The small town of Daocheng lies at 3800m on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau in South West Sichuan. To say it is remote is a slight understatement, while it is only 486km from our home in Lijiang, it takes a day and a half on terrible roads to get there.

We made the journey with an American friend and a Lama from our local temple, who grew up in Daocheng. Climbing up into the mountains to heights of 4650m (15350feet), provided us with spectacular views, but nothing really prepares you for the incredible hospitality of the Tibetan people.

We had a magnificent few days there before making the long return trip. The Lama has generously offered us the use of a house at the temple, so we will be spending perhaps 4 months of the year in this incredible landscape. Home to one of the last bastions of Tibetan Culture, and one which must prevail..