It was summer 2008, and we were in Cholangpati at an elevation of 3500 m a.s.l., a few hours of steep and difficult climbing from Dhunche on the way to Gosaikunda. At an elevation of 3910 m above sea level, close to Lauribinayak, we found a single tree of Himalayan fir standing about 2.5 metres tall. Above this elevation, high-stature trees disappeared and are therefore termed the ‘treeline’ elevation. From here upwards, a landscape with grasses and shrubs begins.

Why are there no trees above the treeline? Scientists blame harsh climate conditions for the disappearance of tree stature in the landscape. However, one may observe dwarfed individual of the tree species, termed krummholz. Continue reading →