Part 133 - Camp near Kashong La: snow, seed collecting, and pass ascent

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SUMMARY:
Heavy snow and wind hinder activities; seeds of Primula, Rhododendron, and Gentiana are collected while searches for kuling yield no birds, though Tsongpen shoots one Crossoptilon. The next day, despite ongoing snow, the diarist, Tsongpen, and two Trim men reach the Kashong La in deep snow and strong wind, arriving at 8:30.

CONTENT:
Meconopsis and Primula which are wanted from there. No sign here of kuling or any other game birds. I have seen a great number of wall creepers, which are probably on migration south.

13th October. Snowed and blew half a gale last night up till about 10pm, when it only snowed. Snowed in camp most of the day, but clear towards the Kashong La. I spent most of the morning trying to pick out seeds of Tendula Primula, 2359 (2735), and I suppose I must have collected about 150 seeds. In the afternoon went down the valley looking for kuling and came across their marks very recently made, but no kuling. Tsongpen shot one Crossoptilon. Got some seed of one Rhododendron which appear ripe, some more of Gentiana ornata.

14th October. Halt. More heavy snow again last night, in camp rain and snow all today. As it looked rather more promising, I took up two Trim men, and with Tsongpen went to the Kashong La. It took us, without a halt at all, just under 2 hours. The snow at the top is now about three feet deep, and going along the last rock ridge, with a very narrow ledge covered in deep snow was not too pleasant. Bright sun this side: clouds and snow the other, and a perfectly beastly wind coming over the pass. We reached there at 8.30. Tsongpen went on with one man down the