The Qinghai-Tibet Railway in China is an engineering marvel- the world's highest railway, built over hostile terrain of permafrost and high desert. This itself makes it a fascinating journey, but beyond the infrastructure, there are the people. A glimpse into the life onboard a 48 hour train ride from Shanghai to Lhasa.
While the tourists are usually in the "soft sleeper" with private cabins, for the locals the more affordable option is the "hard sleeper" with little privacy. Here, the unspoken rule is to use the corridor to socialize, to not disturb those sleeping.
Back on the move, it's mealtime and the Dining Car makes roaring business. The food options are limited, but opportunities to meet fellow travelers is the main draw.
It's summer vacation time, the train is full of kids heading home, captivated by the landscape, enjoying the freedom to run around unlike in an airplane.
Further west in Qinghai, the security is now heightened. In the middle of the night at Golmud, coach attendants stand guard ensuring no passenger gets left behind, especially not the foreign tourists.
As we approach the highest point of the route- Tanggula at 16,657 feet on the Tibetan pleateu, the train staff comes by to remind everyone not to miss it.