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No.1 Qinghai Lake (3200 m, 10500 ft) - A Sapphire in the Plateau
As the Tibet train departs from Xining, a remarkable journey unfolds. Approximately an hour into the ride, the railway gracefully follows the meandering path along the northern curve of Qinghai Lake.
Passengers will be treated to a visual feast of around 20 minutes, witnessing the captivating beauty of China's largest saltwater lake.
The tranquil surface of the lake shimmers like a bed of sapphire, stretching endlessly before your eyes. It mirrors the ethereal charm of the azure sky above, creating a harmonious symphony of color and serenity. Imagine yourself on a grand voyage, traversing the very edge of a colossal blue gem, while being embraced by the lush greenery of the plateau.
No.2 Chaerhan Salt Lake (2600 m, 8500 ft) - Crossing 33 km on a lake
As you sit aboard the Tibet train, it may be hard to perceive that you are actually traversing a bridge that divides the expanse of a lake. This remarkable sight awaits you about an hour and a half after reaching Delingha Station. Only by observing the scenery on both sides of the train window simultaneously will you catch a glimpse of this hidden marvel.
Crossing a stretch of the lake for a remarkable 33 kilometers, this leg of the journey becomes an unexpected adventure for passengers.
No.3 Gobi in Golmud (2800 m, 9200 ft) - Wilderness Unleashed
The train's departure from Golmud Railway Station marks the beginning of a new chapter in the journey. The lush green and blue scenery of the previous landscapes gradually gives way to the earthy tones of the Gobi Desert in Golmud.
This visual transformation, both sudden and captivating, through the Tibet train windows, passengers are treated to the awe-inspiring beauty of the vast and barren Gobi Desert. Endless stretches of dunes, sporadic vegetation, and occasional sightings of cold-resistant wildlife characterize this segment of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. It feels as though you are embarking on a daring adventure.
No.4 Yuzhu Peak and Kunlun Mountain Range (4195 m, 13760 ft) - Guardians of the Sky
Following the stark expanses of the Gobi Desert, the train journey takes a dramatic turn about 1.5 hours after departing from Golmud Station. The Yuzhu Peak of the Kunlun mountain range reveals itself in all its grandeur.
Due to its status as a training peak for Mount Everest climbers, Yuzhu Peak has rightfully earned the title of "Guardian of the Sky." Its towering presence and challenging terrain make it a natural choice for climbers preparing to conquer Everest.
Additionally, while aboard the Tibet train, you can also feast your eyes upon the breathtaking views of the majestic peaks and sprawling valleys of the Kunlun Mountains. The unparalleled scenery of this mountain range adds another layer of beauty to your journey.
No.5 Kekexili (4500 m, 14800 ft) - A Wildlife Haven
Post with the Wudaoliang Station the train gradually ushers you into the region of Kekexili.
Continue your journey until the Tuotuo River, the pristine beauty of Kekexili will unfold before your eyes. This region is renowned as a wildlife paradise, and if you're lucky, you may witness herds of Tibetan antelopes gracefully roaming the vast plains. Their elegance breathes life into the otherwise barren landscape.
No.6 Tuotuo River (4547 m, 14920 ft): The Pulse of the Plateau
The following stretch of the journey belongs to the Tuotuo River. Widely regarded as the "pulse of the plateau," this river is an important tributary and the source of the Yangtze River. As the train passes through the Tuotuo River, you can witness the magnificent and awe-inspiring sight of multiple rivers converging and branching out. If you're fortunate, you may even catch a glimpse of the sunrise over the Tuotuo River from the train, as the radiant glow of the morning sun paints the river in vibrant hues.
Unlike other trains that simply rush past the Tuotuo River Station, the Z8991 departing from Xining is the only Tibet train that makes a stop here. Passengers have the opportunity to disembark and appreciate the beautiful scenery firsthand.
No.7 Tanggula Mountain Pass (5072 m, 16640 ft): Ascend to the Rooftop of the World
About 3 hours later, the train arrives at the Tanggula Mountain Pass, the highest point on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, often referred to as the 'Rooftop of the World'.
The Tanggula Mountain Pass signifies not just the highest point in the journey but also a highlight of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway experience. The magnificent view of the mountain range offers a moment of reflection on the natural beauty and the immense scale of the landscapes traversed. It's a reminder of the sheer grandeur that Mother Nature has to offer.
No.8 Cona Lake (4594 m, 15070 ft): Cona Lake: A Serene Oasis
Just a little over 10 minutes away from Ando Station, you should prepare yourself for yet another highlight of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway—the breathtaking beauty of Lake Cona. The tranquil waters reflect the sky above, creating a serene and picturesque scene reminiscent of a pastoral poem. Along the lakeshore, yaks and sheep leisurely graze on the grass, adding to the soothing ambiance.
The Tibet train will follow the lakeshore of Cona Lake for approximately 10 minutes, at times coming as close as 20 meters to the water's edge. This proximity allows passengers to truly immerse themselves in the captivating beauty of the lake.
No.9 Changtang Grassland (4500 m, 15000 ft): A typical highland landscape
From Nagqu to Damxung, you will be treated to the typical highland beauty of the Qiangtang Grassland. The vast expanse of green meadows stretches as far as the eye can see, resembling a vibrant green carpet beneath the sky. Occasional sightings of Tibetan antelopes, wild yaks, and nomadic herders add a touch of liveliness to the seemingly endless grassland.
The Qiangtang Grassland offers a mesmerizing panorama that showcases the grandeur and serenity of the Tibetan plateau. It is a sight to behold, immersing you in the natural splendor of the highland landscape.
No.10 Nyenchen Tanglha Mountain (7162 m, 23494 ft): Iconic Snow Mountain
Perhaps you have often come across the image of the Nyenchen Tanglha Mountain on tourism posters for the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. From Damxung to Lhasa, you will have the opportunity to marvel at the grandeur of Nyenchen Tanglha. Its rugged slopes and glistening white snow create a captivating landscape. The immense scale and majestic presence of the mountain are truly awe-inspiring, making it a iconic highlight of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway journey.
Best Time to Take a Tibet Train Tour for the Best Scenery
The best time to take a Tibet Train Tour for optimal scenic views varies according to the specific landscapes you wish to witness. However, generally speaking, the period from May to October is considered the best time to enjoy the diverse and spectacular scenery along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway.
You can look forward to the magnificent views of the Kunlun Mountains, Tanggula Pass, and the snow-capped peaks of the Nyenchen Tanglha mountain range. This is also the best opportunity to observe highland wildlife, including Tibetan antelopes and wild yaks grazing on the grasslands. In the months of July and August, the yellow rapeseed flowers in Qinghai Lake add a charming golden hue to the lakeside scenery.
Read more about Best Time to Take a Tibet Train Tour >>
Which train offers the best views of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway?
| Trains | Scenery Along the Tibet Train |
|---|---|
| Z21 Beijing to Lhasa | Qinghai Lake, Chaerhan Salt Lake, Cona Lake, Changtang Grassland, Nyenchen Tanglha Mountain |
| Z164 Shanghai to Lhasa | Qinghai Lake, Tuotuo River, Tanggula Mountain Pass, Cona Lake, Changtang Grassland, Nyenchen Tanglha Mountain |
| Z265 Guangzhou to Lhasa | Qinghai Lake, Tanggula Mountain Pass, Cona Lake, Changtang Grassland, Nyenchen Tanglha Mountain |
| Z323/223 Chengdu/Chongqing to Lhasa | Qinghai Lake, Chaerhan Salt Lake, Yuzhu Peak |
| Z8991 Xining to Lhasa | Kekexili, Tuotuo River, Tanggula Mountain Pass, Cona Lake, Changtang Grassland, Nyenchen Tanglha Mountain |
Every journey on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway offers unparalleled scenic experiences. However, the section from Tuotuo River to Lhasa is considered the highlight of the railway's scenery. This means that if you want to experience more of the breathtaking beauty of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, it is advisable to choose a train that operates during the daytime on the stretch from Tuotuo River to Lhasa.
A simple rule of thumb is that the later the Tibet train departs from Xining, the more scenic spots you will not miss due to darkness. Therefore, trains from Guangzhou to Lhasa, Shanghai to Lhasa, and Xining to Lhasa are the most recommended routes for experiencing the Qinghai-Tibet Railway.
How to Plan a Tibet Train Tour?
A complete journey on the Tibet Railway typically takes around 7-18 days. Depending on the train you take from mainland China to Tibet, you will need approximately 1-3 days.
Lhasa (2-3 days): Staying in Lhasa for 2-3 days allows your body to acclimatize to the high altitude and explore the city's highlights, such as the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and Sera Monastery.
Everest Base Camp (7-8 days): Visiting the Everest Base Camp in Tibet is one of the most popular destinations. It takes around 7-8 days to travel from Lhasa to the Everest Base Camp, allowing you to get up close to the majestic Mount Everest.
Mount Kailash (15 days): Embarking on a pilgrimage to the sacred Mount Kailash is highly recommended for those seeking a deeper exploration of Tibet. This route typically requires around 15 days of travel, following in the footsteps of pilgrims.
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!
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