10 train trips to challenge visitors' courage

Located hundreds of meters above sea level, railroad tracks passing through rugged terrain often give visitors the feeling of adventure.

Discover train trips to challenge visitors' courage

1. Tren a las Nubles, Argentina

Completed in 1932, 'Tren a las Nubles' (Going on cloud nine) is one of the major railroads in South America. Each week there is a trip through the distance of 435 km with about 16 hours. The journey begins from the city of Salta, Argentina through the tobacco fields, livestock farms, 29 bridges and 21 tunnels before taking visitors to 4,200 m altitude in La Povorilla viaduct.

2. White Pass and Yukon, Canada and America

The 32 km long road built in 1898 is a narrow gauge railway, connecting the port of Skagway, Alaska, and the US with Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada. The railroad crosses the cliffs with a height of 914 m . From here, guests can enjoy mountain scenery, glaciers and waterfalls.

3. Nariz del Diablo, Ecuador

Also known as the Devil's Nose, this train passes through the Alausi region and ends in Riobamba and Palmira cities, in Andean, Ecuador, with a length of 80 km. The slow rolling train helps visitors to enjoy the beautiful views of the Ecuadorian volcanoes. Today, visitors are not allowed to climb on the roof of the train to see the scene because of the fear of an accident.

4. Georgetown Loop, USA

With a length of only 5 km, the Georgetown Loop railway line is a very popular attraction for tourists. The journey to bring tourists from Georgetown, Colorado across spectacular mountainous terrain to the neighboring town of Silver Plume at an altitude of 195 m . However, it only works from May to December of the year.

5. Flamsbana, Norway

This 21 km long journey runs from Myrdal on the Oslo - Bergen, Norway railway at 863m high to Flam harbor. Flamsbana has such a steep slope that a train of five brakes must be set up. During the journey, it passed through 20 tunnels, including a spiral tunnel , and through a flowing waterfall.

6. Death Road, Thailand

More than 90,000 workers and 16,000 war prisoners died while building a 415 km long railway connecting Thailand's capital Bangkok with Myanmar.The ship is hugging the cliffs and crossing the rickety wooden bridges , which look very dangerous. Trips to some of the remaining areas of the route are one of the most popular activities for travelers to Kanchanaburi, Thailand.

7. The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic, USA

Located in the southern Rocky Mountains, this railway runs during the summer months and takes visitors from Chama, New Mexico across the highest track in the US - Cumbres Pass up to 3,052m.

8. Bernina Express, Switzerland

The Bernina Express, which is recognized as a world heritage site in 2008, is the highest railroad crossing the Alps . This journey takes visitors through Chur and Tirano in Switzerland. In the summer, it is open to guests to experience the feeling of fear as they pass through deep tunnels and ravines.

9. Kuranda Scenic, Australia

Completed in 1891, the railway line from Cairns, Queensland, Australia to the nearby town Kuranda takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. The route will take you through a large viaduct with the best view towards Barron Falls, Coral Sea and Barron Gorge National Park, waterfalls, tropical rainforest and 15 tunnels.

10. Pamban Bridge, India

The 2.5 km long bridge at an altitude of 2,065 m , opened in 1914, connecting the town of Rameswaram, Pamban island to the mainland in India. With this itinerary, visitors can easily take sightseeing tours from Chennai, India. Rameswaram is considered a place of Hindu saints and a famous pilgrimage destination