The World's Loftiest Trade Route. 



Owing to the great physical obstacles trade is carried on at a 

 considerable disadvantage, and every summer during the period 

 when the passes are open a heavy mortality in baggage animals 

 results. This is consequent on the high altitudes, the desolate 

 nature of the country traversed, devoid of grass or any kind of 

 pasturage, and the enormous glaciers to be negotiated. Of late 

 years the Government of India has done much to mitigate the 

 difficulties and dangers of this important trade route by the 

 construction of supply dep6ts for grain, the erection of cara- 

 vanserais for the use of men and animals, and in generally assisting 

 traders to overcome the immense natural difficulties confronting 

 them. At points along the road improvements have been 

 instituted and carried through with a view to rendering it much 

 easier than in former days, so that the entire route is now very 

 different to what it was a few years ago. 



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