It rained overnight in Simigaon, and the excellent view of Gauri Shankar remained hidden beneath the clouds. I had planned to trek the Daldung La route, but found out that it hasn't been used in a few years because of landslide danger. Therefore, I used the normal lower Rolwaling route. The trail from Simigaon enters the Rolwaling valley, climbing steeply through the trees for two hours to Shakpa Kharka (2660m). I had my first experience with leeches, one getting under my pants to suck the blood from my leg. Gyan ripped him off, leaving a splotch of dried blood on my leg.