Beyond the clouds and very close is 22,290 foot Jichu Drake. With an early
start and the luck of clear weather, one could easily climb to the top of the
pass here. The far north side might have severe drop-offs. One would gain
a rare view of the southwest face of Jichu Drake. One could gaze upon its
glaciers and feel at one's feet the beginnings of the Paro Chu river. For our little
walk, we rose up the trough to the right and then ascended the middle ridge
further up. The ridgeline felt as thin as a knife. We didn't make it to running
water or the snow banks. Click on photo to see water running a short ways
to the left. The 18,000 foot elevation line is about where the tundra ends
in the upper middle. High off to the right (on the south facing slope) there
was the late fall remains of a huge flowering plant with a 6 foot high stalk.

Click on the griffon or the photo to continue.