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The Xinjiang Tibet Railway Plan Breakdown
The Xinjiang Tibet Railway, an ambitious project currently under planning, is set to revolutionize travel between Xinjiang and Tibet. The proposed railway line is expected to span approximately 2,010 kilometers, traversing some of the world's most challenging and breathtaking terrain.
Proposed Route of Xinjiang Tibet Railway
The planned Xinjiang-Tibet Railway is set to follow along the China-Nepal and China-India borders. The proposed route includes Lhasa, Shigatse, Lhatse, Lake Peikutso, Saga, Zhongba, Baga, Shiquanhe, Rutog, and Hotan.
Additionally, there is a plan to include a branch line to Nepal, which is of great interest to many tourists. This branch line would depart from Peikutso Lake, pass through Gyirong, and then reach Nepal.
The railway route will traverse the famous Kunlun Mountains, Gangdise Mountains, Himalayas, as well as numerous icefalls, glaciers, permafrost layers, and uninhabited areas. It is astonishing that the entire line is expected to exceed an altitude of 4,500 meters. The challenge is even greater than that of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. Truly a remarkable undertaking!
If this railway line is completed, one can imagine reaching popular destinations in Tibet, such as Everest Base Camp, Mount Kailash, and Lake Manasarovar, in a faster time. You can find the destinations on your list there.
Planned Construction Phases of the Xinjiang Tibet Railway
Lhasa-Shigatse Section (Currently Operational)
The inaugural phase of this magnificent project, the Lhasa to Shigatse section, is already in operation. This railway stretch, spanning 253 kilometers in total, commenced service in 2014. It serves as a vital link between the capital city of Tibet, Lhasa, and the second-largest city, Shigatse. Moreover, the train journey from Lhasa to Shigatse offers a time-efficient option for travelers heading to Everest Base Camp in Tibet.
Shigatse-Peikutso Lake Section (Expected Construction Start in 2025)
The next phase of the project, the Shigatse to Lake Peikutso section, is scheduled to begin construction in 2025. This segment of the railway will extend the existing line from Shigatse to the awe-inspiring Lake Peikutso, situated amidst the majestic Himalayan terrain. It will offer you the opportunity to embark on a train journey from Lhasa to this stunning lake, providing a distant view of Mount Xixabangma. Furthermore, the completion of this section will pave the way for the railway connection from Gyirong to Nepal, fulfilling the prerequisites for the route to reach Gyirong and further extend into Nepal.
Peikutso-Hotan Section
The final phase in the construction plan is the Peikutso-Hotan section. This phase will connect Peiku Tso with Hotan, an oasis city located in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
Current Transportation Options from Xinjiang to Tibet
While the Xinjiang Tibet Railway is being planned, there are several other ways to travel from Xinjiang to Tibet.
From Xinjiang to Lhasa by Train
To travel from the capital of Xinjiang, Urumqi, to the capital of Tibet, Lhasa, you have the option to take a train with a transfer in Xining, Qinghai Province. Currently, there is a high-speed train available from Urumqi to Xining, reducing the journey to approximately 9 hours. Alternatively, regular trains take around 14-19 hours. From Xining, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway connects to Lhasa, with a travel time of about 20 hours. Therefore, the total travel time for the entire journey is usually around 29-29 hours.
From Xinjiang to Lhasa by Road
For adventurous individuals, embarking on a road trip along the Xinjiang-Tibet Highway (also known as National Highway 219) offers an exhilarating experience. This highway is renowned as one of the world's most challenging and scenic routes, stretching approximately 2,743 kilometers. It winds through high-altitude terrains, including the majestic Kunlun Mountains and the vast Qiangtang Plateau. Typically, the journey takes about a week to complete.
From Xinjiang to Lhasa by Flight
The fastest way to travel from Xinjiang to Tibet is by taking a flight. Several airlines operate flights from Urumqi to Lhasa, usually with layovers in Xining or Chengdu. Including layover time, the total flight duration ranges from 5 to 7 hours, depending on specific flight schedules and layover durations.
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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