A Great Glacier. 



volume of water from the snows above turn the river into a 

 roaring torrent nothing can face, let alone cross in safety. 



At Gulmit T camped in a fine orchard above the right bank 

 of the river, and was the recipient of presents of fruit from the 

 lumbardar in charge of the village. The Mir of Hunza has a 

 summer residence here, rather a pretty place, commanding a fine 

 view of the surrounding country and the mountains across the 

 river to the east. 



The following day I again double-marched to Khaibar, a 

 distance of i8 miles, halting at Pasu, half way, for tiffin, 

 which the indefatigable Piro served in a glorious orchard 

 whilst the coolie relief was being arranged. Just before reach- 

 ing Pasu there is a big moraine to cross, formed by the deposit 

 of a great glacier that year by year continues its steady advance, 

 the solid walls of ice presenting an imposing spectacle. 



The village hard by possessed a reputation in former days by 

 reason of its being located near the entrance to the famous 

 Shimshal Ravine, the route followed by raiding parties of Kan- 

 jutis into the Raskum Valley. This nullah is on the left bank 

 a little distance above the village, and certainly has all the 

 appearance of rough going. The pass itself, which lies at an 

 elevation of about 14,000 feet, presents no difticulties, but on the 

 Hunza side for a distance of several miles it becomes imprac- 

 ticable for laden animals on account of the rocks and boulders 

 with which the nullah is strewn. 



49 



