Most trains take passengers from one destination to another, but the Qinghai-Tibet Railway offers a journey at an altitude few other train routes can match. The railway climbs to nearly 16,500 feet above sea level, where the thin air makes the journey a unique experience for passengers. Want to know more about this experience? Scroll down.
Why Are Passengers Provided With Oxygen Masks On This Train?
Travel creators Claudia and Kaan recently experienced the 22-hour train journey from Xining to Lhasa in western China, a route widely described as the highest railway journey in the world. As the train climbs to higher altitudes, passengers are provided with oxygen masks to help them cope with the reduced oxygen levels. However, the altitude is only one part of what makes the journey unusual. The route passes through the vast Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, offering views of snow-covered mountains, alpine lakes, grasslands and expansive open landscapes. Passengers can also spot wildlife along parts of the route.
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Claudia shared details of the experience on Instagram, highlighting the fact that passengers can spend the journey in sleeper berths while enjoying the scenery outside their windows. The train also has a restaurant on board, allowing travellers to experience the long journey without giving up basic comforts. She described the route as a journey across the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, where passengers can see snow-covered mountains, clear alpine lakes, roaming wildlife and vast grasslands that are difficult to experience during a conventional trip to China.
After around 22 hours, the train reaches Lhasa, one of the highest cities in the world. The Tibetan capital is known for its history, culture and landmarks, including the famous Potala Palace overlooking the city.
How Did Travellers React To This Unusual Train Journey?
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The video of the journey attracted considerable attention online, with users describing the railway as a bucket-list travel experience. One user said journeys like this add significant value to travel experiences and described it as the kind of adventure they hoped to experience themselves.
Another commenter explained that although the proportion of oxygen in the atmosphere remains broadly similar, atmospheric pressure decreases at higher altitudes, meaning less oxygen is available with each breath.
Several users were particularly impressed by the scenery. One called the journey an “INSANE” bucket-list experience, while another said they struggled with much lower altitudes and wondered how travellers managed the extreme elevation of the route.
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One traveller said they had chosen to fly instead of taking the train and later regretted missing the experience. For travellers visiting China, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway offers an unusual way to experience the country’s high-altitude landscapes while travelling between Xining and Lhasa.
Would you ever travel on this train?
Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram/thelosttwo
FAQs
What is the most scenic train journey in China?
The Qinghai-Tibet Railway from Xining to Lhasa is widely considered the best and most scenic train ride in China.
Can I go to China by train from India?
No, you cannot travel directly from India to China entirely by train.
Is there a 600 km/h train in China?
Yes, China has developed and unveiled a high-speed magnetic levitation (maglev) train designed to reach a top speed of 600 km/h, but it is not yet in commercial service.
