Found in Amdo County, in Tibet, China, is the world’s highest railway station. The Tanggula railway station sits at an insane height of 16,627 above sea level.
Since it opened for service in 2006, the station has held the title of the world’s highest station, competing with the likes of Condor station in Bolivia, South America and Galera station in Peru.
The station spans 1.25 kilometres and covers 77,002 square metres. It features three tracks, one of which is served by a platform and another served by a short stub platform.
Along with the highest railway station, it also holds the world record for having the highest railway tunnel and, of course highest railway infrastructure.
The one-of-a-kind station serves the 1,215 Qingzang Railway line, which runs from Qinghai to Lhasa, passing through some of the most remote and inhabitable areas.
Tanggula Railway Station is unstaffed, and while some trains stop at the station for a bit, passengers usually have to remain on the train, it only serves as a stop-off for any necessary repairs or emergencies.
With the station being so high, the carriages on the train are equipped with oxygen masks for passengers and have windows specially designed to filter strong UV rays from the sun.
You may question the purpose behind constructing a railway station so high up in a remote area. Well, the location was reportedly chosen because of the impressive view.
Travelling on the Qingzang Railway line, passengers embark on an incredible journey with a number of spectacular views, but Tanggula Station provides passengers with a mesmerising view of the peak of Tanggula Mountain.
The beautiful landscape, which is sometimes referred to as “the Roof of the World”, is the highest peak of the railway line at 16,640 ft above sea level.
The station is a landmark for many people across the globe who, through taking this journey, can experience a trip like never before through some of the world’s highest and most beautiful regions.
