x INTRODUCTION 



disabuse the world in general of the idea that this lovely 

 valley is only to be reached by an undue expenditure 

 of physical force and nerve, to say nothing of filthy 

 lucre, I shall feel that I have not lived in vain, but 

 assisted somewhat in showing the " open door " of one 

 of the most perfect holiday grounds of the world, 

 offering nourishment to almost every imaginable 

 hobby for what would our holidays be without our 

 hobbies ? There the shikari, the student, the man with 

 a taste for commerce, the soldier, the boating man, the 

 artist will find plenty of food for his especial taste, 

 even a philatellist of the most virulent type ought to 

 be satisfied with a State that perpetually produces new 

 stamps, and a numismatist can rack his brains as to 

 the meaning of the strange devices shown on some of 

 the modern coins, to say nothing of studying the ancient 

 specimens constantly dug up. The invalid will rejoice 

 in the exhilarating air, and the old man feel young 

 again, while the habitual pauper must be forced to own 

 the advantages of a land where a rupee will buy a 

 sheep, and eight a suit of homespun clothes. 



The mistake made by most people wishing to travel 

 there is that they overburden themselves with pre- 

 parations, make up their baggage to the proportions 

 of a small Noah's Ark, and endanger their digestions 

 by the variety of the tinned foods they provide. 

 Without stopping short at the proverbial " flannel 

 shirt and pair of boots," which many would say is the 

 whole extent of the explorer's necessaire, it is only 

 adding to the burden of the flesh, and straining to an 



