diff --git a/doc/fixes34.4 b/doc/fixes34.4
index 67d44f2ac..169d6cab4 100644
--- a/doc/fixes34.4
+++ b/doc/fixes34.4
@@ -130,6 +130,8 @@ hero could still see for brief period after being blinded by potion vapors
 avoid crash when thrown potion hits bars before a monster
 don't give messages about seeing things happen while asleep
 protect hero from mind flayer's remote mental blast during successful prayer
+recognize if hero has already entered Gehennom by means other than usual route
+	so that prompt can be skipped if Valley's stairs are subsequently used
 
 
 Platform- and/or Interface-Specific Fixes
diff --git a/src/do.c b/src/do.c
index d8f92ef83..b38e5c05a 100644
--- a/src/do.c
+++ b/src/do.c
@@ -1315,6 +1315,8 @@ boolean at_stairs, falling, portal;
 		You_hear("groans and moans everywhere.");
 	    } else pline("It is hot here.  You smell smoke...");
 	}
+	/* in case we've managed to bypass the Valley's stairway down */
+	if (Inhell && !Is_valley(&u.uz)) u.uevent.gehennom_entered = 1;
 
 	if (familiar) {
 	    static const char * const fam_msgs[4] = {