1. The Death Railway, Thailand and Burma The Death Railway, notorious for its tragic history, winds through the dense jungles of Thailand and Burma. Built by prisoners of war during World War II, the railway traverses dangerous terrain and serves as a somber reminder of the immense sacrifices made during its construction.
2. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, India A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway offers breathtaking views as it ascends through the misty hills of the Eastern Himalayas. Its narrow gauge and steep climbs make it an engineering marvel and a scenic adventure.
3. The Ferrocarril Central Andino, Peru The Ferrocarril Central Andino is one of the highest railways in the world, climbing to nearly 15,700 feet above sea level. Winding through the Andes Mountains, this journey offers stunning landscapes, including steep cliffs and deep gorges.
4. The Tren a las Nubes, Argentina The Tren a las Nubes (Train to the Clouds) is aptly named, as it ascends to the heights of the Andes in Argentina. Crossing over 29 bridges and passing through 21 tunnels, this railway reaches some of the highest altitudes of any train ride in the world.
5. The Bamboo Train, Cambodia Unique to Cambodia, the Bamboo Train is a makeshift mode of transportation consisting of bamboo platforms on wheels powered by small engines. While simple, the experience of riding through the Cambodian countryside on this train is unforgettable.
6. The Rovos Rail, South Africa The Rovos Rail is one of the most luxurious train experiences in the world, traveling across the sweeping landscapes of Southern Africa. It offers passengers a glimpse of the continent’s natural beauty, from deserts to savannas, all while enjoying 5-star amenities onboard.
7. The Siberian Express, Russia The Siberian Express, or Trans-Siberian Railway, is the longest railway in the world, spanning over 5,700 miles across Russia. This legendary journey takes travelers through vast stretches of Siberia, from Moscow to Vladivostok, offering a profound sense of Russia’s immense scale.
8. The Indian Pacific, Australia Stretching from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific, the Indian Pacific crosses the Australian continent from coast to coast. Along this transcontinental journey, passengers witness the dramatic contrasts of Australia’s landscape, from the rugged Outback to lush coastal cities.
