Class 11 Ch-5(Hornbill)

 Chapter 5

Silk Road

Author-Nick Middleton

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✍️ Short Introduction about the Author:

Nick Middleton is a British geographer, travel writer, and environmental scientist. He is known for his adventurous journeys to remote and unusual places. His writing combines scientific observation with personal experience, offering insights into different landscapes, cultures, and peoples. In “Silk Road,” he shares his journey through the Himalayas to Mount Kailash in Tibet, blending travel with spiritual discovery.

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📝 Summary:

“Silk Road” is a travelogue that describes the author’s journey through the harsh terrain of Tibet on his way to Mount Kailash, a sacred pilgrimage site. He writes about the people he meets, the challenges of the journey, and the breathtaking natural beauty of the place. The narrative provides a mix of adventure, spirituality, and cultural observation.

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🚙 Main Characters:

• Nick Middleton – The narrator and traveler

• Tsetan – His Tibetan driver, responsible and knowledgeable

• Daniel – A friend of the author and interpreter

• Norbu – A Tibetan academic and fellow pilgrim to Mount Kailash

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🔍 Key Events:

1. Beginning of the Journey:

   • The author starts from Ravu in a 4WD vehicle with Tsetan and Daniel.

   • Harsh weather and rocky roads make the journey difficult.

2. Difficult Terrain:

   • They cross high mountain passes and icy roads.

   • Altitude sickness affects the author.

   • Tsetan drives carefully to avoid getting stuck or damaging the vehicle.

3. Arrival in Darchen:

   • The author rests and recovers from altitude sickness.

   • He stays in a guesthouse and meets Norbu, who wants to make the Kailash pilgrimage.

4. Meeting Norbu:

   • Norbu is a scholar interested in doing the kora (religious trek around Mount Kailash).

   • They decide to do the pilgrimage together.

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🎯 Themes:

• Adventure and exploration

• Spirituality and faith

• Cultural diversity

• Man vs Nature

• Pilgrimage and inner journey

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💡 Moral / Message:

The chapter teaches us that travel is not just about reaching a destination but also about learning from different cultures, overcoming challenges, and understanding the deeper meaning of life through personal and spiritual growth.

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💬 Important Vocabulary:

• Kora – A pilgrimage or circumambulation around a sacred place

• Altitude sickness – Illness caused by lack of oxygen at high elevations

• Lamas – Buddhist monks or spiritual leaders

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