Jan. 1849. ROUTE OF SALT-TRADERS. 351 



ference of Kinchin. It is evident that the most direct 

 way must be that nearest the mountain-top, and therefore 

 that which reaches the highest accessible elevation on its 

 shoulders, and which, at the same time, dips into the 

 shallowest valleys between those shoulders. The actual 

 distance in a straight line is about fifty miles, from 

 Yoksun to the mart at or near Tashirukpa. 

 The marches between them are as follows : — 

 1. To Yalloong two days; crossing Kanglanamo pass, 

 15,000 feet high. 



3. To foot of Choonjerma pass, descending to 10,000 feet. 



4. Cross Choonjerma pass, 15,260 feet, and proceed to 

 Kambachen, 11,400 feet. 



5. Cross Nango pass, 15,770, and camp on Yangma 

 river, 11,000 feet. 



6. Ascend to foot of Kanglachem pass, and camp at 

 15,000 feet. 



7. Cross Kanglachem pass, probably 16,500 feet; and 



8 — 10. It is said to be three marches hence to the 

 Tibetan custom-house, and that two more snowy passes 

 are crossed. 



This allows no day of rest, and gives only five miles — as 

 the crow flies — to be accomplished each day, but I assume 

 fully fourteen of road distance ; the labour spent in which 

 would accomplish fully thirty over good roads. Four 

 snowed passes at least are crossed, all above 15,000 feet, 

 and after the first day the path does not descend below 

 10.000 feet. By this route about one-third of the circuit of 

 Kinchinjunga is accomplished. Supposing the circuit were 

 to be completed by the shortest practicable route, that is, 

 keeping as near the summit as possible, the average time 

 required for a man with his load would be upwards of a 

 month. 



