AND LLONAKH VALLEYS OF SIKKIM. 
155 
rhododendron scrub. Next morning a precarious bridge of short 
logs tied with cord w^as made with much difficulty across the stream 
to a huge projecting boulder and up this we all scrambled, the 
baggage being divided into small packages and slung across by 
a rope. A long struggle with rhododendron jungle followed, the 
path having to be hewn with the Ghurka ‘ kookrie It took us all 
day to gain 1,000 feet of altitude’. The Tibetan guide assured us 
that no inhabitant ever took the route we were attempting and 
left us under no misapprehension as to the general opinion of our 
wisdom. We cannot recommend the route. To go however by the 
The La means too many stages from the Lachen base and we did 
not know enougli of the Nangma La to risk that route. But if tliat 
pass is clear, the easiest route to Llonakh is to go first to Thango 
and then across to Teble by the above pass. 
Fortunately the weather w^as fine or our passage through the 
rhododendrons would have upset our coolies altogether. We 
halted for the next two days, the men going back for stores wdnle 
we explored the ridges of Rongsa. Saxifrages were abundant. 
The vegetation was little different from that of the Zemu at the 
same height. C. ascended to the top of the ridge — over 16,000 feet. 
The most interesting plants were Delphinium glaciale, Myosotis 
Hookeri., and Veronica lanuginosa. 
Transit by this route was so difficult and dangerous that we 
sent the majority of the men back with instructions to try the 
Nangma La with their next load of supplies. A practicable road 
could be made up the valley but two or three bridges would be 
required. No good wood can be got at the places where a bridge 
is necessary. The improvised bridge by which we crossed to the 
left bank was a rickety structure of gnarled birch poles with a 
cord here and there. It was carried aw^ay two days later. Fortu- 
nately Lepchas and Nepalis are experts at crossing unsteady 
bridges even when loaded. 
On the 30th we continued our march. At 13,800 feet the 
valley contracts and deep gorges and screes run down to the main 
stream. These screes were in places a blaze of colour from Pri- 
mula sikkimensiSf Pedicularis ^ Potentilla, etc. It was possible 
now to travel at a fair pace by the stream. Here and there cliffs 
projecting into the stream necessitate considerable detours. At 
one spot the baggage had to be subdivided and hauled by ropes 
up the cliff face while the men had the same help to scramble up 
by. At last towards evening we reached 14,500 feet and entered 
the Llonakh ‘ flats ’. From the first it was evident that the climate 
