to sleep!

• Can a wheelchair be used on board, or can one be provided for off train-tours?
The passage inside the carriage is too narrow for a wheelchair but we have it on board and it can be used for off train tours.

• Is alcohol permitted inside the cabin?
Yes

• Are cabins checked on the border crossings?
Crossing the border is usually a formality; however it is theoretically possible that cabins can be checked by border officials.

• Can we lock the compartments?
It is safe to leave compartments open since the car attendants are always in the carriage but if you want to lock the cabin it is possible.

• What sort of on-board entertainment / educational talks are provided?
A variety of lectures and entertainment is provided during the journey.

• Are there tea & coffee making facilities inside the cabin?
There are no facilities within the cabins, however tea and coffee can be provided by the car attendant 24 hours a day.

• Is it safe to stand up in the shower whilst the train is moving?
Yes it safe to stand up. We can also provide a stool if you would feel more comfortable sitting down whilst showering.

• Are the toilets eco-friendly or do they flush onto the tracks?
As with all trains in China, the toilets flush onto the track. They are western style.

• Are the train windows cleaned daily to allow for good photography / general viewing?
We ensure that the train windows are kept clean to ensure that you can enjoy the interesting scenery that we pass.

• Is hot water available at all times?
Yes

• Is it safe to leave valuables in my cabin, especially when I am on a day excursion?
Yes. Each car has two attendants, one of whom is always on duty and they remain on the train during the city tours.

• Where do I store my luggage?
There is room to store luggage inside the cabin. It is also possible to store luggage at the end of each carriage, however there will be limited access to this.

Meals

• Are all meals included?
Yes, breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.

• Are there complimentary snacks if hungry outside meal times?
Yes. There is also a fresh fruit basket in each carriage.

• Is it possible to buy extra snacks on board?
You can always get some extra snacks in the bar or from your car attendants without charge. However, your clients may wish to take their favourites with them!

• Is cabin-service available 24 hours per day?
Yes

• Can GW Travel cater for special dietary requirements?
Please let our reservations department know about any special dietary needs when you make your booking. Our restaurant staff can cater for most special diet requests.

• Are meal times set?
Yes. Breakfast is normally between 8am and 10am. If however there is an off train tour leaving the train before 10am the Tour manager will advise all passengers so that they have eaten prior to the off train excursion. Lunch is scheduled around the off-train excursion arrangements, however it is normally between 12:30 and 2pm. Dinner is served at 8pm most evenings.

• Is it a set menu or are the meals buffet style?
We offer set meals with a choice of main course, however, if you have a specific request you will need to advise the Tour Manager.

• What type of food is provided on-board
The cuisine served on board the train is Chinese. The menu is decided by the Head chef.

• Is there a fully stocked bar at all times?
Yes

• Are all drinks free?
Tea, coffee, and drinking water are complimentary at all times.
Wine is complimentary for all passengers at meal times.
We have a tariff in the bar car that details the full drinks price list if you would like to purchase other drinks.

• Is the water safe to drink?
The water on all trains is not drinking water. The attendants, who are on duty 24 hours a day, will provide passengers with fresh bottled water around the clock. There is also bottled water in the bathrooms for brushing your teeth. Food on board is washed with bottled water.

Tibet Bound

• Do clients travel up to Lhasa in Tibet on board the Shangri-La train?
No, all passengers will disembark the Shangri-La in Golmud and board a specially built train to travel the journey through Tibet

• How long is the journey to Lhasa?
This day can be pretty arduous. The journey itself is 1,142km and takes approximately 14 hours. The journey is made during the day.

• Is this train only for GW Travel passengers?
No, this train is a Chinese built and operated public train. However, GW Travel will have their own carriages as part of this train.

• The train travels to altitude, is that dangerous?
This train has been specifically built for high altitude travel and has an oxygen system built in. Oxygen is literally “pumped” into the carriage so that passengers are comfortable when travelling at a higher elevation. Incidentally, each passenger can wear a special piece of equipment that fits comfortably into their nose to receive more oxygen.

• Is there anything to eat on this train?
Yes, there is a basic restaurant where passengers eat in two sittings.

• How high does the train go?
The train travels over the Tangula pass. This is the highest rail pass in the world at 16,640ft (5,072m) above sea level!

• Is there a toilet on board this train?
Yes, there are both Western and Chinese style toilets on board the train.

• Is the Doctor on board this part of the journey?
Yes, the Doctor travels to Lhasa and will closely monitor passengers during this journey.