Shanghai to Tibet Train – Must See Stops Along the Way

Snow mountain, Prairie, Potala Palace, everyone has their own idea of going to Tibet. Actually, people in Shanghai can get to Tibet easily, because there is an interesting train called Z164, which you can take the “train” to go on their pilgrimage. The total trip is 47 hours, 12 stops and the ticket price is only a little bit over 400. Of course, you need to be prepared before going to Tibet. The UV is strong in place of high altitude, please take good protection against sun light. The plateau reaction should not be ignored. Once you enter the plateau, you need to pay attention. It is better to stop drinking alcohol and smoking before, and eat foods contain high level of vitamin. After entering the plateau, you have to avoid fatigue to prevent hypoxia.

Even though the road is long, the view is good. From Xining station, it is the true start point of the “road to heaven”. Along the way, you will pass the Kekexili, Kunlun Mountains, Yuzhu Peak, Tanggula Pass, Ulan Moran. The scenery is incredible.

Kekexili

Kekexili is located in the northwestern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, which covers 83,000 square km. It is the biggest and highest plateau in China, with wild yak, wild donkey, and white-lip deer.

Kunlun Mountain

Kunlun Mountain starts from the Tarim Basin in the west, extending 2,500 km with an average 5,500 to 6,000 meters above the sea level. The mountain is 130 – 200 meters wide. The mountain is wider in west and narrower in east. Total size is over 500,000 square km. It is known as Xunlunxu, first fairy mountain in China, ancestor of the mountains, Kunlunqiu or Yu Mountain.

Yuzhu Peak

Yuzhu Peak is the highest peak of the eastern part of Kunlun Mountain. The edge of the south end is about 5,100 meters. The north is extended to 4,400 meters. The top of the mountain is normally covered by the snow throughout the year. From April November, is the mountain climbing season for Yuzhu Peak.

Ulan Moran

Ulan Moran is also called Tuotuo River or Tearful River, which means “red river” in Mongolian language. It is located in the southeast of Qinghai and the eastern source of Yangtze River.

Tanggula Pass

Tanggula Pass is located at the border between Tibet and Qinghai. It means the “mountain in the plateau” in Mongolian language. It is also called “Dangla Mountain.” It is told, when Princess Wencheng was on her way to marry the King Sangtsan Gampo of Tibet, when they arrived at Tanggula Pass, the road was blocked by the huge snow. Without any solution, with the suggestion of the monks in the team, the Princess left the lotus flower shaped seat to help get rid of the storm. This was how they manage to get across the mountain.

Amdo

The famous Kekexili, the northem Tibet Qiangtang, the art of Regong Tangka, and the difficult path on the grassland for Red Army, are all nurtured here in the Amdo.

Nagqu Prefecture

The center of the politic, economy, culture, transportation, information and communication center of Tibet. There is a featured festival called Horse Racing Festival, which is the biggest scale traditional festival in Tibet. Thousands of Tibetan dressed in the gorgeous outfit and brought barley wine, sour milk and other foods, and also the pretty pattern tents. They arrive the racing field in their horses from different places.

Damxung

In Mongolian language, it means “the selected pasture”. Namtso lake, Tanggula Pass, Eight Towers of Northern Tibet, Kangma Monastery and other historical attractions are located here.

Potala Palace

Potala Palace is the most magnificent architecture with highest elevation, and combined palace, castle and monastery in one. It is also the biggest and most preserved ancient palace group in Tibet. The Potala Palace was initially built for the King Sangtsan Gampo of Tibet to marry the Princess Wencheng.

Mount Kailash

Mount Kailash is 6,656 meters above the sea. It is considered as sacred place in several religions. The mountain is also known as Kailasa in Sanskrit. The north part of the Mount Kailash is the upper reach of the Sengge Zangbo. It is told the religion Bon started here. For Hindus, it believes it is the home of the mountain god Shiva and the center of the universe.

Namtso

Namtso is located in the middle of Tibet, which is the second largest lake in Tibet. It is the third Salt Lake in China. One of the three holy lakes in Tibet. In Tibetan language, it means “Lake of Heaven”.

Namcha Barwa

Namcha Barwa is the tallest mountain in Linzhi region, Tibet, China, of 7,782 meters. It is the holy place for the most ancient Buddhism – “Bon”. It is known as the “father of the mountains in Tibet”.

Mount Everest

The famous Mount Everest shouldn’t need too much introduction. The “Zhumu” in Tibetan means goodness; “Langma” means third. This is because there are four other mountains next to Mount Everest, which ranks at third. Thus, it is called “Mount Everest”.

Tsaparang

Tsaparang is located in a mountain in Ngari region. It was build early 10^th century BC. There were total 16 emperors. The palace castle has been expanded between 10^th – 16^th century. The total size is 180,000 square meters. From the bottom to top is 300 meters. The houses, pagodas, and cave are all over the mountain, up to 600, which has formed a large ancient building group.

Medog County

In the deep side of the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, there is a holy place with lotus flowers. Here is the Medog in Tibet, which is a place that has never been developed.

Yamdrok Lake

Yamdrok Lake, Namtso, and Mapam Yumco are called the three biggest holy lakes in Tibet. It is the largest inland lake inside the Himalayas. The folks say that the Yamdrok Lake is made from the fairy from the sky.

Lhamo La-tso

The most legendary lake in Tibet, meaning “Lucky Lake of the Goddess”. Even though it is too small to indicate on the map, it is told that you can tell your own future from your reflection in the lake.

Twin lake glacier

The known as “third extreme” Twin Lake Glacier has been always the check-in spot for travelers in Tibet.

Yarlung Tsangpo River

Yarlugn Tsango is the longest river in plateau in China, started from the Tibet. It is also world highest mountain in the world.

Tea Horse Road

Tea Horse Road started from the “beneficial trade of tea and horses” in Tang and Song Dynasty. It is the major transportation channel for international trade. That time, if the Tibetans want to drink tea, they have to deliver it with the Tea Horse Road.