Your browser does not support the running script, you cannot get a perfect browsing
HOTTake China Group Tours in 2024 to enjoy a 30% discount compared to a private tour. Same Experience & Lowest Price! Learn more

Qinghai Tibet Railway - Highest Rail in the World (Over 4000 Meter)

Written by Senior Expert Celine Schneider|Updated: 2024-09-06

The Qinghai-Tibet Railway, known as the highest railway in the world and often called the "Road in the Sky," extends 1,956 kilometers from Xining, Qinghai, to Lhasa, Tibet. Completed in 2006, it reaches its highest elevation at Tanggula Pass, soaring 5,072 meters above sea level—the highest of any railway globally.

This route offers passengers stunning views of landmarks like Qinghai Lake, the Kekexili region, the Tuotuo River, Cona Lake, and the Northern Tibet Grasslands. Despite the breathtaking scenery, constructing this railway was an engineering feat due to the extreme challenges posed by the terrain and altitude.

This article will delve into the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, exploring its construction, current state, and what it's like to travel on this remarkable "Road in the Sky." We'll also cover essential details such as Qinghai Tibet Railway facts, records held, route maps, the onboard experience, journey highlights, and ticket prices. Prepare for an enlightening exploration of one of the world's most extraordinary railways.

Content Preview

  • triangleQinghai Tibet Railway Facts, World Records & Altitude
  • triangleQinghai Tibet Railway Construction - Engineering Marvel
  • triangleQinghai Tibet Railway Map & Route
  • triangleQinghai Tibet Railway (Tibet Train) Experience & Highlights
  • triangleQinghai Tibet Railway Ticket Price
  • triangleTake Tibet Train Tours with Asia Odyssey Travel

Qinghai Tibet Railway Facts, World Records & Altitude

Length: The total length of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway is 1,956 kilometers.

Route: The railway runs from Xining to Lhasa.

Opening: The railway was opened in 2006.

Duration: The journey on this railway takes approximately 20 hours.

Main Stations: Xining, Delingha, Golmud, Amdo, Nagqu, Lhasa

Highlights: Qinghai Lake, Mt. Yuzhu, Hoh Xil, Tuotuo River, Cona Lake, The Northern Tibetan Plateau, Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains

Qinghai Tibet Railway
Cona Lake
Qinghai Tibet Railway
A top-tier Qinghai-Tibet train journey

Qinghai Tibet Railway: 9 World Records

1. Longest Plateau Railway: Spans a staggering 1,956 kilometers, earning it the title of the longest plateau railway globally.

2. Highest Altitude Railway: A remarkable section of the railway, stretching over 960 kilometers from Golmud to Lhasa, traverses land with an altitude exceeding 4,000 meters.

3. Fastest Plateau Railway: It outruns all competition, with trains achieving velocities of 100 km/h, setting the rec ord for the fastest plateau railway.

4. Longest Permafrost Railway: It includes a 600-kilometer stretch built on permafrost, the longest of its kind.

5. Highest Railway Station: The Tanggula Pass station, perched at an altitude of 5,068 meters, is the highest railway station in the world.

6. Longest High-Altitude Permafrost Tunnel: The Kunlun Mountain Tunnel, with a length of 1,686 meters, holds the record for the longest high-altitude permafrost tunnel.

7. Highest Track-Laying Base: The track-laying base in Amdo County is the highest in the world, at an altitude of 4,704 meters.

8. Longest Permafrost Railway Bridge: The Qingshui River Bridge, which spans 11,700 meters (7.27 miles) across the southern Kunlun Mountains and the edge of Hoh Xil, is the longest bridge built on permafrost.

9. Highest Permafrost Tunnel: The Fenghuoshan Tunnel, at an altitude of 5,010 meters (16,437 feet), is the highest permafrost tunnel in the world.

Qinghai-Tibet Railway Altitude

The average altitude of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway is above 4,000 meters. The elevation from Xining to Golmud is around 3,000 meters. From Golmud, the altitude starts to climb until reaching the highest point, Tanggula Pass, at 5,068 meters. The subsequent altitudes remain around 4,000 meters until reaching Lhasa at an altitude of 3,650 meters.

Qinghai Tibet Railway
Tanggula Pass station
Qinghai Tibet Railway
Qinghai Tibet Railway altitude

Qinghai Tibet Railway Construction - Engineering Marvel

The construction of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway is considered a remarkable engineering feat as it was built under harsh and challenging conditions.

Qinghai Tibet Railway History: Construction Phases

Xining to Golmud (1974 - 1984): The first phase of the railroad was approximately 814 miles (1,310 km) long and was completed in 1984. This phase was less challenging than the second due to the relatively flat terrain and lower elevation.

Golmud to Lhasa (2001-2006): The second phase of the project was approximately 1,142 kilometers long and was completed in 2006. This phase was particularly challenging due to the high altitude, permafrost conditions and low oxygen levels.

Engineering Challenges

High Altitude: Most of the railroad was constructed at an altitude of 4,000 meters above sea level, with the highest point, the Tanggula Pass, at 5,072 meters. The high altitude and low oxygen content posed serious health risks to the construction crews and affected the performance of the construction machinery.

Permafrost: A large portion of the railroad is located on permafrost terrain. When the ground thaws and freezes, it can lead to ground instability. Engineers addressed this issue by building elevated tracks with pile structures and using thermosiphons to prevent the ground from thawing.

Environmental Concerns: The railroad crosses the Tibetan Plateau, home to a variety of endangered species and fragile ecosystems. The impact on animals was minimized by building animal migration corridors and using environmentally friendly construction techniques.

Qinghai Tibet Railway Map & Route

The Qinghai-Tibet Railway, an engineering marvel and a lifeline for remote Tibetan regions, forms a crucial link between Tibet, Qinghai and the major cities in mainland China. This railway route, augmented with the Lhasa Nyingchi Railway and Lhasa Shigatse Railway, offers not only reduced travel times for tourists but also a unique opportunity to experience China's diverse landscapes and cultures.

Read more about Qinghai-Tibet Railway maps.

Qinghai Tibet Railway
Qinghai Tibet Railway Route Map
Qinghai Tibet Railway
China Tibet Railway Map

Xining to Lhasa Train

The train journey starts from Xining and concludes in Lhasa, following the original section of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. Along the way, it passes through stations such as Delingha, Golmud, Anduo, and Nagqu.

Related Article:Xining to Lhasa train

China Tibet Railway

The China-Tibet Railway connects the Qinghai-Tibet Railway with major cities in China! It takes approximately 20-53 hours, about 1-2 days, to travel from cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Chongqing to Lhasa. The route also passes through important cities such as Xi'an, Lanzhou, Wuhan, and Changsha.

The train journey from Guangzhou to Lhasa is the longest route of the China Tibet Railway, taking around 53 hours.

Related Article:Beijing to Lhasa train

Related Article:Shanghai to Lhasa train

Related Article:Guangzhou to Lhasa train

Related Article:Chengdu to Lhasa train

Related Article:Chongqing to Lhasa train

Extension of Tibet Railway

Lhasa to Shigatse Railway: This railway allows you to cross 253 kilometers from Lhasa to Shigatse, the second-largest city in Tibet, in just 2.5 hours. It provides a shorter way to visit attractions like the Tashilhunpo Monastery and even facilitates travel to the base camp of Mount Everest. This project is also part of the Xinjiang-Tibet Railway.

Lhasa to Nyingchi Railway: This railway, which commenced operations in 2021, transports you from Lhasa to Nyingchi, the eastern gem of Tibet, in approximately 3.5 hours. Covering a distance of 435 kilometers, the train journey from Lhasa to Nyingchi offers a convenient way to explore the region.

Related Article:Lhasa to Shigatse train

Related Article:Lhasa to Nyingchi train

Related Article:Xijiang-Tibet Railway

Related Article:Sichuan-Tibet Railway

Qinghai Tibet Railway (Tibet Train) Experience & Highlights

The completion of the Qinghai Tibet Railway has made it a dream for travelers from all over the world to embark on a journey to Tibet aboard the Qinghai Tibet train. The unique design of the train ensures a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience for passengers. Moreover, the unparalleled scenery outside the train window has always been a captivating aspect of traveling through Tibet by train.

The section of the Qinghai Tibet Railway from Golmud to Lhasa is a single-track railway that seamlessly connects between tracks. This means that you won't even hear the clicking sound when the train switches tracks.

Life Onboard

Taking a Tibet train journey is truly an unforgettable experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. The long-distance pressurized trains, specifically designed to withstand extreme altitudes, make this journey unlike any other train travel you've ever experienced.

During the at least 20-hour journey on the Tibet train, what facilities does the Qinghai Tibet train provide to enhance your onboard experience?

Qinghai-Tibet Railway (Tibet Train) Food Supply

The Qinghai Tibet train provides passengers with a variety of menu options. You can purchase snacks, beverages, and even boxed meals from the mobile food carts. If you prefer a more authentic dining experience, you can visit the dining car, where you can savor a range of delicious Chinese dishes. The dining car offers a unique opportunity to enjoy your meal while taking in the breathtaking views outside the window.

To help passengers cope with altitude sickness, which can include symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath, the Tibet train is equipped with a two-level oxygen supply system.

Qinghai-Tibet Railway Oxygen Supply and Altitude Sickness

The first level releases a low concentration of oxygen into the train car when the elevation reaches 3000 meters. If passengers still feel uncomfortable, they can use individual oxygen outlets to inhale a higher concentration of oxygen directly. All cabins and corridors have these outlets, and disposable oxygen masks are provided.

The first level releases a low concentration of oxygen into the train cars when the train departs from Xining. If passengers still feel uncomfortable, they can use individual oxygen outlets to directly inhale a higher concentration of oxygen. These outlets are available in all cabins and corridors, and disposable oxygen tubes are provided.

In addition, there are doctors on board the Tibet train to handle emergency medical situations, ensuring a safe and worry-free Tibet train journey for you.

Qinghai-Tibet Railway Restrooms

The Tibet trains have both western-style and squat toilets. The bathrooms are regularly cleaned and maintained in a hygienic condition, ensuring a comfortable journey for all passengers. There are also sinks for washing up, mirrors, and a small counter space for personal items.

Importantly, it's advisable to bring your own toilet paper, as it's not always supplied in the bathrooms.

Qinghai Tibet Railway
The Qinghai-Tibet train provides oxygen supply onboard
Qinghai Tibet Railway
The trains in Tibet are equipped with onboard restrooms

Scenery along the Qinghai Tibet Railway

From Xining to Golmud: Qinghai Lake & Mt. Yuzhu

Travel alongside largest saltwater lake in China, Qinghai Lake(青海湖), and enjoy the distant view of the majestic Mt. Yuzhu(玉珠峰) in the Kunlun range. This leg of the journey offers a dual delight for the senses and the soul.

From Golmud to Tuotuo River: Kekexili

Step onto the plateau from Golmud, and prepare to be amazed by the panoramic views of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Traverse the Gobi from Golmud to the Hoh Xil(可可西里) nature reserve and if luck favors, spot the sprinting Tibetan antelopes.

From Tuotuo River to Nagqu:Tuotuo River, Cona Lake & Grassland

The journey is a sequence of highlights. Cross the headwaters of the Yangtze River at Tuotuo River(沱沱河), witnessing grand rivers merge and split. Then, a brief 10-minute drive along the shores of Lake Cona(措那湖) sets the stage for the endless grassland vistas of Nagqu, where herders and their livestock dot the vast landscape.

From Nagqu to Lhasa

The continuous Nyenchen Tanglha mountains(念青唐古拉山) have become an iconic sight along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. As Lhasa draws near, the sight of the Potala Palace, a symbol of Tibetan culture, signifies your arrival at the spiritual heart of Tibet.

If your travel goal is to admire the enchanting scenery along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, consider boarding the Shanghai to Lhasa train (Z164/165), Guangzhou to Lhasa train (Z265), or Xining to Lhasa train (Z8991). By choosing a train that departs from Xining later in the day, you will have more time to appreciate the breathtaking views of Kekexili, Tuotuo River, Lake Cuo Na, and the grasslands of northern Tibet without missing out due to darkness. That's the secret - opt for a Tibet train that departs from Xining later in the day!

Looking to explore the stunning landscapes of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway? Check out the ultimate guide to best time to take a train to Tibet.

Qinghai Tibet Railway
Cona Lake
Qinghai Tibet Railway
Kunlun Mountains

Qinghai Tibet Railway Ticket Price

Train Number Departure Station Duration Hard Seat (yuan) Hard Sleeper (yuan) Soft Sleeper (yuan)
Z21 Beijing West 39h28m 360 720 1144
Z164 Shanghai 44h32m 402.5 793.5 1262.5
Z265 Guangzhou 52h57m 447 865 1468
Z8991 Xining 19h49m 224 495 781
Z322 Chengdu West 33h45m 302.5 627.5 997.5
Z223 Chongqing North 34h28m 302.5 627.5 997.5

Please note that all schedules are subject to change. Contact your travel agency to map out your Tibet Train Tour.

Ticket prices for the Qinghai-Tibet Railway vary depending on the route, with prices ranging from 224 to 1468 yuan. Passengers can choose from three different seating options: hard seat, hard sleeper, and soft sleeper.

Hard Seat: This is the most economical choice. Seats are arranged in an open-plan carriage with a 3+2 configuration and can accommodate 98 people per carriage. The comfort level is basic and not recommended for long journeys.

Hard Sleeper: This option offers a balance between comfort and economy. Each carriage contains several compartments, with each compartment housing six bunks (two lower, two middle, and two upper bunks).

Soft Sleeper: This is a more comfortable and private option. Each compartment is enclosed and contains four bunks (two lower and two upper bunks). However, securing a soft sleeper ticket during peak season may be challenging.

As for the purchase of tickets for the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, you can buy your desired Tibet train tickets at the train station with your passport. Alternatively, you can also reserve your tickets online if you have a viable payment method such as Alipay or WeChat Pay. Tickets for the Tibet train are released 15 days in advance, so make sure to set a reminder to snag those tickets.

Qinghai Tibet Railway
Soft Sleeper
Qinghai Tibet Railway
Hard Sleeper

Take Tibet Train Tours with Asia Odyssey Travel

As a seasoned travel agency specializing in Tibet travel for over 10 years, Asia Odyssey Travel has established offices and local teams worldwide, including major Chinese cities conveniently connected to Lhasa, Tibet (Xizang), by train and flights. Expanding tour destinations in China provides a Panoramic Tibet Travel Experience with diverse optionsThat's why we have meticulously crafted Tibet Train Tours starting from various major Chinese cities, ensuring an immersive, all-inclusive journey with a wide range of choices.

You can opt for our Tibet Train Tour starting from Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Xian, Xining, Chongqing, Hong Kong and more cities in China or even from Bhutan or Nepal!

There is no need to worry about booking train tickets to Tibet, language barriers, or anything you can think of, as we have you covered every step of the way! If you prefer to travel at your own pace Asia Odyssey Travel will always map out the Best Travel Plan for you, so you can simply hop on the train and start your Grand Tour of Tibet!

If you have any questions about this article, please contact us by submitting the following form and we'll immediately get back to you.

Ask Us for More Information

icon
icon
loadingData in submission...
Why with Asia Odyssey Travel
  • icon
    Find Inspiration and ​Information for Your Next Trip
  • icon
    Get a Local Travel Consultant to ​Plan Your Personalized Trip
  • icon
    Book & Travel Securely with ​Our Money-back Guarantee
  • icon
    24/7 Customer Support to ​Help Every Traveler
  • icon
    Offering 500+ Customized ​Trips in China & Asia
Customize Your Own China Trip
user
email
phone
loadingData in submission...
close
travel guide
china group tours 2023/2024
close
Contact Us
top