•AND LLONAKH VALLEYS OF SIKKIM. 
m 
divided forces, C. crossing the stream and ascending the The La 
while S. continued directly up the valley. Here the broad outlet 
of the Ghoraphu Chu cuts across the main valley; this side valley 
might easily be mistaken for the main one as the latter is here 
narrowed and passes through a rocky defile up to which several 
parallel moraines lead. At its junction with the main stream the 
Ghoraphu is waist-deep but on ascending the side valley for half a 
mile the stream opens out into stony flats and may be easily forded. 
The Lungma Chu valley as far as Zanak was found to be of similar 
type to the Naku Chu — a succession of flats interrupted by occas- 
sional defiles and moraines. There is one very extensive lake- 
basin half way along its course where the depth of alluvium is 
considerable and where the river is cutting a deep channel. There 
is an interesting flora on these areas though it is sparse. 
The other party had considerable difficulty in fording the Lung- 
ma Chu which was rapid and waist-deep. With joined hands C. 
and three men got through but the remaining three of the party 
with the clothes of the first batch preferred to go a mile up stream 
before risking it. These frequent* crossings of glacier-fed streams 
were not altogether unpleasant in the sunny mornings but in the 
evening-mist or sleet only the sight of a roaring camp-fire recon- 
ciled one to it. The flora of the The La recalled that of the 
Thangchung La with its characteristic woolly Saussurece anel 
Tanacetum, 
Next day S. ascended the valley of the Ghoraphu Chu to 
Korayedu — a long march presenting no difficulties beyond the 
fording of streams. It is chiefly in the intermediate valleys such 
as the lower Zemu that the most toilsome travelling has to be done. 
Al)ove 14,000 feet the rhododendron scrub is much attenuated and 
in these higher Llonakh pastures almost absent. The valley con- 
tinues for two or three miles a broad flat waste of stones with the 
stream broken up into numerous branches and in many places 
meandering unseen below huge accumulations of boulders. At 
14,800 feet the stream divides, the larger branch taking a north- 
west course. The vegetation is that of the main Llonakh but 
sparser and more stunted. At 15,500 feet on the main branch we 
find the usual succession of marshes ending finally in a lake with a 
ring of cliffs and glaciers at the head of the valley with no 
apparent pass. 
Meanwhile C. went due west up the main valley to where the 
fimaller streams run down from the Jongsong La and the Choten- 
Nyima La, The herdsmen know of no regularly-used pass at this 
c 2 
