Day 10 - Dragnag to Chugyuma

Today is a positioning day before we attempt the crossing of the Cho La Pass tomorrow. This is a high pass (over 17,500 feet) and is not advisable in poor weather. If we cannot make the pass, it is a long route down to Phortse and back up to Lobuche, which would be a considerable extra distance and cost us a lot of time. Fortunately, the weather remains settled and we set out up the valley towards Chugyuma, below the Cho La Pass on the western side.

The valley is wild and desolate. There are no trees and little vegetation of any kind at this altitude. As we crest an intermediate ridge, we get a fist view of the pass to the north east. The approach to it is rocky and steep.

We make camp at Chugyuma, though there is nothing here to indicate that there is a place at all. Nights are very cold now, and even wearing clothes inside the sleeping bag it is hard to stay warm. Still, tomorrow should be an exciting day.

Elevation Profile

Below Chugyuma

Camp site at Chugyuma