498 Routes from Darjeeling to Thibet. [Nov. 



No. 5. 



Route from Darjeeling to Digarchi by Lachoong and the Donkialah 

 passage of the Snowy Range 



The stages from Darjeeling to the Teesta are the same as those noted 

 in the route to Tumloong, viz. by Namgialatchi and Temi to the Sam- 

 phoo or Sanadong Ghat, whence keeping the west bank of the river the 

 next stage is 



Kedong. — The road is difficult and runs for the most part parallel 

 to the river, and about 500 feet above it. General direction north 

 by west. 



Garrh. — West of the Teesta, ascend from Kedong to Singdam, which 

 is a Lepcha village, thence descend to Garrh. Road difficult. 



Balla Samdong, on the Teesta. — Direction due north ; descent all the 

 way to the Teesta. 



Rungoon. — Cross the Teesta at the Balla Ghat* by a cane suspen- 

 sion bridge, and ascend to the encamping-ground ; direction north, road 

 good, and habitations along it. 



Singtam. — Ascend a short way, cross the Singtam ridge, then descend 

 to this stage, at which there is a village ; there is a small stream which 

 runs west to the Teesta. 



Miangh. — Ascend the Miangh hill, cross it, and descend to the en- 

 camping-ground, direction north-west. The united streams of the 

 Lachen and Lachoong fall into the Teesta below Miangh. 



Namgah. — A good road, north by west, moderate ascent to Namgah. 



Tongh. — About half way from Namgah you come to the Lachen 

 Lachoong Choo, along the east bank of which lies this place. The 

 Lachen choo rises from a lake beyond the snowy range, and after run- 

 ning west, penetrates the range at Latong, where there is a passage 

 into Thibet, to be presently described. It unites with the Lachoong 

 Choo at Choongtan, one day's journey above Tongh, and forms the La- 

 chen-Lachoong feeder of the Teesta. The Teesta proper rises from the 

 east of Kunchmjinga. The Lachoong rises from the Donkia mountain 

 and runs down the passage that bears that name and to which this pre- 

 sent route appertains. 



* Sandong is Thibetian for ferry. Samphoo, the Lepcha word. Changchoo i3 

 the Bhotiah name of the Teesta ; Lepcha, Runew ; Liuaboo, Toongwama. 



