Langmusi is a monastery town split into two little enclaves straddling the Sichuan-Gansu border and comes highly recommended by travelers for its friendly residents and for the opportunity to experience Tibetan nomad culture up close. There's plenty of great hiking around and you may even have the chance to see a sky burial. 

Langmu Monastery and Gerdi Monastery on the far side of the river (in Sichuan) together form a monk-town that is quiet, peaceful and full of smiles.

For those interested in horse treks through Langmusi's green highland hills and snowy peaks, there are several horse trekking outfits in town, mostly run by Chinese who hire Tibetans for low wages. However, if you talk to Leesha at Leesha's Café (great place for Western food by the way) she can hook you up with local Tibetans who hire out horses directly, contributing more directly to the local economy. 

Cheap accommodations can be had at the friendly Langmusi Bingguan, but it is important to note that you can't change money in town here, so do stock up before you arrive.

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