Part 147 - Route over Me La from Yombu Chu to Shingbe, Bhutan

1 page

SUMMARY:
Route notes describe travel up the valley past summer yakherd huts and a side valley with the glacier called SESUM, crossing the main river and a steep ascent to the Me La (Ht. 14956) before descending through conifers to Shingbe. Mentions an old landslide with a boulder bearing two houses, possible fording difficulties, and bearings to the Yombu Chu–Mena Chu junction and continuation of Yombu Chu.

CONTENT:
72

Chu, first through forest, then through scrub, passing several summer-occupied huts of yakherds. At m 2 a valley enters from the north, where there is a large glacier called SESUM. Route continues easy to SH, at m 5 1/2, where another valley enters from almost due north. This river is of some size in summer as glacier fed. Some difficulty may be had in fording on a sunny day. There is a small foot bridge. Just before meeting the side valley, the main valley is partially blocked by an old landslide, beside the path is a huge boulder with two houses built on it, a stair of stones built up to them. At m 7 the main river is forded to the R. bank, again there may be difficulty here. Just after fording the path climbs very steeply indeed to the Me La, up the R bank of the Yombu Chu. (Ht. of Me La 14956 BP. 185.8 Temp 64°). Descent on the Bhutan side easy at first, then steeper through conifers to Shingbe, a clearing in the jungle at m 12. There are three wooden huts here & usually some yakherds in summer. Bearing back to Yombu Chu - Mena Chu junction from m 7 = 288°. Bearing of continuation of Yombu Chu from same place 77°.