Trek to Jangothang - Chomolhari Base Camp

Elevation Change: 11,844' to 13,255'
Distance:  11.8 miles

We woke to a brilliant blue sky and our first view of Mount Chomolhari. After a filling breakfast, we donned our day packs and headed out. We followed the ascending trail, passing a small army camp and a shrine. The forest was behind us now, with grand mountain vistas pulling us forward. We followed the river above tree line, enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Our pace was slow and steady... no reason to rush through THIS landscape! It was clouding up by lunchtime. We ate at a yak herder's camp, then walked into the valley that led to our campsite, situated below the ice-covered east face of Mt. Chomolhari at Jangothang. We were cold and tired, so we settled right into our tent, climbed into our sleeping bags, and had a late afternoon nap. We were enticed out of our antisocial ways by the announcement of a popcorn snack and the opportunity to prepare prayer flags for hoisting in the coming days.

First view of Mt Chomolhari. That'll put some pep in your step!

heading out under blue skies

That's our lunch overtaking us. The leaders of the pack
have the privilege of wearing fancy headdresses.

stupa in the sun - pleasant place to rest

nice tree

a few wildflowers despite the late spring

beautiful river valley

The view didn't change much for awhile, but nobody minded.

approaching lunch stop, clouds and chill moving in

We always had a full, hot lunch, complete with rice, chicken or
pork, three or four vegetables, plenty of ginger tea.

leaving lunch stop behind

no road to this house ... just the trail we were walking on

friendly smiles from the kids

prayer wheel - kept in motion by the running stream

What happened to our sunshine?

Made it!

reviewing the day's bird sightings, including five ibis bills

delicious hot soup - perfect start to the meal

It was a two-hot-water-bottle night!