Tibetan mountains and landscapes are home to an immense variety of species of rare plants and birds. Tibetan forests are also famous for its wide range of herbs for Chinese medicines. However, due to freezing temperatures and geographical altitudes, the access of China Tourism in Tibet region was limited until recently. On July 1, 2006 Qinghai-Tibet railway began passenger service, marking a remarkable milestone in the construction of infrastructure in China. This opens a way for tourists dangerous to travel from Beijing to the remote Tibet by train with a low budget.
It is estimated that 90% of tourists use the train to Lhasa, Tibet. This is a unique field expedition to eliminate the cascading flow, spectacular mountain ranges and colorful landscapes almost untouched by modern civilization. It is the dream of urban travelers to experience nature in this overview, delivery and rejuvenation for a true getaway from the hectic city life.
A Centennial Dream Comes True
Since its initial conception in early 1950, the development of Qinghai-Tibet Railway went through a long 50 years to develop. The first 814 km section from Xining, capital of Qinghai Province, to Golmud began operation in 1984. Golmud-Lhasa section started construction in June 2001. On July 1, 2006, 1956 km Qinghai-Tibet, began his long-term operation. His two inaugural trains, “Qing 1″ and “Tibet 2″, started service from Golmud and Lhasa separately. Chinese President Hu Jintao described the project as an incredible success, both in China and the developing world train. The mission also carried out a dream realized anniversary of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the leader of the democratic revolution in China.
Physical impairments
The geographical conditions of Golmod in Lhasa are especially harsh. Perennial ground ice as weak as iron, heavy snow in winter and high altitudes deterred and slowed the progress of the project by several years of implementation of the site. An American, Paul Theroux, prophesized that Kunlun range is a clear geographical impossible barrier for the train to Lhasa. However, the opening of the Qinghai-Tibet railway now the high end of the world in Lhasa, has proven Theroux a false prophecy.
Key data of the Qinghai-Tibet
The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is the highest in the world.
960 kilometers of its tracks are located 4,000 meters above sea level.
The highest point is 5072 meters above sea level or 200 meters higher than the second highest railway in the Andes of Peru.
550 kms of the road race on the frozen ground
Tanggula train station train station in the world (5068 meters above sea level)
Fenghuoshan tunnel is the highest tunnel in the world in the frozen ground (4905 m above sea level)
It is the world’s longest railway plateau, which extends 1,956 kilometers from Xining, Qinghai to Lhasa, Tibet.
The Golmud-Lhasa section zigzags around 1142 kms Tanggula and Kunlun Range.
Kunlun Mountain Tunnel is the world’s longest plateau tunnel built on frozen ground (1686 m)
The maximum speed of trains is 100 km / h in frozen areas and 120 km / h in areas not frozen.
The environment
The Chinese authorities responded to international calls for ecological and sustainable development. 8% of the total development cost is spent on environmental conservation. The recommendations of the Academy of Environmental Protection were taken seriously by the Chinese government prior to construction. Qinghai-Tibet Railway is credited with the honor of being the first environmental friendly railroad in the world.
Train Schedule for Tibet
Tourists can join the train routes from various cities in China.
1. West Beijing Railway Station to Lhasa, the journey is 4064 km and takes 47 hours and 28 minutes. The entry fee is RMB389 (USD48) for a hard seat, RMB813 (USD102) for a hard sleeper and RMB1262 (USD160) for a soft bed. It leaves Beijing at 21:30 every night and arrive in Lhasa at 20:58 on the third day. Another train leaves Lhasa for Beijing at 8:00 am and arrives in Beijing at 8:00 on the third day, via Xian, Lanzhou, Xining, and Nacku Golmod.
2. Chengdu Lhasa station, the journey is 3360 km. The entry fee is RMB331 for hard seat, RMB712 and RMB1104 hard bed ($ 140) for a soft bed. Leave Chengdu at 18:18 on different days and arrive in Lhasa at 18:28 on the third day. It leaves Lhasa for Chengdu at 9:05 and arrives in Chengdu at 9:55 the third day, Via Guangyuan, Baoji, Lanzhou, Xining, and Nacku Golmod
3. Chongqing to Lhasa railway station. The whole trip was 3654 km the entry fee is RMB355 for hard seat, RMB754 a hard bed and RMB1168 for a soft bed. Leave Chongqing at 19:20 on even days and arrives in Lhasa at 18:28 on the third day. It leaves Lhasa for Chongqing at 9:05 and arrive in Chongqing at 09:55 on the third day, Via Guangan, Dazhou, Xian, Baoji, Lanzhou, Xining, and Nacku Golmod.
Preparing for cold weather, traveling to Tibet is advised to wear warm clothing such as ski jackets, winter coats and thermal under-wears.
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