'Reconnaissances in Mesopotamia, Kurdistan, North-West Persia, and Luristan from April to October 1888. By Lt F R Maunsell, Intelligence Branch. In Two Volumes. Volume I: narrative report, description of larger towns and routes leading from them. Simla: Intelligence Branch, Quarter Master General's Dept, 1890' [‎31r] (66/312)

Crossed another small valley on leaving the Tang and ascended a low
wooded ridge (5,715').
Tirao Valley .—From the summit a short steep series of zigzags led into
the grassy valley of Tirao where three large Kurdish camps w'ere found, with
whom we halted.
A direct road to Harunabad runs down the Tirao valley crossing the Cha-
labaca Ridge. The Kurds here talk of Harunabad as Hernawr.
Tirao valley is 12 miles long and 4 broad (5,385'), the general direction
being 309° up and 118° down the valley. All these valleys run in much the
same direction, and are parallel to each other.
A small stream flowing north-west runs along the north side of it.
This joins in the upper waters of the Alwand in the Bishewa plain.
30th April—General direction, east and north-west. Left camp and
commenced ascent of the Chalabaca ridge (5,780') on the north side of the
valley, and crossed a broad plateau at the summit dotted with a few low trees.
From there we commenced a gradual descent following the line of a small ravine.
The soil is a rich loam, without cultivation or villages ; the ruins of some
stone buildings were passed in the valley.
Several lliats of nomad Kurds were passed with their flocks and herds
making their way towards Karmanshah. They were Kalhurs moving up from
their garmsir at Zohab. •
Tang-i-Simaleo .—The ravine which we follow is narrow in places, but easy
going ; at the lower end is a narrow rift called Tang-i-Simaleo, through which
flowed the Ab-i-Karind. This was again met on Route II in the Harassan
valley and there called the Ab-i-Chenara and is one of the teibutaries of the
Kerkhah.
Khorassabad .—Forded the river, and at 10 miles turned north through a
small ravine and we found ourselves on the main road from Baghdad to
Karmanshah near the small village of Khorassabad (4,800').
From here to Karmanshah is three stages through Harunabad ; and the
road is well known to travellers. To tlarunabad it is 10 miles, and to Kar
manshah 50 miles.
We turned north-west in the direction of Karind.
After 2 miles from Khorassabad we left the narrow gorge in which the road
ran and emerged into the wide valley of Karind.
Round Khorassabad were the first houses and corn fields seen since leaving
Mendali six days previously.
The country to Mendali is entirely depopulated, except by nomad tribes.
With a settled government the country could be repopulated, and old trade
routes reopened.
The road through the Karind valley is stony, but fit for cai'ts. Culverts
over the several little streams are badly needed, as the mud in this soft soil is
deep and clinging.
A few small villages were seen on the plain to the south, and ploughing
■was now going on. The road follows the line of the telegraph, consisting of
one wire on wooden poles in a wretched state of repair.
The country was quite bare of trees, a contrast to the wooded valleys
through which we had lately passed.
At 10 miles reached Karind (5,410'), where we halted.