Part 67 - March to Wangchelakh via Gogum La and Laptsakap La

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SUMMARY:
The writer describes an evening clearing with views of surrounding hills, noting Primula whitei as common and blackbirds singing. The following march goes about 7 miles toward Wangchelakh on a bearing of 115°M, crossing Gogum La and later Laptsakap La at around 13,500 ft, with dwarf rhododendrons near the latter.

CONTENT:
this way for 3 or 4 months. Snow falls in the Bhutanese 8th month. Primula whitei is as usual very common up here & in the forest on the way up.

6.0 pm. Just before sunset, it suddenly cleared up into a perfect evening, and gave a lovely view of the hills we are going to. They look perfect for flowers, even if there won't be much now. The bearing to the pass we cross tomorrow is 115° M from here & from the pass we crossed today. Dungshijon lies more to the South than 115, but we cannot see it. This place in July on a good day must be perfectly lovely. All the valleys round about are cloud filled, while we are open to the blue sky, & the atmosphere is perfect. It misted up till after 5.0 pm. The blackbirds (albocinctus) are very numerous, & are singing away, just as the real blackbird does at home now.

18th May. To Wangchelakh. 7 miles. B.P. 187.8° Temp. 46° Time 2.0 pm. Ht. 13500 ft.

Path goes along an approximate bearing of 115° M. It keeps South of the ridge for the first three miles, getting closer & closer till the Gogum La is crossed. Then it winds about on the north side, up & down, climbing up gradually to mile 6, where the Laptsakap La is crossed. Here there are only dwarf rhododendrons.