Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tibetan, Chinese and Hong Kong travellers can cross into Tibet's Yadong region from
Gangtok in Sikkim via the 4310m Nathu-la, tracing the former trading routes between
Lhasa, Kalimpong and Calcutta, and the path taken by Younghusband's invasion of Tibet in
1903. The route is not yet open to foreign travellers though both India and China are plan-
ning rail service to the regions in the coming years.
There is talk of opening the Kyirong-la (Kerong-la) to organised tour groups headed to/
from the Langtang region of Nepal, but there are no definite plans as yet. Roads are in
place on both sides of the border.
Indian pilgrims on a quota system travel to Purang via the Lipu Lekh pass from Pithor-
agarh.
Train
Trains to Lhasa leave from Běijīng, Chéngdū, Shànghǎi, Xīníng and Guǎngzhōu daily and
every other day from Chóngqìng (via Xī'ān) and Lánzhōu, which link with the Chéngdū and
Xīníng trains, respectively. In 2014 a new route began operating from Shíjiāzhuāng, Héběi
Province, and a new daily train service from Lhasa to Shigatse started in late 2014. Future
extensions will include lines from Lhasa to Zhangmu on the Nepal border and Golmud to
Dūnhuáng in Gānsù Province.
All current trains cross the Tibetan plateau during daylight, guaranteeing great views.
From Golmud the train climbs through desert into the jagged caramel-coloured mountains
of Nanshankou (Southern Pass), passing what feels like a stone's throw from the impress-
ive glaciers beside Yuzhu Feng (Jade Pearl Peak; 6178m). Other highlights include the tun-
nel through the 4776m Kunlun Pass, where you can see the prayer flags at the top of the
pass, and Tsonak Lake (4608m), 9½ hours from Golmud near Amdo, claimed to be the
highest freshwater lake in the world. Keep your eyes peeled throughout the journey for
antelope, foxes and wild asses, plus the occasional nomad. The train crosses into Tibet
over the 5072m Tangu-la (Tanggula Shankou) Pass, the line's high point.
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