Part 107 - Chong gye Dzong march and preparations for Trigu

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SUMMARY:
Arrangements for transport were secured via clerks in the absence of a Dzongpon or Drunyer, and Pedong Dorje plans to accompany the party to Trigu. On 14 May they marched 13 miles to Chong gye Dzong in intense heat, noted extreme dryness in the valley, passed a large wall of chortens, and recorded that the old Dzong is the birthplace of the Great Fifth Dalai Lama; plans were made to reach Trigu in two days.

CONTENT:
on, eventually a kind of dayig was given me, and transport was promised. All was done by 3 clerks, as there is no Dzongpon and even the Drunyer has gone, so no seal could be put on the paper, but all seems well. Pedong Dorje insists on coming with us to Trigu.

14th May. Chong gye Dzong 13 miles. A good day, but very hot indeed and difficult for Jill. Transport was late, but we got off at 7:30 and were in by 2:15 pm. The valley is very dry indeed. There is no water in the river at all, none in any irrigation channels and only a little in wells. The whole valley is broad and full of cultivation. I have never seen so much in Tibet before - even near Gyantse. About mile 7 we passed a small village with a huge wall of chortens all joined together, each about 6 ft square and perhaps 10-12 ft tall. There were supposed to be 108 chortens. I counted more than that. Here the old Dzong is perched on a ridge and consists of several buildings joined together by bridges. This is the birthplace of the Great Fifth Dalai Lama. All seems set for tomorrow's march, which could be done in one to Trigu. But I intend to go in two days. As usual, there is no Dzongpon. Every Dzongpon has been called to Lhasa, and only tsapos or clerks are left. But I don'