Tibet used to be a destination in China where people had difficulty traveling and exploring because of its high terrains. Now you can explore Tibet not only with rental cars and flights, but you can also take many different train trips to this Southwestern region in China. If you have never considered Tibet as a vacation destination you are missing out on one of the most exquisite and breathtaking places in the world. In the past, Tibet used to be a land of mystery and a lot of restrictions which prevented travelers from taking in the culture. Today, Tibet has become one of the most desired vacation destinations as more of this mysterious place is being discovered.

The Qinghai-Tibet railway is totally 1,956 kilometers (1216 miles) long, consisting of 2 phases: the first phase 814 km (506 miles) from Xinning - the capital of Qinghai Province to Golmud opened in 1984; the second phase 1142 km (710 miles) from Golmud to Lhasa. In the following years, the Chinese government is going to extend the railroad to Shigatse (about 300 km west of Lhasa) and Linzhi regions (about 400 km east of Lhasa).

The Qinghai-Tibet railway boasts 960 km track located 4,000 meters (12,000 feet) above sea level and the highest point at 5,072 meters (15,220 feet). The rail is dubbed "Sky Track" as many international experts hardly believe the people can build a railway in such a challenging area.

The newest development within the Tibet tourism industry is the option to take a train through and to Tibet on the Qinghai-Tibet railway. Although taking the train to Tibet takes much longer than a plane flight, you can enjoy the amazing scenery and landscapes which Tibet has to offer. The Qinghai-Tibet railway is one of the highest railways in the world; the tracks are 4000 meters above sea level.

This Tibet train travel and adventure is a very affordable option for anyone looking to explore this mysterious and beautiful place with minimum stress. Although there still are some places this new railway system does not reach, it is a work in progress and one of the best transportation options Tibet has seen in a long time. Visit Tibet today and experience its beauty, mystery and culture first hand on this romantic train ride.