We transfer back to Kashgar and spend a day exploring the sights of the town. There is oppressive security and police presence everywhere to control the Uyghur Muslim minority. Soon we fly to Beijing to spend a few sight-seeing days. Sepp’s business partners are good hosts and travel advisers. In jest they also organize a very ‘romantic’ evening for the two of us, celebrating how we found each other and spent time together in the mountains. As a reminder of the dangers and mistakes on our last summit attempt my thumb has turned black from frostbite and it’s damaged circulation and sensation is a permanent reminder still.