China and Tibet Rail Discovery

Combine a rail journey through China from Urumqi to one of the world’s least known places, Tibet and the mystical capital of Lhasa, aboard the Shangri-La Express. In the shadow of the Himalayas and known as the ‘Roof of the World’ due to its breathtaking average height of 13,200ft (4,060m) above sea level, Tibet is home to more Himalayan peaks than anywhere else. Mount Everest lies on its border with Nepal. As befits such a remarkable land, Lhasa is home to an amazing UNESCO collection of spectacular palaces and temples. Yet Tibet has been virtually inaccessible by land. That changed with the building of the Golmud to Lhasa railway. More than 600 miles (965kms) is at an altitude of over 13,000ft (4,000m) and much of this magnificent line runs over permafrost. With the summit, the Tangula Pass, at 16,640ft (5,072m) it is also the world’s highest railway. To travel on this line is a true pioneering adventure, an experience as unique as the destination itself.