Arrive in Xining, the capital of Qinghai province and the starting point of the legendary Qinghai-Tibet Railway. Transfer to your hotel. If time permits, take an optional excursion to the beautiful Qinghai Lake, China's largest saltwater lake, or visit the Dongguan Mosque, one of the largest mosques in China with its fusion of Chinese and Arabic architectural styles.

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 features observation cars and a dining car serving both Chinese and Western dishes. Watch the landscape transform from the green river valleys of Qinghai to the vast golden grasslands of the Tibetan Plateau as you head toward Lhasa.

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 devoted to rest and gradual acclimatization to the altitude of 3,650 meters. Stay well hydrated with warm Tibetan tea.

Full day exploring the holy city of Lhasa with your guide. 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. 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.

Scenic drive south from Lhasa across the Karo La Pass at 5,010 meters with spectacular views of the Nyenchen Tanglha range. Stop at the stunning turquoise Yamdrok Lake for photographs. Continue to Shigatse to visit Tashilhunpo Monastery featuring the world's largest gilded statue of Maitreya Buddha then drive to Everest Base Camp via the Gawu La Pass at 5,200 meters for sunset over the highest peak on Earth. 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 and pink. After a hot breakfast at the EBC guesthouse begin the long drive back to Lhasa along the Yarlung Tsangpo River valley arriving in the late afternoon.

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 journey crossing the Tibetan Plateau and stood at the foot of the world's highest mountain. Tashi Delek and we hope to welcome you back to explore more of Tibet!