­­** Please note that this trip is now closed. A Brief blog/photo essay of the completed trip can be found in our Adventure Diary **

This will be our third pioneering botanical adventure into the most prolific temperate biosphere on the planet. Once again, our plan will be to traverse the northern Gaoligong mountains that straddle the borders of Tibet, Burma and Yunnan and divide the upper reaches of the mighty Nujiang and Dulong River Valleys. Covered in large swaths of rhododendron and old-growth forest, the jagged peaks and lush glacial valleys are a treasure trove of biodiversity and the epicentre for plant endemism in the region with over 300 plant species found nowhere else on earth. And so, every year, this pristine wilderness holds out the enticing prospect of new and rare botanical discoveries.

 The terrain, while spectacular, is challenging and very difficult in parts. En route, particularly before we break out at higher altitudes into sub-alpine forests and meadows, we will follow seldom-used Lisu hunting tracks through thick forest covered in greybeard lichen. We will also need to scramble over the sprawling root systems of giant evergreens, wade through small rivers and cross a number of slippery log bridges and snow fields. To be clear, this is an intrepid expedition into remote territory and is not a trek for armchair enthusiasts. You need to be physically and emotionally prepared for a formidable adventure in the spirit of George Forrest and Frank Kingdon Ward.