Part 25 - March 30–April 1: Lhapso Dzong to Rabdang via Lenda, vegetation notes and transport difficulties

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SUMMARY:
The diary records marches from Lhapso Dzong to Lenda and then to Rabdang, with notes on weather, route conditions, and abundant vegetation including birch, pines, willows, walnuts, and bamboo, as well as sightings of Crossoptilon and snow cock. Transport was problematic, with shortages of coolies and poor paths, and Pintso had to remain behind.

CONTENT:
G. nubigena, G. waltoni (lower down) and G. depressa. A few seeds of the first two were taken. Within a thousand feet of the pass, which is 16470', a bigger rhododendron vellereum bush begins (3587). Later on it becomes very common indeed and almost covers the hillside on the North and West slopes. Other signs of increased rainfall are the Crossoptilon, which are common in the shrubs. We also saw several other ones, snow cock at about 16000'. Lower down again there is quite an extensive birch forest of small trees up to 25 feet or so (local name kewah or tyewah).

30th March. To LHAPSO DZONG. 11500' 7 miles. Fine day, some clouds. Path easy down the valley, mostly on the Left bank, through shrubs. Lhapso Dzong is an old dzong in poor repair, standing on the Right bank where the valley turns to the North. A few Crossoptilon seen. Although so low there is still a lot of vegetation on the hills.

31st March. To LENDA. 11000' 13 1/2 miles. Clouded over most of the day; some snow on the hilltops and a few spots of rain in the valley. Transport mostly coolies; left at 6.45 - in at 2 to 2.30 pm. The path is good with the exception of a mile or two between miles 10 and 12, where the path climbs pretty steeply up the Right bank and at one place is so narrow that ponies have to be offloaded. Peach blossom is fully out here and also at Dzam, in 4 1/2 where the main Tsangpo is met. Willows also are green. There are two here, one a weeping willow (3593) and the other the ordinary kind 3594. We were surprised to see pines on the way today. The first was very near Lhapso, but that was isolated, and the hills above were covered with juniper. But the hills above here have thick pine forest on them. Walnuts also are common in the cultivated areas. We expected a very hot march, but it is actually quite cold, due to the clouds. A little way below Dzam, there are small clumps of bamboo in each village. It seems an odd place and climate to find bamboo, but perhaps they are introduced.

1st April. To RABDANG alt 10800' 11 miles. Clouded all day, with strong up valley wind in the afternoon. There is a most rotten arrangement for transport at Lenda. The order went to Gyatsa Dzong, across the river and a mile down stream. The Dzong ordered transport and then there were 15 too few coolies turned up. Poor Pintso again had to remain behind. We left at 7.15 and were in at 2.45 pm. The path is bad, up and down the Right bank the whole way and in many places unfit for pony transport. The coolies are awful.