Part 141 - Sanga Chöling visit and vegetation notes from Kyimpu to Charme

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SUMMARY:
Notes on bright yellow primula, rhododendron and fir-covered hills near Charme, with willows, peach, and walnut in side valleys, and larches common on north faces from Kyimpu to near Charme. On 12 May the writer follows the valley to Sanga Chöling via the left bank, noting good paths, slower river, two monasteries, available stores, and villages with defensive towers against Lopa invasion.

CONTENT:
Suppose the primula (proliferanda) 1578 is the usual sikkimensis, but the colour is a much brighter, richer yellow than usual. The hills on the R. bank continue to be covered with rhododendron and fir till quite close to Charme, and the S face hills are bare except where a side valley comes in. Here there are willows, peach (Local peach bears fruit about as big as large beer marble) and walnut trees. Larches are common from Kyimpu to near Charme on N. faces.

12th May. Sanga Chöling. 11 m. B.P. 193.4 Temp. 68° Time 11.0 am. Ht. 10775'. Fine, a perfect day, and pretty hot once the sun was into the valley. Path up the R bank at first, crossing to L bank at about mile 3 and then through a good deal of cultivation. The path wanders about a lot, up and down side valleys, but good the whole way. The river is much slower running than usual all the way. Continue up a good path on L bank to Sanga Chöling. Here there are two monasteries, and a few houses, crammed together where the valley is narrow and steep-sided. Some stores of flour and butter etc. available. The villages on the way up were fascinating, each with its high tower, built to guard against Lopa invasion. High up on the