
Best Train Journeys Around the World in Lhasa, China
1. Tibet Railway
A historic journey through the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, connecting Xining to Lhasa.
- High-Altitude Travel: Reaches the highest plateau in the world, with an average elevation of over 16,000 feet.
- Scenic Beauty: Passes through breathtaking landscapes, including snow-capped mountains and vast grasslands.
- Cultural Experience: Provides a glimpse into Tibetan culture and daily life along the route.
2. Lhasa-Nyingchi Railway
A scenic ride from Lhasa to Nyingchi, known for its lush valleys and Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon.
- Grand Canyon Views: Offers panoramic views of the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, one of the deepest gorges in the world.
- Flora and Fauna: Passes through diverse ecosystems teeming with exotic wildlife and vibrant flora.
- Tropical Climate: Travels from high-altitude Tibetan plateau to the subtropical climate of Nyingchi.
3. Lhasa-Shigatse Railway
Connects Lhasa to Shigatse, passing through the sacred Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier.
- Turquoise Lake: Crosses the turquoise waters of Yamdrok Lake, a holy lake revered by Tibetan Buddhists.
- Glacier Sightseeing: Provides stunning views of the Karola Glacier, one of the largest outside the Himalayas.
- Historical Significance: Passes through Tsedang, an ancient Tibetan city rich in Buddhist history and culture.
4. Lhasa-Gyirong Railway
Connects Lhasa to the border town of Gyirong, offering views of Mount Shishapangma.
- Mountain Views: Provides unparalleled views of the eighth highest mountain in the world, Mount Shishapangma.
- Crossing the Himalayas: Traverses the rugged Himalayan range, offering a thrilling adventure for travelers.
- Border Town Experience: Allows exploration of Gyirong, a town on the border with Nepal and Tibet.
5. Lhasa-Natang Railway
A scenic route from Lhasa to Natang, passing through the picturesque Natang grasslands.
- Grassland Vistas: Offers panoramic views of the lush and expansive Natang grasslands.
- Traditional Tibetan Life: Allows observation of nomadic herders living in yak-hair tents in the grasslands.
- Historical Sites: Passes by ancient monasteries and temples, including Natang Monastery.
6. Lhasa-Batang Railway
A long journey from Lhasa to Batang, crossing the Tibetan plateau and passing through the Brahmaputra River valley.
- Mighty River Views: Offers views of the mighty Brahmaputra River, one of the major rivers in Asia.
- Remote Landscapes: Travels through remote and sparsely populated landscapes on the Tibetan plateau.
- Monastery Visits: Allows visits to several important monasteries along the route, including Labrang Monastery.
7. Lhasa-Xigaze Railway
A journey from Lhasa to Xigaze, passing through the spectacular Gyachung La and Karo La mountain passes.
- Mountain Passes: Crosses the challenging Gyachung La and Karo La mountain passes, offering breathtaking views.
- Historical Sites: Passes by several important historical sites, including Tashilhunpo Monastery in Xigaze.
- Cultural Immersion: Allows travelers to immerse themselves in the unique Sherpa culture in the Xigaze region.
8. Lhasa-Golog Railway
A long and scenic route from Lhasa to Golog, passing through high plateaus and vast grasslands.
- Grassland Vistas: Offers panoramic views of the lush and expansive Golog grasslands.
- Traditional Tibetan Life: Allows observation of nomadic herders living in yak-hair tents in the grasslands.
- Historical Sites: Passes by ancient monasteries and temples, including Golog Monastery.
9. Lhasa-Chamdo Railway
A scenic ride from Lhasa to Chamdo, passing through the Three Parallel Rivers protected area.
- Three Parallel Rivers: Offers views of the three mighty rivers: the Yangtze, Mekong, and Salween.
- Biodiversity: Travels through a region rich in biodiversity, with opportunities to spot rare wildlife.
- Cultural Immersion: Allows travelers to immerse themselves in the unique Nyingma Tibetan Buddhist culture of the area.
10. Lhasa-Zamgar Monastery Railway
A spiritual journey from Lhasa to Zamgar Monastery, offering scenic views and religious significance.
- Scenic Beauty: Provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Spiritual Significance: Allows travelers to visit one of the holiest monasteries in Tibet, Zamgar Monastery.
- Cultural Immersion: Offers a deep insight into Tibetan Buddhism and its rich cultural practices.
11. Lhasa-Nagchu Railway
A long journey from Lhasa to Nagchu, passing through the vast Nagchu Basin and Karo La mountain pass.
- Basin Vistas: Offers panoramic views of the expansive and beautiful Nagchu Basin.
- Mountain Passes: Crosses the challenging Karo La mountain pass, offering breathtaking views.
- Historical Sites: Passes by several important historical sites, including Samye Monastery.
12. Lhasa-Tsetang Railway
A scenic route from Lhasa to Tsetang, passing through the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon and Yamdrok Lake.
- Grand Canyon Views: Offers panoramic views of the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, one of the deepest gorges in the world.
- Lake Vistas: Provides breathtaking views of Yamdrok Lake, a holy lake revered by Tibetan Buddhists.
- Historical Sites: Passes by several important historical sites, including Tsetang and Samye Monastery.
13. Lhasa-Ganden Monastery Railway
A spiritual journey from Lhasa to Ganden Monastery, offering scenic views and religious significance.
- Scenic Beauty: Provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Spiritual Significance: Allows travelers to visit one of the holiest monasteries in Tibet, Ganden Monastery.
- Cultural Immersion: Offers a deep insight into Tibetan Buddhism and its rich cultural practices.
14. Lhasa-Shigatse Express Railway
A modern and fast train ride from Lhasa to Shigatse, passing through the breathtaking Himalayas.
- High-Speed Travel: Offers a quicker journey time compared to traditional trains.
- Mountain Views: Provides stunning views of the majestic Himalayan mountain range.
- Historical Sites: Passes by several important historical sites, including Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
15. Lhasa-Nyingchi Express Railway
A modern and fast train ride from Lhasa to Nyingchi, offering views of the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon and lush valleys.
- High-Speed Travel: Offers a quicker journey time compared to traditional trains.
- Grand Canyon Views: Offers panoramic views of the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, one of the deepest gorges in the world.
- Lush Valleys: Travels through lush valleys and diverse ecosystems teeming with exotic wildlife.