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The train to Lhasa can be taken from a number of cities in China. We took it from Xining in Qinghai province but it can be taken from Lanzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing and Guangzhou as well. Arguably the most prestigious train in China Railways fleet and passing through some of China’s grandest scenery this rail journey has become the preferred way to go to or from Lhasa. This makes competition for tickets intense and that combined with the need for a Tibet Travel Permit means booking well in advance is necessary.

Much of the route is over 4,000 meters in altitude but the train is comfortable with oxygen pumped into cabins meaning that the real effects of the altitude (and the train reaches over 5,000 meters at some points) are not felt unless you get out at the short and infrequent stops. We had a soft sleeper berth which was better than the usual soft sleeper cabin on Chinese trains in that the berths were slightly bigger than normal. The dining car food was above average for Chinese trains and the staff kept things clean and made an effort to communicate in English which we appreciated.

The scenery is, needless to say, spectacular – especially a few hours before Lhasa. We passed lakes including Qinghai Lake, as well as 7,000 meter glacier adorned peaks. On board information keeps you updated on altitude, speed and, at this time of year, the sub zero outside temperature. Inside the train it was warm, perhaps too warm sometimes, and that combined with the oxygen supply made looking out onto the high Tibetan plateau in early winter a slightly weird experience.

Only a couple of days before our 2009 China trip begins. The map to the left shows part one of a pretty packed itinerary Beijing to Shanghai via the Silk Road and Tibet. It’s going to be cold going for sure but then part 2 will be something a little warmer to look forward to. More on that in a day or so. Aside from the cold this first half of the month long trip is the bit I am really looking forward to. It starts with a weekend catching up with friends in Beijing before moving onto China’s far West and Xinjiang province. There may not be any updates for a few days as internet is “switched off” in Xinjiang following the summers disturbances. We swiftly move onto Turfan followed in rapid succession by Dunhuang and Jiayuguan. At Lanzhou we head south to Xining before taking the Tibet Train to Lhasa.

A short time there before a flight to the slightly warmer climes of Shanghai. You can find a bit more information on these places by clicking on the links in this text – or just wait for the updates and photos that will hopefully be uploaded en route.