DIRTIEST VILLAGE IN THE WORLD.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 April 1924, Page 1

DIRTIEST VILLAGE IN THE WORLD.

V A TUX Cl (Tibet), I'eu. u

Phari-jong, where the Mount Kvor■st '{Expedition proposes to spend sev>ra! weeks, is The filthiest village in he world.

Situated on a small knoll in the centre of the plain from which it lanes its name and a few miles from the foot of ML Choniolhari, one of the most magnificent mountains in Tibet, rimri consists of a fortress, round which are huddled about 200 hovels in which the people live. When the village was lirst built, at least .TO years ago, the houses were above ground level, blit nowadays, owing to the prevalent practice of the inhabitants of using the front of their houses as a rubbish heap, the buildings are buried in mounds of filth, through which are cut passage ways to tlie road. The road level is nowadays in many places far above the roofs of the houses lining it. The people never wash.

Pliari is over I t,oooft above sea level and is the highest continually inhabited place. During the visit of the Mount Everest Expedition, who contemplate a reconnaissance of Mt. Clioinolhari, the members will not have to live in native quarters, as there is an excellent bungalow, maintained by the Government of India, for use by its officials stationed in Tibet. There is also a post, and telegraph office, probably the highest in the world. From this news of the expedition will he sent out to the world.

Pliari is one of principal trademarls of Tibet, being situated at the head of the C'humbi Valley, dow* which travels the hulk of the Tibetan export trade, including'' the largest product of the country, wool.

The conditions under which the inhabitants live are very hard. iSo crops will ripen owing to the shortness of the summer and also to the altitude. Because of the scarcity of fuel, most food is oaten raw. Dried mutton and barley flour, which is imported from Cliumbi, form the principal articles of diet, washed down with the inevitable butter tea.

In winter the people combat the intense cold—the thermometer sometimes drops to 20deg, F.—by donning more fur-lined clothing.