Part 109 - Cuny to Triju Dzong and Teachee; Triju Tso observations

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SUMMARY:
Describes a route from Cuny up a forked valley with irises, roses, and berberis, passing villages toward the Samu La, noting carved dorings and that the area is the 5th D.L.'s birthplace. On 16th May at Triju Dzong, details the ascent over a ridge with views of Triju Tso (apparently drying), descent past Drokpa tents to Teachee, and lodging in the butter tax collector’s house, noting local officials and yak herders.

CONTENT:
a picturesque place, more so when the whole fort, plastered onto a hillside beside the Dzong, is seen. Here also are monasteries, all because the place is the 5th D.L.'s birthplace. On the plain are two "dorings", about 15 ft high and carved. They appear very old. There is no writing on them. We crossed the main valley at Cuny and to the right bank, and went up a valley which is a fork of the main one. This valley is a nicer one, with a small stream in it, some [Iris laeter 12448] shrubs - roses and berberis - among irises, with lingkas at most of the small villages or gompas. About mile 7 1/2 this valley is left for one which comes in from the left or SE. is followed up to this village, the last on the way up to the Samu La. There is cultivation up to here, and a group of 5-6 homes together. Turdus merula maxima is common here; there are a good many snowcocks high up. T. henrici is common as far as this.

16th May Triju Dzong. A cold dismal morning, clearing up by 10.0, with occasional hail showers round about, and some heavy storms too. Left at 6.15 in at 1.30 pm. Kit in at 4.30 pm. The road is good nearly throughout, but from what I hear, this is an area where storms are common and there is a heavy snow and rainfall. Path ascends the same valley easily till the valley peters out at mile 5. There is a pass leading down here to the Yaktsang Chu, but our path keeps right-handed (west) and continues to climb to about mile 7 when a ridge is crossed. From here the Triju Tso is visible but not Triju Dzong. Now the lake consists of deepish water of about 1/2 mile at the N. end, 1/2 mile wide and then marshy shallow looking water further south. There is I believe much more water in summer; but the lake appears to be drying up. The descent is easy, with one or two ups and downs. A few Drokpa tents are passed but no pukka buildings till the stony ones here in Teachee. There must be 50 houses here, and I suppose they contain people who mostly look after yaks. We stayed in a house kept for the butter tax collector - quite good and convenient. There are 4 headmen. The Dzongpon.