Part 71 - Route from Thang Chu over Rala La and Gu La to Camp Zangthang

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SUMMARY:
Ascent from Thang Chu crossing Rala La (16,871 ft) and Gu La (16,391 ft), then descent to camp at Zangthang, with notes on grazing, shepherds, and a cold afternoon shower. Wildlife observed included partridges, tits, and snow cock; snow and glaciers were seen on nearby peaks and few flowers were noted.

CONTENT:
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Thang Chu at a bearing of approx. 120° Mag. for 3½ m. then bends to 110°, ascending steadily the whole way to the RALA LA (16871') at m 5. There is a small lake ½ m. before the pass. Thence steep at first then easy down a valley to the East to m 7. This valley is left here via side valley to the South ascended for a mile, where it splits in two. The Eastern branch is taken & the ascent then becomes very steep indeed over loose shale to m 9 the GU LA (16391).

On the East the ascent is fairly steep over rocky bare hillside, till the main valley is reached at m 10. Good grazing & water. Sometimes sheep & yaks here with shepherds. // We got in about 3.0 pm. Quite a pleasant day till then when there was a cold shower of rain. Saw some partridges just on leaving camp but failed to get any. Shot two Tits. Snow cock near here & caught the three young birds. We are high enough now certainly, & I suppose are about to cross the main Himalayan Range again to the South. I fancy we have passes over 17000 to do that. There was a good deal of snow on the hill tops & some glaciers were visible from the passes. Very few flowers again of course.

21st July. CAMP ZANGTHANG 9 miles 15374'.

Fritillaria delavayi