Shahyar labourers slaking their thirst after reaching ice at the end of the Keriya River. Cat. Stein LHAS Photo 37/5(78)
In February 1908 Stein crossed the Taklamakan desert from north to south, heading towards the point where the Keriya River is lost in the sand. This was a risky undertaking. Everything depended on whether he could maintain his direction, and the expedition could reach a source of water in time. Finally, albeit with diminished water reserves, they reached the frozen river.