Train to Tibet

There is one train service to Lhasa and it’s fantastic. The Lhasa express runs 13000 feet above the sea level and offer you a personal oxygen canister if you feel dizzy in the high altitude. This is the only train service that can take you to Lhasa.

The rail way on which the Lhasa express runs is called Qingzang Railway and its 1956 Km long. The construction of first part of the railway which is from Xining to Golmund is 815 Km and was completed by 1984. But the 1142 Km section, which extends from Golmund to Lhasa, was completed and inaugurated on 1st of July 2006. Since then Lhasa express has been one of the hottest attractions in Tibet tours.

A train service that provides you personal oxygen canisters- this very sentence can comply what kind of experience this ride can be. The highest rail line in the world- the Lhasa express runs above 13,000 feet above the sea level and reaches at the maximum height of 16,640 feet.  The ride begins from the Chinese capital Beijing and ends in Lhasa city. This trip covers a distance of 2,525 miles i.e. 4065 km and takes about 48 hours to complete. Power to operate such a huge train in such altitude is provided by three diesel locomotive with 3,800 of horsepower each. This ride will give you a chance to view every aspects of Tibet. Many stunningly beautiful mountains, a huge lake (Lake Qinghai), top of the mountains, the green foot hills, and a moon like barren land (land of Golmund city) and deep valleys.

At the very high altitude amount of oxygen starts to decrease and oxygen are released in the train compartment. And if still feels dizzy due to lack of oxygen, you can always ask for a personal oxygen canister. This train ride in Tibet is unique and especial in special way. You don’t need to go through rough forest, Climb Mountains and yet you get to feel all the adventure, sitting in a comfortable AC compartment.