Xining to Lhasa Tibet

After a full day exploring Xining, a predominately Muslim town, we board our next ‘iron rooster’ to cross the roof of the world. A 22-hour journey of 1,956 kms crossing the Tibetan Plateau; the world’s highest railway which crosses an extreme environment of permafrost, lakes and grasslands. An engineering feat, built by the Chinese military and completed in 2006.
Our warm, oxygenated cabin protected us from the harsh environment. Even so we had slight headaches, so our train attendant provided us with piped oxygen. Drinking plenty of water also helped.
No photos can capture the spectacular and vast scenery of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, lakes, braided rivers, yaks, wild horses, antelope and Tibetan settlements. A real privilege having a National Geographic documentary roll past our window.Read more