1848.] Itinerary from Phari in Thibet , to Lassa. 269 



36. Kechoo — The resting-place is on the river of this name, which 

 runs from the east and by the town of Lassa. Its course from Kechoo 

 is to the south. It is a large river never fordable. It is crossed in 

 leather boats. The banks of the river are fertile, well cultivated and 

 peopled. The houses are all built of stone. 



37. Chambarangjeung. — One day's journey to the north from the 

 Kechoo river. There is a good deal of ascent on this march and the 

 road is rough and stony. " Chambarangjeung" is the name of a large 

 stone image which stands on a hill near the resting-place, and to 

 which there is a considerable resort of pilgrims and worshippers. The 

 history of the image is not known. It is believed to be of immense 

 antiquity. It is in the figure of a man cut in bas relievo on the rock. 

 Its height is reckoned at 30 feet and it is well proportioned. There 

 are no inscriptions on the rocks about it. The right hand hangs on 

 the thigh. The left is across the breast, and grasps a round stone, 

 the size of a six pound shot. 



38. Tcheuling. — One day's journey north by east over a level country. 

 No descent from Chambarangjeung, and it is a nearly level plain all the 

 way to Lassa. There is a Goomba here of the same name, the Lamas 

 of which are of the Geloo* order, i. e. they wear the yellow robe and 

 sugar-loaf cap. The number, with the Gelongs, is about 100. The 

 country around is well peopled. It appears that from Chambarangje- 

 ung to Lassa the country is an elevated plateau, and that the Kechoo 

 river runs along its southern face. The elevation is estimated at about 

 200 feet. 



39. Teloong. — On the left bank of the river Zsheunemoongtcho, 

 which runs from the north and keeps a southerly course from 

 " Teloong.'* It is crossed by a stone bridge. The country on both 

 banks is level, well peopled and cultivated. 



40. Shemidonka. — This is a small town inhabited entirely by 

 Chinese, i. e. the males are Chinese, the women are all natives of Tibet. 

 The Chinamen who serve at Lassa are not allowed to bring their wives 

 along with them ; they marry Tibetans, and on their return to China 

 leave them and their families behind. The men of this town are prin- 

 cipally soldiers, and other followers of the Chinese Ampas, resident 

 Councillars, at Lassa. The distance from Lassa is about 30 miles. 



* Geluk-pa, the most modern, but dominant sect of Lamaism.— B. H. H. 



