The Train from Beijing to Lhasa

Beijing Train Station

Boarding the Train (I was the only blond person and got LOTS of stares)

In the Berth

Over a pass at 16,500 feet

Lhasa Train Station with Big Brother

From Beijing to Lhasa, the train covers 2,525 miles, much of which is built on the permafrost of the Tibetan Plateau. 86% of the train is above 4000 meters, the highest point topping out at 5,072m  or 16,640 feet. At this point in the journey, the water bottles in our sleeping compartment started to pop and crackle- expanding from the lack of pressure in the atmosphere. For three days, Mark and I watched the geography pass, played cards and yahtzee, and just plain ol’ chilled. After the hectic nature of the wedding, getting ready to leave, and the long distance travel, it was wonderful to have nothing to do. 

It was shocking to see the development across China. Huge T cranes dot the horizon, building yet another high-rise. In Xining, a city no one has even heard of, Mark counted more than 100 cranes from the train alone.

3 days later, we arrived in Lhasa, Tibet. Roof Top of the World.