The 3rd Sikhs, with two guns, moved to the left in the Khuram Valley.
Altogether, something like fifty thousand transport animals accompanied them, with sixty thousand camp followers.

The transport presented an extraordinary appearance.

It included every class of bullock vehicle, lines of ill-fed camels, mules, ponies, and even tiny donkeys.
On October 17th orders were received, from General Lockhart, that the division at Shinawari was to make a reconnaissance in force towards the Khanki Valley, as the enemy had been seen moving about on the hills.

A force consisting of the 3rd and 4th Brigades moved forward.

The object of the reconnaissance was the summit of the hill, directly overlooking Shinawari, and over two thousand feet high.