December 27.—Leaving the Tashigang valley, we came to the foot of the range which here borders the left bank of the Nyang. Two and a half miles to the south-west (east?) there is a precipice called Ritong, where some twenty years ago two generals of Lhasa were murdered by the usurper Gadan Gyahu. At this point we obtained a fine view of the fort of Panam, of Gontai, of Takar, Palri,[1] and various other monasteries. Up to this point the river banks are overgrown with furze, brambles, and various thorny plants of which it is said camels are very fond.
Two miles to the west (east?) of this place we came to a large village, called Tsog-chi,[2] with an imposing castle, formerly the residence of several noted generals, but now the property of one of the chief civil officers (Dung-khor[3]) of Lhasa. Close by is Dukpa-nagpa, formerly a town of Sorcerers or Nagpa,[4] but now mostly in ruins, and inhabited by only a half-dozen families.
A mile and a half farther on we came to Norpa khyung-djin ("Eagle's Gem"[5]), where there was once an important lamasery of the Karmapa sect. Its ruins crown the hilltop, and the village, of a hundred houses, is scattered along the slope and the base of the hills. Near this place is Nembotong and Pangang.[6]
In the upland near Taimen,[7] a hamlet of three huts, where the wind that sweeps the broad plateau on which this place is built has drifted the sand in long waves, are the villages of Phola and Wangdan. The former place is the birthplace of King Miwang, and the latter is noted for the excellence of its rugs. Due south from Taimen, and at the head of the broad valley which opens between that place and Norpa khyung-djin, is the Gingu la, over which a trail runs to Retoi, or Upper Re, near Iago, and also the fort of Darchung djong.[8]
A little more than a mile in a southerly direction from Taimen
- ↑ Pe li of the maps.—(W. R.)
- ↑ Chog-tse of the maps.—(W. R.)
- ↑ See J. R. A. S., n.s., vol. xxiii. p. 220. The Dung-khors' offices are mostly hereditary.—(W. R.)
- ↑ Nagpa, "enchanters or experts in incantations." See Waddell, op. cit., 475, 483. 'Land of the Lamas,' p. 217.—(W. R.)
- ↑ Or Norbu khyung hdjin (?), "the precious garuda-holder." The garuda (khyung) is the king of birds, according to Tibetans.—(W. R.)
- ↑ Pong kong of the maps.—(W. R.)
- ↑ Called Tho-man on the maps.—(W. R.)
- ↑ Ging-gu la, Yá-go, and Tuchung-Jong of the maps.—(W. R.)
