China ExpressesChina Luxury Trains
Purpose-built for the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the Shangri-La Express pairs oxygen-enriched en-suite cabins with a glass-walled observation car and a dining car serving Tibetan and international cuisine. All at altitudes above 4,500 metres. The train carries a medical officer, has pressurised common areas, and builds acclimatisation into every itinerary.
Twin or double bed with premium linen. Private en-suite with rain-head shower. Picture window with heated glass. Individual oxygen outlet and climate control.
10 m² En-suiteKing or twin beds. Separate sitting area. Floor-to-ceiling window. Larger en-suite with rainfall shower and Tibetan herbal amenities. Daily turndown.
14 m² En-suiteSeparate sleeping and living zones. Panoramic corner windows. Full bathroom with bathtub and heated floor. Private butler. Complimentary Champagne and mini-bar.
18 m² En-suiteTwo dining cars serving multi-course meals that shift with the landscape. Tibetan butter tea at breakfast, yak-meat momos at lunch, multi-course dinners pairing Sichuan, Tibetan and international cuisines. Sommelier-curated wine list. All premium drinks included.
The highest observation car in the world. Floor-to-ceiling glass on three sides. Full bar, leather club chairs, resident pianist. At Tanggula Pass the train slows to a ceremonial crawl. The silent, snow-dusted plateau in every direction.
Every suite has oxygen outlet and oximeter. Pressurised common areas. Medical officer onboard always. Two nights acclimatisation at Xining (2,275m) and Lhasa (3,656m). Supplementary oxygen available.
Tibetan cultural advisor lectures on Buddhism, history and nomadic life. Evening traditional music and documentaries. Library car with expedition literature, Tibetan art books and route maps.
The gateway to the Tibetan plateau. Visit the Great Mosque and acclimatise at 2,275m in this historic junction where Han, Hui and Tibetan cultures converge.
Chinas largest salt lake, a vast turquoise sheet ringed by snow-capped mountains. The train passes its eastern shore with an optional lakeside stop for walks and birdwatching.
The railways high point at 5,072 metres. Permafrost plains, glaciers, the source of the Yangtze River. The train slows to a crawl; the observation car falls silent.
The spiritual heart of Tibet. Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor pilgrimage circuit. Two nights for deep exploration, including monk debates at Sera Monastery.
The north face of Everest from Rongbuk Monastery. Available as an extension with additional PSB permit, which we arrange.
The Shangri-La Express serves our Tibet Sky Road journey from Xining to Lhasa via the highest railway on Earth.
Explore Tibet Sky Road →