SAIKHLAT POUK

Herbert Daniel Gebauer - 06/01/2018

An unspecified vertical cave entrance (unidentified shape, unidentified dimensions, unidentified characteristics) in a riverbed breaches Yppresian (Lower Eocene, Middle Sylhet stage) Umlatdoh Sandstone, takes a seasonal waterfall and gives to access to the uppermost reaches of –>Pielkhlieng Pouk. ETYMOLOGY: The Hmar (Mizo) cave name -Saithlak Pouk- (note 1) was recorded as -Saikhlat Pouk- and said to translate rather as Falling Elephant Cave (note 2) than Fallen Elephant Cave (note 3). SITUATION: The hydrographically topmost cave entrance (insurgence) of –>Pielkhlieng Pouk lies, as far as known, about 200 m in a direct line approximately NNE (north north east) of –>Sielkan Pouk but about 10 m lower down. POSITION: 25'12'03”N: 92'27'13”E: 450 m (Bäumler, G 2005.02.08 Mss: Survey Book) APPROACH: To descend into the doline, head for the waypoint N25'11'55' E92'27'12 (Bäumler, G 2005.02.08 Mss: survey book) which, however, happens to lie at a linear distance of 250 m souh of the doline and indicates rather a point near –>Sielkan Pouk or the village of Sielkan. CAVE DESCRIPTION 2005a: The Saikhlat Dung or Falling Elephant River falls into an estimated 20 m deep doline (Bäumler, G 2005.02.08 Mss: Survey Book). CAVE DESCRIPTION 2005b: An impressive sandstone riverbed drops into a large pothole about 25 m deep (note 4).h of the doline and indicates rather a point near –>Sielkan Pouk or the village of Sielkan. CAVE DESCRIPTION 2005a: The Saikhlat Dung or Falling Elephant River falls into an estimated 20 m deep doline (Bäumler, G 2005.02.08 Mss: Survey Book). CAVE DESCRIPTION 2005b: An impressive sandstone riverbed drops into a large pothole about 25 m deep (note 4).