Chumbi Valley, Tibet

Chumbi Valley is a valley in Tibet at the intersection of India (Sikkim), Bhutan and China (Tibet) in the Himalayas. Two main passes between India and China open up here: the Nathu La Pass and Jelep La Pass. Administratively, the valley is under the control of China and is administered as part of Yadong County of the Tibetan Autonomous Region.

The valley is at an altitude of 3,000 metres (9,500 feet) and was at the forefront of the British military expedition of 1904 into Tibet. It was occupied by the British for nine months after the hostilities to secure Tibetan payment of indemnity.

The valley blooms in spring and enjoys a temperate climate.

These pictures were taken in September  1987, when I paid a short visit to the Chumbi Valley. I had taken a bus from Lhasa to Gyanste and then walked down to the Chumbi Valley. I did have a couple of rides in Tibetan trucks, which helped reduce the amount of walking a bit.