The religious and political heart of the Tibetan world, Lhasa (3650m) sits on the north bank of the Kyi Chu, surrounded by mountain ranges to the north and south. You know you’ve arrived in the traditional capital of Tibet when you see the red and white palaces of the Potala, home to the Dalai Lamas since the 17th century. Here is our view of the Potala Palace from the roof of the Kyichu Hotel in the early morning.