More Monasteries on the road to Kanding
Trip Start
Oct 17, 2007
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Trip End
Oct 29, 2007
Felt a bit groggy in the moring after such a bad night. Wondered just how many boiled eggs I can eat for breakfast although developing a taste for rice porridge but not yak's milk. Set off for Pamoling Monastery on our way to Kanding to see the rare buff-throated partridge. These again are fed by the monks who revere all animals. Challenging journey up to this high altitude monastry. Buses could only just fit on the road and wheels were right on the edge over a 1000m drop. The edge itself in places weas crumbling and propped with nothing more than a pile of stones. I'm not normally of a nervous disposition but I could see there was a very real risk of the road giving way and rolling down the mountain. When we arrived it appeared it wasn't just me who was a bit worried. The French delegation who dominated mini bus 2 had refused to continue and had bailed out following the empty mini bus in a pick up truck belonging to the Forestry Manager who was accompanying us. It was however wonderful at the top. We had to search for the partridges but they eventually appeared. Managed to fall over in the rush to see them but by now this was recognised as normal behaviour for me. At least it wasn't over a 1000m drop. Walked around the sacred mountain which was covered in prayer flags. There was also a very spooky grove where people hung clothing and personal effects of the dead. Saw a very nice hat but thought it maybe not a good idea. We all walked back down the mountain along the most dangerous part of the track. About two thirds of the group left early and walked all the way down on a three hour hike rather than face the bus journey. Rest of journey to Kangding uneventful and it was nice to be in a decent hotel.
