Kick start this discovery of Tibet and the people who call this pristine part of the world home in the capital Lhasa. Upon arrival at the airport or train station, we transfer to the hotel to check-in, with the rest of the day free to acclimatize to the altitude. As one of the world’s highest cities, Tibet’s capital teeters 3,656 metres above sea level and it is perched on the banks of the Kyichu River in a mountain-fringed valley. In Tibetan, Lhasa means holy land, as it is home to a vast collection of sacred sites. In the evening, we are treated to a welcome dinner at the hotel which showcases traditional local culture and architecture at its finest. The hotel is beautifully decorated with almost 100 pieces of ancient Tibetan and Chinese textile art. It is also home to an ornate Tibetan and Chinese textile boutique art garden. Today’s schedule facilitates an easy introduction to the high altitude and stunning surroundings.