Why travel Tibet by Train

For years an impossible dream, the new 1956km train line from Golmud to Lhasa was finally inaugurated in July 2006 and at least four passenger trains trundle up onto the high plateau every day. The line has quickly become one of the world’s classic train trips.



There’s no doubt the Qinghai-Tibet train line is an engineering marvel. Topping out at 5072m, it is the world’s highest railway, snatching the title from a Peruvian line. The statistics speak for themselves: 86% of the line is above 4000m, and half the track lies on permafrost, requiring a cooling system of pipes driven into the ground to keep it frozen year-round and avoid a rail-buckling summer thaw. Construction of the line involved building 160km of bridges and elevated track, seven tunnels (including the world’s highest) and 24 hyperbaric chambers, the latter to treat altitude-sick workers.



All trains cross the Tibetan plateau during daylight, guaranteeing you great views (the scenery is impressive in scale rather than beautiful). From Golmud the train climbs through desert into the jagged caramel-coloured mountains of Nanshankou (South-ern Pass), passing what feels like a stone’s throw from the impressive glaciers beside Yuzhu Feng (Jade Pearl Peak; 6178m). Other highlights include the nearby tunnel through the 4776m Kunlun Pass, where you can see the prayer flags at the top of the pass, and Tsonak Lake, 8 hours from Golmud near Amdo, claimed to be the highest freshwater lake in the world at 4608m. Keep your eyes peeled throughout the journey for antelope, fox and wild asses, plus the occasional impressed-looking nomad. The train crosses into Tibet over the 5072m Tangu-la (Tanggula Shankou) Pass, the line’s high point.



As you aboard the Lhasa bound train, with its comfortable beds, fine food, and aromatic coffee and instant noodles, you will gaze out the window and view stunning landscapes unfold like paintings as they race alongside the railway - this is the great Tibet Train journey that you have dreamt about. Besides, if you go to Tibet by train, you can adapt your body to the high plateau environment slowly and gradually. Then, you may relieve or avoid high altitude sickness.



Don’t be hesitated to start a Tibet tour by train, it is really a once-in-a-life journey. The super highlight of this kind of Tibet tour is the Sky Train, the world’s highest train ride across the 5200 meter high mountain pass amidst the grand vistas of surreal mountain range and uniquely shaped Tibetan Landscape. It would be an unforgettable expedition across full bosomed clear streams cascading down beautiful mountain ranges, sharing kisses with glistering dew drops, an amorous ride with nature.

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Travel to Tibet