of the Valley of the Setlej River. 873 



in particular the valley of the Sipon river, and that of the 

 Pabar itself, visiting the confluence of these rivers, the sum- 

 mit of the ridge which divides them, and the sources of both 

 rivers. 



The Himalayan glens for the most part run almost perpen- 

 dicular to the range, or from N.N.E. and N.E. to S.S.W. and 

 S.W. The face exposed to the N. W. is invariably rugged ; 

 and the opposite one, facing the S.E., is shelving. The roads 

 to the most frequented passes lie upon the gentle acclivity : 

 the difference of the elevation of forest on either side is re- 

 markable. On the declivity towards the N.W., which, as be- 

 fore observed, is the most abrupt, the trees rise several hun- 

 dred feet higher than those upon the opposite face, which has 

 a more gentle slope ; and in some instances, the difference ex- 

 ceeds 1000 feet. The general height of the forest on the 

 southern face of the Himalaya, is about 11,800 to 12,000 

 feet above the sea. Oaks and pines reach that elevation ; 

 birches extend a few feet higher. Descending from the pass 

 of Bandajan, the level of the highest juniper was observed 

 13,300 feet. 



From Shearghal, at an elevation of 13,720 feet (which the 

 travellers reached by a very steep path, crossing several snow- 

 beds, where it was necessary to cut steps with a hatchet, and 

 passing among gigantic oblong masses of mica slate, disen- 

 gaged from the impending crags,) the prospect is very exten- 

 sive. Towards the plains appear the Chur mountains, 12,000 

 feet (one measured barometrically is 12,143 feet;) to the S.E., 

 snowy summits of immense altitude, in the direction of Ya- 

 munavatar'i, rising one above another in majestic disorder, and 

 presenting mountains of eternal snow ; and beyond the source 

 of the Pabar, one of the huge Raldang peaks, above 21,000 

 feet. Across the Pabar, is the Chashil range, through which 

 are several passes, 13,000 to 14,000 feet high. 



The travellers passed through Tangno, which gives name 

 to a small district, comprehending five villages. Abundance 

 of thyme, strawberries, nettles, thistles, and other European 

 plants, was noticed. The houses are shaded by horse-chest- 

 nuts, walnuts, and apricots. The elevation of the place is 

 8,800 feet. 



