Part 21 - Puntsogang halt; meeting the Jongpen of Trashigong and lily found near Yonpu La

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SUMMARY:
The diary describes a climb to about 8300 feet along a forested path near Yonpu La, where a lily resembling Lilium giganteum with red-streaked flowers was found. The party meets the Jongpen of Trashigong, who hosts them and plans to accompany them to Sakden, and they halt at Puntsogang to sort advance kit.

CONTENT:
The path climbs steadily to the top of the hill, about 8300', and then follows the contours for a mile or so, keeping along the west side. Between the chorten at the highest point, and another chorten near the Yonpu La, the jungle is dense. Up to the first point there were many rhododendrons, but then they give way to other trees and thick undergrowth along the level bit of the path. It was along here that we came across a fine lily, growing in the thick undergrowth under the trees. It grows like Lilium giganteum, and looks something like it too, but the flowers have red streaks inside them. I hope it may be a new one.

We were met here by the Jongpen of Trashigong. Wise man, he lives here rather than in Trashigong which is only 3500'. He has a nice, small Dzong here and small places for us. He has been most kind to us both here and before. It seems he will continue to be too, as he is doing all he can for our trek onwards. In fact he is coming on with us himself to Sakden on the frontiers.

28th June. Puntsogang HALT. We had to halt here a day to look through our advance kit, rearrange our...