Arrive in Xining, the capital of Qinghai province and the traditional gateway to the Tibetan Plateau. Transfer to your hotel and, if time permits, visit the massive Dongguan Mosque, one of the largest mosques in China with a fusion of Chinese and Arabic architectural styles. You can also explore the Qinghai Provincial Museum to learn about the region's history and the various ethnic groups that call this area home.

Board the legendary Qinghai-Tibet Railway at Xining Station in the afternoon. Settle into your comfortable soft sleeper compartment with four berths, personal reading light, and oxygen outlet. The train is equipped with an observation car, dining car, and continuous oxygen supply throughout the journey. Watch the landscape transform from the green river valleys of Qinghai to the vast golden grasslands of the Tibetan Plateau as the train carries you toward Lhasa.

A full day aboard the train crossing the Tibetan Plateau. The train reaches the Tanggula Pass at 5,072 meters, the highest railway pass in the world. From your window you can spot wild Tibetan yaks with their shaggy coats, Tibetan antelopes chiru with their elegant horns, and wild kiang Tibetan wild asses roaming the vast grasslands. The scenery outside is constantly changing from snow-capped peaks to brilliant blue sky lakes.

Arrive at Lhasa Railway Station in the afternoon, greeted by the famously brilliant blue skies of Tibet. Your guide will meet you at the station with a traditional white silk scarf and transfer you to your hotel in the city center. The rest of the day is for rest and gradual acclimatization to the altitude of 3,650 meters. Stay well hydrated with warm Tibetan tea and avoid strenuous activity.

Full day exploring Lhasa's most iconic landmarks. In the morning climb the magnificent 13-story Potala Palace perched on Marpo Ri Red Hill, the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas containing over 1,000 rooms filled with precious Buddhist art, thangkas, and jeweled stupas. In the afternoon visit Jokhang Temple, the holiest shrine in Tibet built in 647 AD, housing the sacred Jowo Shakyamuni statue. Walk the Barkhor kora circuit.

Visit Drepung Monastery, once the largest monastery in the world with up to 10,000 monks, with its white buildings cascading down the hillside. In the afternoon visit Sera Monastery to witness the famous monks debating session from 3-5 PM.

Scenic drive south crossing the Karo La Pass at 5,010 meters with spectacular views of the snow-capped Nyenchen Tanglha mountain range. Stop at the stunning turquoise Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet's three holy lakes, stretching 72 kilometers across the valley. Continue past the Karola Glacier to Gyantse to visit the magnificent Kumbum Stupa with its 108 chapels. Arrive in Shigatse at 3,900 meters.

Morning visit to Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, the seat of the Panchen Lama, featuring the world's largest gilded statue of Maitreya Buddha standing 26 meters tall. Drive south through dramatic mountain scenery to the Gawu La Pass at 5,200 meters for your first breathtaking view of Mount Everest north face rising 8,848 meters. Continue to Everest Base Camp for a stunning sunset over the world's highest peak. Overnight at EBC guesthouse.

Early morning wake-up call to witness the spectacular sunrise over Mount Everest's north face. As the first rays of sunlight hit the highest peak on Earth, the mountain glows in shades of gold, orange, and pink. After a hot breakfast at the guesthouse, begin the drive back to Shigatse with stops for photography along the way. Arrive in Shigatse late afternoon for check-in and a well-deserved rest.

Today we take the spectacular northern route through the vast Tibetan steppe, crossing the Lakpa La Pass at 5,050 meters. The landscape opens up into endless grasslands dotted with nomadic herders' black yak-hair tents. Watch for wildlife including Tibetan gazelles and wild kiang. Arrive at sacred Namtso Lake at 4,718 meters for sunset over the turquoise waters against the Nyenchen Tanglha mountains. Overnight at lakeside guesthouse.

Morning at sacred Namtso Lake for a final walk along the pristine turquoise shoreline and photography at Tashi Dor Island. Drive back to Lhasa crossing the Nyenchen Tanglha Pass at 4,600 meters. Arrive in Lhasa late afternoon. Free evening for a farewell dinner at a traditional Tibetan restaurant.

After breakfast at your hotel, your guide will transfer you to Lhasa Gonggar Airport for your departure flight. You have experienced the world's highest railway, stood at the foot of Mount Everest, and visited the sacred lakes and ancient monasteries of Tibet. Tashi Delek and we hope to welcome you back to Tibet again!