Part 139 - Cho La region transition zone and plant observations

1 page

• SUMMARY:
  The writer discusses limited views of the main range, suggesting Cho La is on the main range and that the area between it and the pass may belong to Bhutan; they note it is the transition zone they sought and should have visited instead of Mago, with similar zones at Shao and north of Tulung La. They record altitude preferences, expecting Plumbago lower along the Nyamjang Chu, and note Primula eburnea along the Cho La cliffs north of the Rung Chu at a lower elevation than at Narim Thang.

CONTENT:
68

never completely clear. In fact all we have been allowed
to see of the main range to the south is an occasional
glimpse of glacier here and there. I think there can be
no doubt that the Cho La is on the main range,
in that case the area between the Cho and the La
should belong to Bhutan. Last year no one knew
where it was, and the Maharaja was anxious to find
out to whom it should belong. This is an area
we should have visited instead of Mago. It is the
transition zone we have been looking for all along,
but which we failed to find. A similar zone
almost certainly exists at Shao, but we had no
time there. N. of the Tulung La also there must
be such a place, but we were then always too
high, our camps being over 15000 ft. For this
zone the best heights would appear to be between
10000 ft and 14500 - 15000'. Here we are too high
Plumbago NB

• for the Plumbago so much wanted, but I have no
  doubt it grows at 11500 or so down the Nyamjang
  P. eburnea
• Chu. Primula eburnea grows all along the
  cliff side of the Cho La to the north of the
  Rung Chu, under overhanging cliffs, as does P.
  P. lilledale
• No 847. It is curious that it grows at
  1000 ft lower here than at Narim Thang. I