Part 135 - Hypsometer readings and snow conditions near Shupten La and Lagyap Thongtso

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SUMMARY:
At a high pass the diarist records hypsometer and magnetic bearings to Trim and the south end of Lagyap Thongtso, helps a frightened boy, and returns to a cold, snowy camp. Tsouppen completes a difficult circuit over Shupten La in deep snow and brings a divot of Primula, while a search towards Karutra yields no seeds though masses of Gentiana ornata are noted. Plans are made to leave on the 16th, with a halt noted for the 15th October.

CONTENT:
East side, while I stayed on top and took a hypsometer reading. It gives B.P. 183.6°, Temp. 33°, Time 8.30 a.m. Height approx. 15,534'. A magnetic bearing to Trim (L. bank) was 277° and one to the South end of the Lagyap Thongtso was 115°. Leaving the pass I had great difficulty in getting my boy away. He lost his nerve and would not move. But I took him by the hand for half a mile, and then he was alright. Tsouppen found deep snow all round. He did the circle over the Shupten La where snow was very hard and difficult, and had trouble with his man. He found nothing at all, and was unable to dig out anything from the snow, which varied between 1 and 3 feet deep. However he brought in one more divot of the fine yellow petiolaris primula. I hope they live now till I get them home. I did a long chukka round towards Karutra, first looking for seeds and then heeling, but had no luck. The Gent. ornata on that hillside are a perfect wonder, just in masses and all still in full bloom. Back to a cold and pretty miserable camp at 2.30 p.m., where it is still snowing, and blowing very hard. None of us will mind leaving here on the 16th.

15th October. Halt. More snow than ever last