To Tibet: flight or train?

 

It’s been a while ever since travellers can reach Tibet by sky-train, but it’s about time for feed backs on how to get there. In the past seven years, the Chinese government has laid 710 miles of track across western China and the Tibetan plateau, creating the highest elevated railway ever built. At its tallest point, the Tanggula Pass near the China-Tibet border, the Sky Train climbs to 16,640 feet.

The lowest level of accommodations is simply an uncushioned seat. The most luxurious option, soft-sleeper class, has flat-screen TVs and four soft bunk beds (with down comforters) in each cabin. In the hard-sleeper class, which is less private, consists of compartments with no doors. Three wooden bunks are stacked on both sides of the cabin, so the person at the top has to sleep nose-to-ceiling.

Unless you’re really into the scenery from Beijing to Tibet, I recommend flight. It’s quicker and more comfortable (or at least, the period of discomfort is reduced.) That’s how my mom and brother travel to Tibet every year anyway.

No matter which way you choose though, you would feel it’s all worth it once you reach Tibet. That’s a fact.