Part 159 - Route to Lhakang Dzong and natural history notes

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SUMMARY:
Notes on catching butterflies, shooting Blood pheasants at Homo, and finding a bright blue delphinium. The Dzongpen of Lhakang was informed of the party’s arrival via Kusho. Detailed route description from camp to Lhakang Dzong, crossing the river and passing through scrub and conifer forest to open shrubland.

CONTENT:
L. caught a few butterflies in the fitful intervals of sunshine. I shot a couple of Blood pheasants at Homo. 78 male

today. Found a lovely very bright blue delphinium. There must have been many flowers here, but we are too late. The Dzongpen of Lhakang knows of our arrival, & sent up to meet us & find out what we wanted in the way of transport. Sent Kusho in the morning to tell him.

1st September. To H 10000 LHAKANG DZONG. 12200' 10 miles. Cross the river to R. bank immediately below camp. Path then easy but fairly steep through scrub jungle & fir forest to m 3 1/2, where the river is again crossed to L bank. The whole way, Waterfalls of great height (vertical drop 500') also occur. there are extremely precipitous cliffs on the North side of the valley, while the South side is covered with conifer jungle. From m 3 1/2 to m 5 the path climbs steadily, but is very good. Thence it descends for half a mile & climbs again over a shoulder at m 6. From here to m 7 it is nearly level. At m 7 the conifers are completely left behind, & the path is broad & easy over a dry hillside covered with gooseberry, berberis & other shrubs. It gradually descends to at m 10 Lhakang, passing a small village at m 9. Lhakang