Bhutan - Day 6

Today we hiked over Lab pass our highest point of the trip at 14800'.

Last night, there were a zillion stars in the sky as we are high up and there is no light pollution. First we hiked up the left side of the valley which gave us great views up and down the valley. 

Then we hiked up to the pass where we saw Rhododendren buried in the snow and a variety of mini Rhododendren.  Its amazing that they grow this high (over 14000')

 

The high point is in the u shaped pass

 

Zoom in to see the horses in front of us

Fixing prayer flags at the pass

After the pass there was a steep drop.  The wall and gate are used to keep the horses from running. 

Hiking past a balancing rock, we were able to see a climb we get to do tomorrow. 

Zoom in to see the trail going up to the left on the far mountain.

Another mile or so and we reached our campsite at Panka, but it was totally dry.

Panka camp is in the valley, we camped behind the hill to the right

The horseman, who grew up as a Yak herder in this area, found us a different campsite up the hill. It was still dry, but at least closer to water that he brought in via horseback.  A benefit was that it meant we did not have to climb first thing tomorrow. 

We camped in a small bowl area

It was dry also

Resting in the sun after the hike

Toilet tent - they dig a hole under the seat

First view of very high Himalaya Mts

This  is the first camp with cook (blue tent) and toilet tents.  We hiked 5.5 miles with 1140' of gain and 1720' of drop.  The camp was at 13390'.  I am very tired because the wind was howling last night so no sleep (even though I am pretty deaf with no hearing aids)