Nepal 2009: Across a snow-covered pass

 

 

Still, a few houses in the village of Thulo Shyabru are constructed of wood, with beautifully carved window frames. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

 

At the end of August, during the peak of the monsoon, my guide Tanka Bahadur Pantha and I set out on foot from the village of Sundarijal, Kathmandu Valley. I intend to hike via the alpine Gosainkund Lakes to the Langtang Valley, from where we are going to cross a high pass, the Ganja La (5106 m), into Helambu.

The main purpose of the trip is to photograph as many plant species as possible, which is the reason why I have chosen this otherwise hopeless time of the year to hike, with continuous rain, landslides, leeches, mosquitos, and other nuisances of the rainy season.

 

Regenerated forest
From Sundarijal, the trail follows a pipeline, which brings drinking water to Kathmandu. Soon we arrive at Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park, covering an area of 144 km2. Our hike continues up through terraced fields to the ochre-coloured houses of the village of Mulkharka, which is mainly inhabited by Tamang people.

Above this village, we encounter fine broad-leaved forest with various trees, including oak, maple, and the large Rhododendron arboreum, which is the national plant of Nepal, called lali guras (‘red rhododendron’). Several clearings in this forest are the remains of former fields, which were abandoned when the national park was established, allowing the forest to regenerate.

A couple of hours later, we reach the top of a small pass, Burlung Bhanjyang (2438 m), from where the trail leads down through forest and scrubland with a rich vegetation, comprising various bushes, including the beautiful Osbeckia nepalensis, of the family Melastomataceae, fragrant wintergreen (Gaultheria fragrantissima), which displays an abundance of sweet-smelling white flowers, and thickets of Rubus hoffmeisterianus, with red berries, which resemble raspberries, but has a slightly acid taste.

Herbs include the beautiful Henckelia urticifolia, of the gloxinia family (Gesneriaceae), and two species of begonia, Begonia picta and B. rubella.

 

 

Sign at a small wayside restaurant near Sundarijal, announcing that ‘dry and wet foods are available’. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

Henckelia urticifolia, observed below the pass Burlung Bhanjyang. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

We found two species of Begonia in Helambu. This picture shows B. rubella, growing on a bank along a dirt road. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

This species of bramble, Rubus hoffmeisterianus, has delicious, slightly sour fruits. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

 

Leeches and rain
Beyond the village of Pati Bhanjyang, at 1750 m, the trail ascends steeply through fields to Chipling, situated on a ridge, from where we have a fine view over the valley.

On our way, we often encounter leeches, which are a nuisance during the wet season. When a leech senses the carbon dioxide, expired by a warm-blooded animal, it will stretch out and try to attach itself to the skin of the animal. If undisturbed, the leech sucks blood for several hours and grows to several times its original size. It will then release its grip, fall to the ground, and wander off to lay eggs in the forest. The wound from a leech bite bleeds copiously for some time, but, apart from itching irritatingly, the bite is harmless to people.

Until this point, we have only occasionally been bothered by rain, but now it starts pouring, so we take shelter in the first small hotel we encounter along the trail, in the hamlet Thodung Betini. As it turns out, the house owners are out working in the fields. Meanwhile, the eldest of their three sweet little daughters makes tea for us, and soon the parents return.

As it continues to rain for the rest of the day, we spend the night with this sympathetic family.

 

 

Porters near Pati Bhanjyang, bringing carrying baskets to a market in the Kathmandu Valley. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

Leeches are a nuisance during the wet season. This one is stretching out towards my guide Tanka’s finger. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

While we were waiting for their parents to return from working in the fields, the eldest of their three sweet little girls made tea for us. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

 

Birdlife in the forest
Throughout the following day, the rain continues intermittently. We continue our hike through two larger villages, Gul Bhanjyang, situated on a ridge that separates two valleys, and Kutumsang, which is inhabited by Yolmus, a people of Tibetan origin. They are sometimes referred to as Lamas, as there were many monks among the settlers.

In the grass, I encounter a Himalayan keelback (Rhabdophis himalayanus), a species of grass snake, which is fairly harmless, although it may bite you. At least 50 species of snakes occur in the Himalaya, including several poisonous adder species, but they are rarely observed.

Above Kutumsang, we pass the entrance to Langtang National Park, whereupon the trail climbs steeply up through forest of oak and rhododendron to a hamlet, Sanu Gopte, across kharkas (grazing grounds in the forest) and a couple of small passes, and thence down to the village of Magingoth, altitude 3,200 m, which is surrounded by beautiful forest of Himalayan silver fir (Abies spectabilis).

Continuing towards Tharepati, the trail leads through a lovely forest with a rich birdlife, including black-faced laughing-thrush (Trochalopteron affine), the diminutive, wren-like scaly-breasted wren-babbler (Pnoepyga albiventer), also known as scaly-breasted cupwing, and the verdigris-green fire-tailed myzornis (Myzornis pyrrhoura). The latter was formerly placed in the large babbler family (Timaliidae), but recent genetic research has shown that it is closer related to parrotbills (Paradoxornithidae). I also observe a small flock of the beautiful blood pheasant (Ithaginis cruentus), named for the red tear-shaped streaks on the breast of the male.

From the hotels in Tharepati, situated on a ridge at an altitude of 3,600 m, we have a gorgeous view towards mountains in Tibet, including Shishapangma, or Gosainthan (8013 m) – the highest mountain entirely within Chinese territory.

 

 

Himalayan keelback, encountered near Gul Bhanjyang. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

Green-backed tit (Parus monticolus), carrying food, Kutumsang. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

Near Tharepati, we observed a number of bird species, including the beautiful blood pheasant, named for the red, tear-shaped streaks on the breast of the male (top), and the diminutive scaly-breasted wren-babbler. (Photos copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

This moth, sitting on a fallen leaf of tail-leaved maple (Acer caudatum), is very well camouflaged. – Tharepati. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

 

Sacred lakes
From Tharepati, the trail initially leads through thickets of Rhododendron campanulatum, later through forest of silver fir, drooping juniper (Juniperus recurva), and Himalayan birch (Betula utilis), with a dense undergrowth of dwarf bamboo.

Past a group of hotels named Gopte, the trail leads up and down through a very stony area to another group of hotels at Ayethang (4050 m), from where we have to climb a very steep trail up towards a pass, Laurebina La (4609 m).

In the shelter of a rock, I find a small growth of Eriophyton wallichii, an extremely hairy high-altitude plant, belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae). The hairy layer is an adaptation to protect the plant against cold and drought.

On our way towards the pass, we are surprised by a sudden snowfall, leaving a layer of slushy snow, which is far from pleasant to trudge through.

The trail continues along three lakes, Surya Kund, Ganesh Kund, and Bhairab Kund, all named after Hindu deities. The Gosainkund area contains a total of 54 lakes, which are all sacred to Hindus, and every year, during the July or August full moon, thousands of pilgrims undertake the strenuous hike to this area to bathe ritually in these lakes. Devout Hindus wish to bathe in all 54 of them. An interesting legend, describing the origin of these lakes, is related on the page Countries and places: Sacred lakes of Shiva.

 

 

Cremanthodium is an attractive genus of the composite family (Asteraceae), comprising 13 species in the Himalaya. This picture shows C. nepalense, photographed at Gopte. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

On our way towards the Laurebina La Pass, I found this group of Eriophyton wallichii, a hairy member of the mint family. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

During a lull in a snow storm, my guide Tanka pauses briefly near Surya Kund – one of the 54 sacred lakes for Hindus in the Gosainkund area. Surya is the sun god in the Hindu pantheon. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

 

Plants around Gosain Kund
From the pass, we descend to Gosain Kund, at 4,400 m. This lake, which has given name to the entire area, is named for the god Shiva, who is also called Gosain.

Near the lake is a small group of hotels, of which only a single one is open at this time of the year. The caretaker is a sympathetic Tibetan woman, whose only company is a cook. She has just been paid a visit by a group of Israelis, who cheated her by paying for less that they had consumed – an act, which does not surprise me, as Israeli backpackers are notorious for their miserliness.

”Israeli people no good!” says the woman.

The following morning, I explore the flora along the lake shore. Many beautiful flowers grow here, including Cyananthus lobatus and Codonopsis thalictrifolia, both of the bellflower family (Campanulaceae), a gentian, Gentiana ornata, an edelweiss, Leontopodium jacotianum, and a lush bistort, Bistorta vacciniifolia.

 

 

Cyananthus lobatus, of the bellflower family (Campanulaceae), making its way up through branches of a dwarf shrub, Rhododendron setosum, Gosainkund. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

Bistorta vacciniifolia, growing on a rock in front of a waterfall. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

 

Lush forest
From Gosain Kund, a rather easy trail leads through rocky terrain, passing two more lakes, Nag Kund and Saraswati Kund. A couple of hotels are situated at Laurebinayak (Binayak is yet another name of Shiva), surrounded by low, dense thickets of sun pathi – the Nepalese name of a dwarf shrub, Rhododendron anthopogon, whose leaves are dried and utilized as tea, and the twigs are burned as incense on house altars.

At Cholang Pati (3,600 m), situated on a ridge, we encounter two entirely different types of vegetation. While the dry southern side only has scattered juniper bushes, the sheltered north side is covered in a lush forest of old silver firs.

Around the village of Sing Gompa, named after a Tibetan Buddhist monastery (gompa), I notice many blackened tree stumps, which bear witness to a huge forest fire in the past.

In this village, cheese is produced from milk, produced by naks (female yaks), which graze here during the summer months. This useful animal is described in detail on the page Animals – Animals as servants of Man: Cattle, banteng and yak.

 

 

Wonderful forest of Himalayan silver fir (Abies spectabilis), the trunks covered in epiphytes, mostly ferns and mosses, Cholang Pati. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

 

Into the Langtang Valley
Thulo Shyabru is a village on a beautiful location, situated on a ridge at an altitude of about 2,200 m, from where we have a fine view of the Langtang Valley. Still, a few houses in the village are built of wood, with beautifully carved window frames, but this millennia-old craft is quickly disappearing, giving way to houses built of bricks or concrete, with pre-fabricated windows.

The trail down to the valley leads through terraced fields and forest. After a landslide we arrive at a couple of hotels at Pairo, popularly called Landslide, as a major landslide took place here some years ago. These hotels are situated at an altitude of only 1650 m, and it is steaming hot.

Birdlife in this area mainly comprises subtropical species like black bulbul (Hypsipetes leucocephalus) and blue-throated barbet (Psilopogon asiaticus). A short distance above the hotels, black bee nests are hanging on the rock face, and I am lucky to observe two yellow-throated martens (Martes flavigula), running along the rock wall.

As opposed to the lush forest on the southern side of the river, the northern side is very dry, facing the sun, the rocks covered in grass, mixed with numerous candelabra spurges of the species Euphorbia royleana.

A couple of hours later, we arrive at Bamboo Lodge, where two hotels were washed away by a stone- and mudslide in 2000. They have since been rebuilt, blending into the harsh landslide in a charming way. In the landslide, Nepalese alder (Alnus nepalensis) have been planted – a true pioneer tree, which readily grows in landslides and other eroded areas.

 

 

Coral trees, of the genus Erythrina, have marvellous flowers. This picture shows E. arborescens, growing near Thulo Shyabru. A pole with Tibetan Buddhist prayer flags is seen in the background. Prayer flags and other aspects of Buddhism are described on the page Religion: Buddhism. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

Near Bamboo Lodge, I found this Balanophora dioica, which, at first sight, resembles a fungus, but is in fact a seed-plant. It contains no chlorophyll, being a parasite that obtains all necessary nutrients from tree roots. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

Herpetospermum pedunculosum is a very lush climber of the cucumber family (Cucurbitaceae), growing at altitudes between 1,800 and 3,600 m. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

 

Birdlife along the river
Soon we arrive at a suspension bridge, leading across the Langtang Khola (khola means ‘smaller stream’). Along the river, we observe various birds, of which the commonest is plumbeous redstart (Phoenicurus fuliginosus). The sexes of this bird have very different plumages, the male being slate-black with a red tail, whereas the female is pale grey with white spots on the tail.

Another common bird is the white-capped river-chat (Phoenicurus leucocephalus), which is red and black with a white cap. Previously, this bird was placed in the genus Chaimarrornis, from the Greek kheimarrhos (‘torrent’) and ornis (‘bird’), relating to its habitat along fast-flowing streams.

As its name implies, the brown dipper (Cinclus pallasii) is a uniform brown, as opposed to the Eurasian species (C. cinclus), which has a white breast. Dippers mainly eats caddis fly larvae, catching them beneath the surface and extracting them from their ‘house’ on the river bank.

The blue whistling-thrush (Myophonus caeruleus) is a little larger than a European blackbird (Turdus merula), named for its beautiful song, which contains clear whistling sounds.

 

 

Male and female plumbeous redstart, Langtang Khola. (Photos copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

Along the Langtang Khola, we often heard the sharp, piercing call of the white-capped river-chat. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

 

Buddhist inhabitants
From the river, the trail climbs steeply through old landslides. Above the villages of Rimche and Changdam (Lama Hotel), we pass through lovely forest of Himalayan hemlocks (Tsuga dumosa), whose enormous trunks are covered in mosses.

At Ghora Tabela (’Horse Stables’), at 2,950 m, the valley widens, and the forest is replaced by thickets of barberry (Berberis), roses, and other prickly bushes, indicating that many goats and yaks are grazing here.

The largest village in the valley is Langtang, situated at an altitude of 3,500 m. The major part of its inhabitants are Buddhists, which is obvious, judging from the many prayer flags, chortens (Tibetan style stupas), and long rows of mani stones, which are slabs of slate or other stones, inscribed with Buddhist mantras. These items, and many other aspects of Buddhism, are described on the page Religion: Buddhism.

 

 

In this fancy shop near Thangshyap, you can buy woollen ‘godis’ and yakbone ‘soovenirs’. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

This orchid, Satyrium nepalense, is very common in the Himalaya. It has a wide altitudinal distribution, found between 1,500 and 4,000 m. The plant with white flowerheads is a species of pearly everlasting (Anaphalis), and the reddish-violet flowers are Geranium wallichii. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

Crescent-leaved sundew (Drosera peltata), covered in raindrops. Sundew and other carnivorous plants are described on the page Plants: Carnivorous plants. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

 

The Upper Langtang Valley
While we are enjoying the marvellous view towards the mountains, a huge lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus) zooms by, looking for carcasses. Above a couple of small villages, the trail leads over several moraine ridges, winding here and there between large boulders.

Behind the last ridge, at 3,900 m, is Kyanjin Gompa, surrounded by a number of hotels. From here, we have a fantastic view towards the highest mountain in the national park, Langtang Lirung (7,245 m), and two glaciers, Lirung and Kyimshung.

At Kyanjin Gompa, Tanka and I await the arrival of two porters, Raju and Tanka. As it turns out, the latter is a large man, whom I dub ‘Big Tanka’ to avoid confusion. When they have arrived, we continue up towards the end of the valley, where we camp a few days at Langshisa, near several large boulders, which have been adorned with countless prayer flags.

In this valley, I study the rich vegetation, comprising shrubs of the spiny Tibetan sea-buckthorn (Hippophae tibetana), and a large number of herbs, including a marsh felwort, Lomatogonium carinthiacum, a larkspur, Delphinium glaciale, and Himalayan may-apple (Sinopodophyllum hexandrum), the latter with attractive red fruits. This species, which belongs to the barberry family (Berberidaceae), is much utilized in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, and it is severely threatened by excessive collecting.

 

 

Morning light on mountains near Kyanjin Gompa. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

Early in the morning, the flowerhead of this Aster himalaicus was covered in rime, which has now melted in the morning sun. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

Tanka and Raju assist the heavily burdened Big Tanka in crossing a river above Kyanjin Gompa. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

Tibetan Buddhist prayer flags at Langshisa. The peak in the background is Pemthang Karpo Ri (6865 m). (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

The Himalayan may-apple has attractive red fruits, which, however, are toxic when young. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

At high altitudes in the Langtang Valley, you often encounter grazing yaks, especially naks (females), which yield excellent milk. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

 

Flora en route to Ganja La
As we must bring extra provisions for our trip across the Ganja La Pass, the loads will be too heavy for Raju and Big Tanka, so back in Kyanjin Gompa we hire a local porter to carry some of our gear. We get acquainted with a young Italian, Sasha, who also intends to cross the pass, so we decide to join company.

We now hike a bit downstream, crossing the river on a bridge, continuing on a trail, which leads through dense forest of Himalayan birch. Once out in the open again, we begin the steep ascent towards the Ganja La.

Soon we enter an open, grass-clad area, called Ngegang Kharka, which displays a rich flora, including a lousewort, Pedicularis scullyana, a monkshood, Aconitum gammiei, and a species of star gentian, Swertia cuneata. At an altitude of about 4,700 m, I encounter an extremely hairy composite, Saussurea gossypiphora – an adaptation to protect the plant against cold and drought. The genus Saussurea, of the composite family, contains at least 31 species in the Himalaya.

Although it is still early in the day, we make camp here, as it is wise to cross the snow-clad Ganja La early in the morning, when the snow is firm, making it easier to walk on.

 

 

This yellow species of lousewort, Pedicularis scullyana, was encountered in the Ngegang Kharka grazing ground. A species of bistort (Bistorta) is also seen. In the background Langtang Lirung Glacier. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

No less than c. 28 species of star gentian (Swertia) are found in the Himalaya. This picture shows S. cuneata, likewise at Ngegang Kharka. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

Saussurea gossypiphora is extremely hairy, an adaptation to protect the plant against cold and drought. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

Nepal 2009
Camping below the Ganja La, from left Big Tanka, Raju, Tanka, and our local porter, gathered in the kitchen tent. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

 

Accident on the pass
The following morning, we start out at five o’clock, and the initial part of the climb is easy enough. But then the troubles start. As the morning sun begins to melt the snow, we sink into it at every step.

As it turns out, a landslide has destroyed the old trail, and the new one is fairly precarious, the last part of it, just beneath the top of the pass, being a narrow shelf, on which you have to cling to the perpendicular rock wall. However, we all manage to reach the top without mishap. The weather is fine, sunshine and wandering clouds, and the views are wonderful.

The descent is also far from easy. The sun is baking, and as Raju, Big Tanka, and the local porter didn’t bring sunglasses, they begin to suffer from snow blindness.

I’m lagging a bit behind, when, to my horror, I see the local porter fall off the trail and start sliding down a steep snow drift, in which rocks protrude here and there. As he has tied his burden to his shoulders with rope, he is not able to extract himself, sliding helplessly down the drift. On his way, he hits a rock, luckily with his body, after which his speed subsides, and he comes to a stop. Sasha, who is ahead of us, hurries along to help the porter, who, to my intense relief, has only had a few scratches and a couple of bent ribs.

Now it is Raju’s turn. He stumbles, causing his basket to fall off and disappear into a crevasse, surrounded by a huge snow drift. It is impossible to get hold of the basket again, which, unfortunately, contains most of our food. As the local porter cannot carry now because of his bent ribs, Raju takes over most of his load, but we have to leave some of it behind in the snow.

 

 

Nepal 2009
Group picture, prior to our ascent towards Ganja La, from left Tanka, Raju, Big Tanka, our local porter, and Sasha. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

 

We find shelter with local people
Disheartened, we plod along through the snow, hoping to meet a herder, from whom we may be able to buy some food. During the summer months, many herders move to temporary shelters, called goth, in the kharkas – high-altitude grazing grounds for yaks. While here, they milk their naks daily, making butter and cheese from the milk.

About an hour later, we arrive at areas devoid of snow, but hour after hour passes by, and all stone huts we encounter have been deserted – the herders have already descended into the valley with their animals.

Late in the afternoon, we are beginning to lose courage, and Raju, Big Tanka, and our local porter are now so snow blind that they can hardly see anything.

Then, to our immense relief, we observe smoke rising from a goth, which, as it turns out, houses a beautiful Tamang woman and her small son. (Her husband has gone into the valley to buy supplies.) She receives us very courteously, and we are allowed to make camp near her hut. We are able to buy rice and a few mustard leaves from her, making it possible for us to cook a simple meal. The woman also makes tea for us, with lovely, fresh yak milk – a heavenly drink in our miserable condition!

 

 

This Tamang woman at Dukpu received us very courteously and allowed us to make camp near her goth (stone hut). In this picture, she and her son are sitting at the kitchen fire. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

Gorgeous red autumn leaves of a species of spurge, probably Euphorbia sikkimensis, Dukpu. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

 

Another hospitable herder
The following morning, after yet another lovely cup of tea, we continue our journey downwards. Our three snow blind porters have spent a sleepless night in their tents, but are in a slightly better condition than the previous day.

Our descent is quick, and in the afternoon we encounter another herder, who has remained in the grazing grounds. It is considerably warmer here, with shrubs of rhododendron and other bushes. The herbal flora is also different, comprising species like Anemone obtusiloba, fine-leaved groundsel (Senecio graciliflorus), and a species of late-summer-mint (Elsholtzia).

We get permission to camp near the herder’s large tent, in which we spend the evening. Obviously, he is happy to have company, as being a herder is often a very lonely job. In the morning, we watch him milking his dzopkios – a cross between cattle and yak, which thrives at lower altitudes than the yak, and also yields more milk.

After enjoying a cup of tea, we set out towards the village of Tharke Ghyang, reaching it late in the afternoon.

 

 

We found shelter with a cow herder (centre) at Darjaling Kharka, above Helambu. Big Tanka (left), Raju, and the local porter (both to the right) are suffering from snow blindness, causing the smoke from the fire to be a great nuisance to them. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

Sasha says hello to one of the herdsman’s dzopkios. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

Morning view from Darjaling Kharka. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

Anemone obtusiloba is very common in Nepal. It comes in three colour morphs, blue, white, and yellow. The yellow form, however, is restricted to Kashmir. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

A species of late-summer-mint (Elsholtzia), Darjaling Kharka. (Photo copyright © by Kaj Halberg)

 

 

 

The major part of the plants mentioned above are described on the page Plants: Himalayan flora 1, 2, and 3, whereas the flora of the Langtang-Gosainkund area is related in detail on the page Plants – Plant hunting in the Himalaya: Around sacred lakes of Shiva.

Most of the mentioned animals are described on the pages Animals – Mammals: Mammals in the Himalaya, and Animals – Birds: Birds in the Himalaya.

 

 

 

(Uploaded November 2017)

 

(Latest update October 2022)