CHINA D4 TIBET JUNE 2007

 

CHINA D4 TIBET JUNE 2007

DAY 4

XINING TO LHASA on Train

Also known as the Qinghai Tibet Railway, this 1960km long track is an engineering masterpiece and is the highest railway in the world and it took more than 15 years to complete. 960 km of the rails are above 5000m elevation across the Tibetan Plateau.

The train rolled off around 9 pm and there was not much to be seen out of the window as we ride through the night.

                                       

   The cabins were very comfortable and were all supplied with oxygen to minimized altitude sickness.                               

In the morning we woke up to see the vastness of the Tibetan Plateau. There are numerous scenic sights along the track. We were treated to some of the most stunning and breathtaking views of the plateau, mountains, lakes, rivers, grasslands, herds of animals and beautiful landscapes.

All the meals were served in the train cafeteria, four to a table.

The train also made a few stops along the way. Here was a stop at Golmud.

                                       

Along the tracks are Qinghai Lake, Kekexili Nature Reserve, Tanggula Mountains, Changtang Grasslands, Cona Lake and many others.

Late sunset and dusk

Onboard the train sharing our cabin was a Han Chinese mother and child. 

 

We finally arrived Lhasa Station around 10 pm

Getting out of the comfortable train, we were now exposed to high altitude and immediately felt the lack of oxygen. We adapted quickly and learned to move slowly and take smaller steps.  The average altitude of Lhasa is 2700m or 12,000 feet. Our stayed at Xining with altitude of 2700m help us climatized better.