
Best Train Journeys Around the World in Kabul, Afghanistan
1. Trans-Siberian Railway
Longest railway in the world, connecting Moscow with Vladivostok; offers a glimpse into diverse landscapes and cultures.
- Duration: 96 hours non-stop travel, passing through eight time zones
- Scenic Beauty: Ranging from lush forests and vast tundra to the stunning Lake Baikal
- Cultural Experiences: Encountering various ethnic groups along the route, such as Buryats and Yakuts
2. Trans-Mongolian Railway
Crosses three countries: Russia, Mongolia, China; provides a unique perspective on nomadic culture and vast Mongolian landscapes.
- Authentic Nomadic Culture: Opportunity to visit traditional Mongolian ger (yurt) camps
- Gobi Desert: Journey through the Gobi Desert, experiencing its unique flora and fauna
- Historic Cities: Visiting ancient capitals like Ulaanbaatar, Irkutsk, and Beijing
3. Indian Himalayan Railways
Travel through the heart of the Indian Himalayas; offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks and lush valleys.
- Engineer's Marvel: Construction challenges overcome, such as bridges over deep gorges and tunnels through mountains
- Cultural Richness: Exposure to diverse ethnic groups and their rich traditions
- Scenic Beauty: Passing through scenic destinations like Darjeeling, Shimla, and Kalka
4. Japanese Bullet Train (Shinkansen)
High-speed train connecting major Japanese cities; offers a glimpse into Japan's modernity and efficiency.
- Speed: Traveling at speeds over 320 km/h, reducing travel time significantly
- Scenic Routes: Passing through scenic areas like Mount Fuji and the Sea of Japan coastline
- Efficiency: Reliable service, punctuality, and cleanliness making travel stress-free
5. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Luxurious train journey from London to Venice; offers a taste of glamorous past and European charm.
- Luxury Experience: Cabins equipped with en-suite facilities, elegant dining cars, and personalized service
- Historic Significance: Following the route of iconic trains like the Orient Express
- European Culture: Visiting famous cities like Paris, Zurich, and Innsbruck along the way
6. Bernina Express
Scenic train ride through the Swiss Alps; offers breathtaking views of glaciers, lakes, and charming villages.
- Natural Beauty: Passing through UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Bernina Pass
- Scenic Routes: Journey through landscapes of stunning contrasts, including glaciers, lakes, and waterfalls
- Cultural Experiences: Visiting charming Swiss villages with their unique architecture and traditions
7. Rocky Mountaineer
Train journey through the Canadian Rockies; offers breathtaking views of mountains, glaciers, and lakes.
- Scenic Beauty: Passing through scenic destinations like Banff, Jasper, and Lake Louise
- Natural Wonders: Views of the Canadian Rockies, Fraser River Canyon, and Hell's Gate
- Cultural Experiences: Learning about indigenous cultures, history, and wildlife
8. West Highland Line
Scenic train journey through the Scottish Highlands; offers breathtaking views of lochs, glens, and castles.
- Natural Beauty: Passing through scenic destinations like Rannoch Moor, Glenfinnan Viaduct, and Loch Nevis
- Historic Significance: Following the route of the Harry Potter films' Hogwarts Express
- Cultural Experiences: Visiting historic castles and experiencing Scottish culture and hospitality
9. Iron Ore Railway (Ofotbanen)
Norway's highest standard-gauge railway; offers unique insights into the iron ore industry and Arctic landscapes.
- Industrial Heritage: Witnessing the mining and transportation of iron ore
- Arctic Landscapes: Journey through Arctic landscapes, including glaciers, fjords, and mountains
- Scenic Beauty: Experiencing the unique combination of industrial and natural beauty
10. Glacier Express
Scenic train journey through the Swiss Alps; offers breathtaking views of glaciers, lakes, and charming villages.
- Natural Beauty: Passing through UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Oberalp Pass
- Scenic Routes: Journey through landscapes of stunning contrasts, including glaciers, lakes, and waterfalls
- Cultural Experiences: Visiting charming Swiss villages with their unique architecture and traditions
11. Torres del Paine Circuit Train
Train journey through Patagonia's Torres del Paine National Park; offers breathtaking views of glaciers and mountains.
- Scenic Beauty: Passing through scenic destinations like Grey Glacier, Torres del Paine, and Salto Grande
- Natural Wonders: Views of Patagonia's unique flora and fauna, including condors, pumas, and guanacos
- Adventure: Access to hiking trails for exploring the park's scenic wonders
12. The Ghan
Train journey from Darwin to Adelaide; offers a glimpse into Australia's diverse landscapes and cultures.
- Diversity: Journey through different ecosystems, including the tropical Top End and the outback
- Cultural Experiences: Learning about Aboriginal culture and Australian history
- Scenic Routes: Passing through scenic destinations like Katherine Gorge, Alice Springs, and the Flinders Ranges
13. Blue Train
Luxurious train journey through South Africa; offers a glimpse into African wildlife and rich cultural heritage.
- Luxury Experience: Cabins equipped with en-suite facilities, elegant dining cars, and personalized service
- Wildlife Encounters: Opportunities to view Africa's big five (elephant, lion, leopard, rhinoceros, and Cape buffalo)
- Cultural Experiences: Visiting historical sites like the Kimberley Mine Museum and Kruger National Park
14. Iranzamin Train
Train journey across Iran; offers a glimpse into Persian culture, history, and diverse landscapes.
- Cultural Richness: Visiting ancient cities like Isfahan, Persepolis, and Shiraz
- Historic Significance: Following the route of historic Silk Road trade routes
- Scenic Beauty: Journey through diverse landscapes, including deserts, mountains, and fertile plains
15. Trans-Karakoram Railway
Proposed train journey through Pakistan's Karakoram Range; offers breathtaking views of mountains and diverse cultures.
- Scenic Beauty: Passing through some of the world's highest mountain ranges, including K2
- Cultural Experiences: Encountering diverse ethnic groups like Wakhanis and Baltis
- Adventure: Journey through one of the world's highest train routes, with challenging construction conditions