Part 35 - Sakden halt: observations and activities

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SUMMARY:
The party reaches Sakden near the Gamri Chu, noting ample water, fuel, grazing, and a nearby gompa with a Tawang lama. On 5th July they halt at Sakden, finding few flowers in bloom, observing local clothing and village life, and practicing rifle shooting with the Jongpen and his men.

CONTENT:
than to Bhutanese. Over the pass the path drops easily to Sakden near the Gamri Chu. Water & fuel ample, excellent grazing & many sheep & yaks. Some barley available. There is a gompa with a Tawang lama above Sakden. //

5th July. SAKDEN. Halted. This place has been rather a disappointment. It was so nice to get out of the hot steaming valleys down below that we thought this would be a fine place. But there are no flowers out now. All are over. We have seen traces of one primula, but that is all. Birds too are not so interesting as they might be. The people are pleasant, happy, shy & full of life. They must lead a hard & difficult life at times, but are none the worse of that. This is the only place where I have seen villages in Bhutan, Sakden consisting of 60-70 houses all together. The Takpas & Drugpas wear thick woollen clothes, black or red, & have these funny little 'seats' made of thick felt, which hang down behind, & are used for sitting on. A most excellent idea in a wet climate. They also have Inverness cloaks, exactly as at home - another useful garment. We have had some rifle practice with the Jongpen & his men, followed by games &

[Margin notes]
6th June
Sakden.
Rhod. Thomsoni 595
Prim. strumosa 597
" Waltoni 598
" Sikkimensis 599
" Glabra 602
" Gambelliana 608
" Involucrata 610
" Gambelliana 611
" Strumosa 612
Mec. grandis 609
Rhod. campanulatum 605
" wightii 606
Berberis lichiangensis var. sakdenensis 604

• But see June 6th! p. 20