These mountains on the Tibetan Plateau separate the Tibet Autonomous Region from the Qinghai province, and also form part of the watershed separating the Yangtze River to the north from a zone of endorheic basins with internal drainage to the south.

The Qinghai–Tibet Highway reaches its highest elevation of 5,231 meters (17,162 ft) in the Tanggu Pass at 32°52′24″N 91°55′03″E / 32.87333°N 91.91750°E / 32.87333; 91.91750.

On August 24, 2005, rail track for the Qinghai–Tibet Railway was completed 28 kilometers (17 mi) to the WNW of the highway, reaching 5,072 meters (16,640 ft) at 33°00′38″N 91°39′51″E / 33.01056°N 91.66417°E / 33.01056; 91.66417.

[2] The Qinghai–Tibet railway connects the provincial capitals of Xining to Lhasa.

The rail cars are equipped with personal oxygen supplies to prevent altitude sickness.