DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.20134#0048
18
INTRODUCTION.
It may happen that, when once far in the interior, circumstances may make it desir-
able to throw off the disguise and openly to avow one's self a European. In most
cases this is a hazardous proceeding, which should only be resorted to after mature
consideration, and with the entire consent of the guides.
Letters. When sending a letter or message to a distance, it should never be
entrusted to one native alone, but two at least should always be sent in company.
Although this proceeding increases the expense, it is only by this means that a safe
delivery of the message can be confidently expected.
EQUIPMENT AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.
Money. The rupi is not only accepted everywhere in the Himalaya, but even
in Tibet and parts of Central Asia. Eor the latter country, however, it is indis-
pensable to have gold—either Indian gold-mohurs or, better still, gold-dust, and a gold
coin named "tila," which has a value of about six rupis. Tilas may be had at Leh,
and in small quantities in Kashmir; but care must be exercised with regard to the
manner in which they are collected: a demand for a large sum at once may excite
suspicion and betray the traveller's intention to penetrate into Central Asia. The
paper currency recently introduced into India is as yet unknown in the Himalaya, and
for years to come will only be received with distrust.
It is a good plan to inform the kuli who has charge of the package containing
the cash respecting its contents; the man will then be particularly careful at the
crossing of rivers, passage of dangerous spots, &c. There is very little fear of being
openly robbed in any of the provinces which can be traversed in European dress.
The traveller should not omit to lay in a supply of small copper coins; not only
is it occasionally necessary to pay each of the kulis individually, as they often object
to being paid collectively; but in some of the smaller villages it may even happen
that no change can be procured.
If a longer tour be intended, and a protracted stay in the Himalayan provinces
subject, partially at least, to British rule, and notice hereof be given in due time to
the authorities at the hill-stations and the Panjab, there will be no difficulty in
obtaining government drafts on the various hill-chiefs, and even on the Maharaja of
Kashmir and his thanadar in Leh; but the hind of coin received in exchange for such
INTRODUCTION.
It may happen that, when once far in the interior, circumstances may make it desir-
able to throw off the disguise and openly to avow one's self a European. In most
cases this is a hazardous proceeding, which should only be resorted to after mature
consideration, and with the entire consent of the guides.
Letters. When sending a letter or message to a distance, it should never be
entrusted to one native alone, but two at least should always be sent in company.
Although this proceeding increases the expense, it is only by this means that a safe
delivery of the message can be confidently expected.
EQUIPMENT AND GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.
Money. The rupi is not only accepted everywhere in the Himalaya, but even
in Tibet and parts of Central Asia. Eor the latter country, however, it is indis-
pensable to have gold—either Indian gold-mohurs or, better still, gold-dust, and a gold
coin named "tila," which has a value of about six rupis. Tilas may be had at Leh,
and in small quantities in Kashmir; but care must be exercised with regard to the
manner in which they are collected: a demand for a large sum at once may excite
suspicion and betray the traveller's intention to penetrate into Central Asia. The
paper currency recently introduced into India is as yet unknown in the Himalaya, and
for years to come will only be received with distrust.
It is a good plan to inform the kuli who has charge of the package containing
the cash respecting its contents; the man will then be particularly careful at the
crossing of rivers, passage of dangerous spots, &c. There is very little fear of being
openly robbed in any of the provinces which can be traversed in European dress.
The traveller should not omit to lay in a supply of small copper coins; not only
is it occasionally necessary to pay each of the kulis individually, as they often object
to being paid collectively; but in some of the smaller villages it may even happen
that no change can be procured.
If a longer tour be intended, and a protracted stay in the Himalayan provinces
subject, partially at least, to British rule, and notice hereof be given in due time to
the authorities at the hill-stations and the Panjab, there will be no difficulty in
obtaining government drafts on the various hill-chiefs, and even on the Maharaja of
Kashmir and his thanadar in Leh; but the hind of coin received in exchange for such