f its great southern tributaries, the Shorta Tsanpo (which
joins about 150 m. from its source), and the Nyang Chu (the river of
Shigatse and Gyantse), are both also of glacial origin. From the north
it receives five great tributaries, namely, the Chu Nago, the Chachu
Tsanpo and the Charta Tsanpo (all within the first 200 m. of its
course), and the Raka Tsanpo and Kyi-chu (or river of Lhasa) below. The
Chachu and the Charta are large clear streams, evidently draining from
the great central lake district. Both of them measure more than 100 yds.
in width at the point of junction, and they are clearly non-glacial. The
Raka Tsanpo is a lateral affluent, flowing for 200 m. parallel to the
main river course and some 20 to 30 m. north of it, draining the
southern slopes of a high snowy range. It is an important feature as
affording foothold for the Janglam (the great high road of southern
Tibet connecting Ladakh with China), which is denied by the actual
valley of the Brahmaputra. The great river itself is known in Tibet by
many names, being generally called the Nari Chu, Maghang Tsanpo or Yaro
Tsanpo, above Lhasa; the word "tsanpo" (tsang-po) meaning (according to
Waddell) the "pure one," and applying to all great rivers. Fifty miles
from its source the river and the Janglam route touch each other, and
from that point past Tadum (the first important place on its banks) for
another 130 m., the road follows more or less closely the left bank of
the river. Then it diverges northwards into the lateral valley of the
Raka, until the Raka joins the Brahmaputra below Janglache. The upper
reaches are nowhere fordable between Tadum and Lhasa, but there is a
ferry at Likche (opposite Tadum on the southern bank), where wooden
boats covered with hide effect the necessary connexion between the two
banks and ensure the passage of the Nepal trade. From Janglache (13,800
ft.) to Shigatse the river is navigable, the channel being open and wide
and the course straight. This is probably the most elevated system of
navigation in the world. From Shigatse, which stands near the mouth of
the Nyang Chu, to the Kyi-chu, or Lhasa river, there is no direct route,
the river being unnavigable below Shigatse. The Janglam takes a
circuitous course southwards to Gyantse and the Yamdok Cho before
dropping again over the Khambala pass to the ferry at Khamba barje near
Chushul. Thence the valley of the Kyi-chu (itself navigable for small
boats for about 30 m.) lea