SUMMARY:
Diary entry from Thang describing a clear day’s march avoiding the Tun La by going down-valley and up to the Rala La, noting snow conditions, frozen lake, and wildlife. Seeds of gentian (no. 2006) and other seeds were collected, and birds were shot and skinned; blackbirds were seen. Plans to arrive on the 8th with transport on the 9th are mentioned, and the Tsonpen is unwell.
CONTENT:
high ones tomorrow, and then only remain the passes on the way from Tsona to Tawang. Pintso has been warned that we will arrive on 8th and hope will have transport ready for the 9th without our having to wait.
7th November. Thang 14,000' 13 miles. Another perfect day, but a few clouds beginning to come up this evening. Left at 6:30, in at 2:00 pm. Yaks went very well indeed. Temp. last night down to 8°F, but wind was very slight all night. Instead of going over the Tun La we went straight down the valley to m 1 1/2 where we turned up the nala leading to the Rala La, and met the Tun La road at m 4. The N face of the Tun La was very thick with snow. Collected a few seeds of gentian 2006, that little beauty first seen on the Trakan La. Also a few other seeds. Shot 1 snow cock and skinned it, and two partridges in perfect plumage and skinned one of them. Tsonpen not too well in the tummy. I think we'll have to halt a day somewhere, though I feel as fit as a flea and have walked everywhere since 4th October. Rala La almost free of snow, only a little on NW side. Lake nearly frozen over this side of pass. A few blackbirds seen as usual here.