Xining to Lhasa: The Qinghai-Tibet Highway and Railway

The Qinghai-Tibet route offers two ways to reach Lhasa: the highway, built in the 1950s, and the railway, completed in 2006. Both cross the Tibetan Plateau, offering views of permafrost, lakes, and wildlife.

Qinghai-Tibet Railway

The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is the highest railway in the world, reaching 5,072 meters at the Tanggula Pass. The 1,956-kilometer journey from Xining to Lhasa takes about 22 hours. The train passes permafrost, lakes, and snow peaks. Oxygen is provided at high elevations.

Qinghai-Tibet Highway

The highway, built in the 1950s, was the first road to Tibet. The route crosses the Kunlun and Tanggula mountains. The scenery is stark: vast plains, distant peaks, and occasional nomad tents. The drive takes about 3 days.

Tanggula Pass

The Tanggula Pass at 5,231 meters is the highest point on both routes. The air is thin; temperatures are cold even in summer. The views extend across the plateau. Altitude sickness is common here.

Tuotuo River

The Tuotuo River is the source of the Yangtze. The river meanders across the plateau, a thin ribbon of water in a vast landscape. A bridge crosses the river on both routes.

Nagqu

Nagqu is a major town on the plateau, at 4,500 meters. The surrounding grasslands are grazing grounds for nomadic Tibetans. The town offers a break before the final push to Lhasa.

Practicalities

The railway is the easiest way to reach Lhasa, with tickets available online. The highway requires joining a tour. The best time is May to October; winter is brutally cold. Altitude acclimatization is essential.