570 A Journey through Sikim. [No. 7. 



At 4 miles or so the valley spreads out into a flat grassy space two 

 miles long, and about the same breadth, the Lachoong meandering 

 through it, and its banks studded with clumps of trees and bushes. 

 On the east bank, and about the centre of this flat portion there is a 

 fine cascade tumbling down the face of a precipitous rock from a 

 height of 400 feet. On the west bank and above the flattest part of 

 the valley is a waterfall, which on reaching the level space, runs in a 

 clear and placid stream along its margin, and joins the river some way 

 below. On the south and west of the flat, a stupendous pyramidal 

 mass of dark brown rock rises abruptly to 1,500 feet or more from 

 the green flat. 



It is the finest and boldest rocky mass I have ever seen, and if it 

 cannot be strictly called a precipice, it is, to say the least, very precipi- 

 tous* Larches in yellow leaf, the Pinus Webbiana of darkest green, 

 rhododendrons, willows, maples, with other trees and plants in vari- 

 ous tints flourish round its base, and close its sloping flanks. Far up 

 the valley are seen the perpetual snow-peaks of Changookang, and 

 down it — to the east side — the massive mountain of Tunkala of 17,000 

 feet ; on the south east of which there is a pass which leads into 

 Thibet and Choombi. At 4 p. m. we reached Lachoong, which is, I 

 think, altogether the finest place in Sikim. 



There is a considerable descent for the last 4 miles. 

 October 24th. 



Lachoong. Halt here to-day. Elevation 9,000 feet — a bright day 

 with a fine breeze from the south. Temp, at noon 60°; Min. Temp, 

 during the night 42° . The Phipun has presented us with a sheep, a 

 blanket and some butter. The villagers conjointly have presented a 

 large yak, which has been slaughtered, and distributed among our 

 people. In return I gave 20 Us. which is more than its value. 



It is difficult to describe Lachoong ; its beauties are so numerous and 

 striking. We are pitched on the west bank of the river on the oppo- 

 site side from the town or village, which is connected with this by a 

 substantial wooden bridge. The village consists of 40 or 50 good 

 houses, all well and neatly built, the lower story of stone, the upper of 

 posts with lath and plaister walls, the roof of shingles 6 feet long, with 

 a batten laid along at 2 feet apart, and held down by rows of stones. 

 * Hooker objects to its being called a precipice. 



