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Amazing Train Journeys

The Beijing to Lhasa Express, China

Departs daily; Distance—2,330 miles; Duration—40 hours

Linking the royal wonders of Beijing with the dreamlike palaces of Lhasa, the Z21 train travels from the modernity of urban China to a once-remote land. Running westward, the train climbs nearly 16,400 ft (5,000 m) on its journey to the roof of the world: the Tibetan Plateau.

London to Fort William on the Caledonian Sleeper, UK

Departs daily; Distance—509 miles; Duration—13 hours 30 minutes

This overnight train journey is filled with the romance of rail travel. It’s just a pity that the whole experience—from dining-car chatting and light beer, to being carried into a la-la land by the rhythm of the rails and waking to bedside views of towering peaks—feels like it’s over in a flash. Though it may be short, the Caledonian is surely Britain’s best train ride.

Tazara Railway, Tanzania and Zambia

Departs twice a week; Distance—1,160 miles; Duration—46 hours

Few trains offer the chance of spotting big game from your seat, but the Tazara Railway does exactly that. For many, the highlight is neither the scenery nor the wildlife, though; it’s the chance to spend two days watching everyday life out of the window, and enjoying the crowds and chaos when the train pulls to a stop.

Perurail’s Lake Titicaca Railway, Peru

Departs twice a week; Distance—241 miles; Duration—10 hours

Traveling across the Altiplano, from the shores of Lake Titicaca to the beating heart of the Inca capital, the railway from Puno to Cuzco cuts a picturesque path through the snow-dusted peaks and fantastic valleys of the Andes. Passengers can enjoy the landscape from an open-air observatory car, as they travel through remote towns and villages.

21. What do the first two train journeys have in common?

A. They make weekly departure.          B. They are over a thousand miles.

C. They travel to highlands.            D. They are the longest train rides nationwide.

22. On which journey can passengers watch people’s daily life outside the train?

A. Tazara Railway.                      B. The Beijing to Lhasa Express.

C. Perurail’s Lake Titicaca Railway.   D. London to Fort William on the Caledonian Sleeper.

23. What can passengers do on Perurail’s Lake Titicaca Railway?

A. Travel around Lake Titicaca.         B. Admire the view in the open air.

C. Go through two countries on a journey.                   D. Have a deep understanding of towns and villages.