Part 155 - Singhi Dzong to Hamo: pass conditions and route notes

1 page

SUMMARY:
The party departs after collecting at Narim Thang, crossing a difficult snowy pass with poor weather; Ludlow develops a cold. Notes discuss hopes for drier conditions at Khakang on the Kuru Chu and provide a route description from Hamo toward Menchumin via a lake.

CONTENT:
As all coolies had reached Singhi Dzong yesterday afternoon, and we had finished collecting everything there was to be had at Narim Thang, we decided to leave as soon as possible, so packed up and started this morning. The snow and ice this side of the pass was awful for the coolies, who took from 6-8 hours for the four miles. Saw no birds but grandalas at the Pass on the S. side. A bad camp and very cold. First rain and mist, then snow near the top, and back to rain and mist here. Ludlow has a cold - the first either of us has had since coming to Bhutan. We will certainly both be very glad indeed to get over the pass to drier country. It remains to be seen if Khakang will be dry. It is only 9500' high and lies on the Kuru Chu, which cuts right through the main Himalayan range at 9000'. Probably the monsoon clouds will come up the gorge and precipitate on Khakang and up as far as Towa. But then it should be dry and sunny most days.

30th August. HAMO. To 9 miles. 14000'. Path crosses the river (a small stream) and ascends the grassy hill opposite Menchumin, going down the valley. The ascent is gradual and the path winds right handed till a lake is reached at m 1 1/2. This is followed on the south right hand side, is 1/2 mile long, and very narrow. Thence path rather