ith the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, Lhasa Express takes passengers to the Tibetan city known as “Roof of the World”. Also known as “Sky Road”, this railway holds more Guinness book entries than any single structure in the world—six in total, comprising the world’s highest railway, highest railway tunnel, longest tunnel through permafrost, longest plateau railway, and the highest construction site. Connecting otherwise isolated Tibet to mainland China, the Sky Road has attracted people interested in Tibetan culture from all over the world, becoming one of the busiest railways in China.
In addition to holding multiple world records, the Sky Road is also known for its beautiful scenery. Along the way, passengers can witness the crystal-like Qinghai Lake, China’s largest saltwater lake; the naturally occurring Qarhan Salt Bridge; the vast Gobi Desert; the snow-peaked Kunlun Mountains; and more. With scenic platforms at stations, passengers are able to observe the miraculous scenes upfront. As proclaimed by famous Australian skydiver Felix Baumgartner, “When you stand on top of the world, you become so humble.” When standing on the Tanggula Station platform, the highest railway station in the world, there is a moment when you feel like you’re on top of the world. Traversing these landscapes opens a door to the fascinating Tibetan culture. Once at the final destination in Lhasa, you can visit the Potala Palace, once a palace for nine Dalai Lamas, which is now a museum and World Heritage Site. Also, don’t miss the opportunity to witness customs such as the sky burial as they are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The railway is also considered a miraculous feat of engineering. Tibet was China’s last province to have its own railway due to its high altitude and rough terrain. Out of the total 1,956 kilometers of the railway, more than 960 kilometers are 5,000 meters above sea level, with the highest point, Tanggula Station, sitting 5,068 meters above sea level. Permafrost and lack of oxygen also made construction extremely difficult. The 550 kilometers between Tanggula Station and Lhasa were completely built on permafrost, which is the longest distance of railway on permafrost in the world. The engineers not only built the railway but also ensured that the train ran at 100km/h on permafrost, whereas the train runs at 120km/h on other sections of the railway. Today the railway runs with two oxygen supply methods for passengers and crew to ensure safety: by controlling temperature and air pressure within compartments and by including two oxygen supply rooms for individual passengers.
Aside from its majestic scenery and miraculous engineering, the railway is also noteworthy for its diplomatic significance. Because of its isolating terrain, Tibet was heavily reliant upon imported goods from other regions until this railway became Tibet’s route to the outside world. Built as part of China’s Western Development Plan to assist less-developed provinces, the Sky Road has significantly lowered transportation costs. The railway also plays an important role in the ongoing One Belt One Road Initiative, as it is seen as a bridge between China and South Asia. In 2008, the Nepalese and Chinese governments agreed to expand a train line to increase tourism and trade between the two countries. This led to an agreement in 2018 during Nepal Prime Minister Oli’s visit to Beijing for the construction of the Shigatse-Kathmandu, which is scheduled to be completed in 2024. There are also plans for the Sky Road to connect at the borders of India and Bhutan.
Tibet is a bucket list destination for many people, not only because of its beauty but also its unique culture. Visit Potala Palace, meet monks at the Sera Monastery, and witness the beauty of the Tibetan Plateau. The railway has resumed operations after pausing for the COVID-19 pandemic and is now available for reservations.
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Journeying to the World’s Rooftop Via the Sky Road
August 8, 2020
W
ith the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, Lhasa Express takes passengers to the Tibetan city known as “Roof of the World”. Also known as “Sky Road”, this railway holds more Guinness book entries than any single structure in the world—six in total, comprising the world’s highest railway, highest railway tunnel, longest tunnel through permafrost, longest plateau railway, and the highest construction site. Connecting otherwise isolated Tibet to mainland China, the Sky Road has attracted people interested in Tibetan culture from all over the world, becoming one of the busiest railways in China.
In addition to holding multiple world records, the Sky Road is also known for its beautiful scenery. Along the way, passengers can witness the crystal-like Qinghai Lake, China’s largest saltwater lake; the naturally occurring Qarhan Salt Bridge; the vast Gobi Desert; the snow-peaked Kunlun Mountains; and more. With scenic platforms at stations, passengers are able to observe the miraculous scenes upfront. As proclaimed by famous Australian skydiver Felix Baumgartner, “When you stand on top of the world, you become so humble.” When standing on the Tanggula Station platform, the highest railway station in the world, there is a moment when you feel like you’re on top of the world. Traversing these landscapes opens a door to the fascinating Tibetan culture. Once at the final destination in Lhasa, you can visit the Potala Palace, once a palace for nine Dalai Lamas, which is now a museum and World Heritage Site. Also, don’t miss the opportunity to witness customs such as the sky burial as they are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The railway is also considered a miraculous feat of engineering. Tibet was China’s last province to have its own railway due to its high altitude and rough terrain. Out of the total 1,956 kilometers of the railway, more than 960 kilometers are 5,000 meters above sea level, with the highest point, Tanggula Station, sitting 5,068 meters above sea level. Permafrost and lack of oxygen also made construction extremely difficult. The 550 kilometers between Tanggula Station and Lhasa were completely built on permafrost, which is the longest distance of railway on permafrost in the world. The engineers not only built the railway but also ensured that the train ran at 100km/h on permafrost, whereas the train runs at 120km/h on other sections of the railway. Today the railway runs with two oxygen supply methods for passengers and crew to ensure safety: by controlling temperature and air pressure within compartments and by including two oxygen supply rooms for individual passengers.
Aside from its majestic scenery and miraculous engineering, the railway is also noteworthy for its diplomatic significance. Because of its isolating terrain, Tibet was heavily reliant upon imported goods from other regions until this railway became Tibet’s route to the outside world. Built as part of China’s Western Development Plan to assist less-developed provinces, the Sky Road has significantly lowered transportation costs. The railway also plays an important role in the ongoing One Belt One Road Initiative, as it is seen as a bridge between China and South Asia. In 2008, the Nepalese and Chinese governments agreed to expand a train line to increase tourism and trade between the two countries. This led to an agreement in 2018 during Nepal Prime Minister Oli’s visit to Beijing for the construction of the Shigatse-Kathmandu, which is scheduled to be completed in 2024. There are also plans for the Sky Road to connect at the borders of India and Bhutan.
Tibet is a bucket list destination for many people, not only because of its beauty but also its unique culture. Visit Potala Palace, meet monks at the Sera Monastery, and witness the beauty of the Tibetan Plateau. The railway has resumed operations after pausing for the COVID-19 pandemic and is now available for reservations.
