WHAT ’S ONL INE


SIX OF THE WORLD’S BEST MOUNTAIN-RAIL TRIPS


Imposing peaks, river valleys and glacial lakes await on these memorable routes — from a luxury adventure through Peru to a short hop across the Alps. Words: Monisha Rajesh


DARJEELING HIMALAYAN RAILWAY


New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling, India Since 1881, this old steam train has been a beloved part of northeast India’s landscape. Bright blue against emerald-green tea bushes, it weaves in and out of low-hanging cloud, giving a comical toot at every turn. Built by British colonisers, the railway was used to transport tea, rice and other produce up and down the Himalayan foothills. On a clear day, passengers are treated to views of the snow- capped, 8,586-metre peak of Kangchenjunga. HOW TO DO IT: The train departs New Jalpaiguri daily at 10am and arrives into Darjeeling at 5.30pm. A one-way ticket starts from INR 1,400 (£10). dhr.in.net irctc.co.in


THE SKEENA


Jasper to Prince Rupert, Canada Known locally as the ‘Rupert Rocket’, the Skeena train departs Jasper National Park three days a week, taking passengers into the deepest wilderness of British Columbia. With 3,000-metre peaks sparkling all around, the train curls out of Alberta past the Canadian Rockies’ highest point, Mount Robson, followed by the Cariboo Mountains, at the foot of which lie teal-green lakes as still as glass. From a panoramic carriage, passengers can keep eyes peeled for black and grizzly bears, white-tailed deer, elk and moose, as well as bald eagles. HOW TO DO IT: A one-way ticket starts from C$171 (£100). viarail.ca


ANDEAN EXPLORER


Cusco to Arequipa, Peru From Cusco, the Andean Explorer embarks on a luxury two-night journey high into the canyons and plateaus of the La Raya mountain range. From the cosiness of bunk-bed cabins or double-bed suites, passengers can wake to the sight of a crimson sunrise over Lake Titicaca before disembarking to sip coffee in the chill of the mountain air. Off-board visits take passengers to the Uros islands, Sumbay Caves and for strolls around green lagoons before the third day’s arrival into Arequipa. HOW TO DO IT: A two-person bunk-bed cabin starts from US$5,688 (£4,560). belmond.com READ MORE ONLINE


TOP STORIES


Here’s what you’ve been enjoying on the website this month


JAPAN


How theatre is evolving Kabuki and Noh artists are pushing boundaries in old traditions, using innovative tech and manga.


46 NATIONALGEOGRAPHIC.COM/TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY


Seven video cameras we love Whether biking or diving, these cameras are your best bets for capturing sights and sounds.


THEME PARKS


Welcome to Buddhist hell Asia’s ‘hell parks’ began as temple gardens that warned visitors of Buddhism’s many levels of hell.


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