Part 239 - Hala Sahden and march to Taktoo, 25–26 October

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SUMMARY:
At Hala Sahden the diarist records a hard frost and makes an early ascent toward Warga La and Nyuk-sang La, noting views of the Mayo peaks and Kulu Kangri and a spoiled film pack. They describe Ha people making tea from maple leaves and wood-ash water. On 26 October they march to Taktoo in perfect weather with a porter group composed mostly of women and children.

CONTENT:
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here is pretty low, a min. thermometer placed on a plank 2 ft above ground in an open place, recorded 11° F (19° frost).

25th October Hala Sahden. Min temp last night 10° F.

As yesterday was so perfect, I breakfasted at 4.0 am. Dawa went up to the Warga La. Left for the Nyuk-sang La at 4.30. Reached a hill above the pass at 8.15 - a little over 14000 ft. The view was fine, but clouds were all along the W & E horizon, peaks here & there showing through. Saw some of the Mayo peaks well, & also Kulu Kangri for a while. When I opened a film pack up there, water came out of the tin. It must have had bad adhesive tape on it, & was of course useless. In the jungle are many small maple trees. The leaves of these are used to make tea for the Ha people. They pour water over wood ashes, collect the water underneath, & boil that with the leaves. That is mixed with Tibetan brick tea to make the latter go further. It does not sound too good.

26th October To Taktoo TAKTU 5 miles 7800'. Weather still perfect.

Of the 30 odd coolies to bring us down here today, three were men, the remainder women, with a sprinkling of what were little more than children.