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The 0330 hrs start was postponed due to heavy rain and poor visibility, hardly surprising, as it was dark. The rain eased off and we had bed-tea at 0415 hrs, setting off for the viewing point at 0435 hrs all booted and spurred. After a 20 min steep climb we were rewarded with clear views of the Pandim Range, the Kangchenjunga Massif, the Black Kabur and the mountains West to Koktang. The early start was very worthwhile. By 0800 hrs we had washed, packed and breakfasted. We had also discussed the option of extending the day to take in the views from just below the Black Kabur.
The team split into 2 groups with a plan to meet up at the next site at Thangsing, by 1400 hrs. The team of 7, taking the direct route, enjoyed some good views of the Pandim Range and the river valley as they trekked. There was occasional mist but there spirits were high as the sun shone and they tried to learn some yak songs from the guide. They arrived at the large flat pasture of Thangsing, elevation 3920m, at 1230 hrs. The yak men and the cook team were eager to play cricket on the flat pasture. However, within a short time they had broken the bat and split the ball so that was the end of the return match.
The team of 3 headed off to the North from Dzongri to take in the scenery close to the base of the Black Kabur. The climb was steady with fine views back down the valley and the sun shone throughout the trek causing some minor sunburn to exposed hands and heads. As they reached the high pass at 4300m elevation the views of the South Kabru and the mountains to the West were magnificent. They pushed on to the foot of the Black Kabur at 4525m elevation for some more magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. A pair of eagles soared about 50m below on the mountain thermals. The views made every step up the mountain worthwhile. On the descent they passed lots of primulas, patches of snow and several blood pheasants. The very steep slope through the rhododendron forest down to the valley bottom and fast flowing river was particularly difficult to negotiate but they were glad to be going down rather than up. They arrived at the campsite at 1340 hrs, just in time to enjoy a hearty lunch and several cups of tea.
After the whole team had caught up on the events of the day they divided again to sort out equipment and admire the mountain views around the site. Two of the team decided to tackle one of the unnamed peaks close to the site and after 2 hours of hard work they sat on top of Shir-Bar peak at 4380m, enjoying the stunning views of the Pandim Range. After a steep descent they decided to cool down with a dip in the very, very cold mountain river. The team gathered in the mess tent to drink tea, play cards and agree that they had just had the best day so far on the trek. Just before the evening meal the heavens opened and it started pouring with rain. It was not long before the thunder and lightening started and it continued for the majority of the night. The meal was good and the moths provided a good display around the lantern in the mess tent. The whole team retired early, including the dog that had been following us for the last 3 days. The dog crawled under the flysheet and was given a blanket to protect him from the cold and wet.
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