Silk Road Class 11 English Hornbill

Key Points of the Story

• Silk Road summary is about the author’s journey which starts from slopes of Ravu to Mt. Kailash. 
• This was to complete the kora. 
• Thus, it gives us an account of the journey they experience. 
• Moreover, the main aim of the journey was religious mostly. 
• We see that the author wishes to complete the journey to Mt. Kailash. 
• Thus, in order to embark on this pilgrimage journey, he chooses a tough one. 
• Further, the author hires Tsetan and takes along Daniel as an acquaintance to chaperon him to Darchen. 
• Consequently, we learn about his journey and his experience through the Silk Road. 
• He mentions how the people in hilly areas are rather sensitive. 
• The author goes on to witness the beauty of Lake Mansarovar and Darchen. 
• Moreover, he faces a lot of difficulties but is able to complete his pilgrimage due to his undeterred faith.

Detailed Summary

The author, Nick Middleton, recounts his expedition to Mount Kailash along the Silk Road. To accomplish his Kora, he engages the services of Tsetan to drive him to the mountain. Before departing from Lhamo, he receives a sheepskin coat as a parting gift. Seeking companionship, he is joined by Daniel until Darchen.
Tsetan takes a southwest shortcut, claiming it as the direct route to Mount Kailash, albeit involving high mountain passes. He assures them that the journey would be manageable due to the absence of snow. Along the way, they encounter gazelles, wild asses, and shepherds tending their flocks.Approaching a hill, they encounter nomadic tents guarded by Tibetan mastiffs. As they draw closer, the dogs chase their car. Upon entering a valley, they encounter snow-covered mountains and rivers. The ride becomes increasingly challenging, reaching an elevation of 5210 meters. Despite discomfort due to altitude, they press on, stopping for lunch at 2 o'clock.
In the late afternoon, they arrive at the small town of 'Hor.' The author briefly rests at a local café while Tsetan repairs the car, and Daniel departs for Lhasa. Unimpressed by Hor, they continue their journey, spending the night at a guest house in Darchen. The author struggles with altitude-related issues, seeking treatment from a Tibetan doctor and recovering after a five-day medication course.
Feeling better, he befriends another pilgrim named Norbu in Darchen, a place devoid of pilgrims. Relieved by this companionship, the author decides to complete his pilgrimage with Norbu. They hire yaks for their belongings, but Norbu, struggling and laughing, admits his inability to continue due to his large size.

Conclusion

To sum up the Silk Road summary, we learn about the author’s journey through the silk road and the determination of pilgrims and the hardships they face.

Difficult Words

Word = Meaning

• Flawless = perfect, unblemished 
• Extended = stretched, prolonged 
• Farewell = goodbye, parting 
• Sheepskin = leather, hide
• Shortcut = quicker route, bypass
• Likelihood = chance, probability 
• Emerged = appeared, surfaced 
• Glowed = shined, radiated
• Duck = bend down, stoop 
• Assured = guaranteed, promised 
• Rolling = undulating, moving 
• Vast = huge, expansive
• Nibbling = biting softly, grazing 
• Arid = dry, barren
• Bounding = leaping, jumping
• Void = emptiness, vacuum
• Stony = rocky, full of stones
• Manoeuvres = movements, operations 
• Plumes = feather-like clouds, tufts 
• Evasive = avoiding, dodging 
• Mastiff = large dog breed, guard dog
• Beasts = animals, creatures
• Shaggy = hairy, bushy 
• Swerve = turn suddenly, veer
• Frown = show displeasure, scowl
• Billowed = swelled out, puff up
• Solitary = alone, single 
• Tending = caring for, looking after
• Collars = neckbands, necklace
• Furiously = angrily, violently 
• Chase = pursue, follow 
• Tribute = payment, gift
• Clogged = blocked, obstructed 
• Meanders = winding paths, twists
• Encrusted = coated, covered
• Slither = slide, glide
• Sturdy = strong, robust
• Icy = frozen, very cold
• Blockage = obstruction, barrier
• Upslope = inclined surface, upward hill 
• Swathe = strip, band 
• Pitched in = helped, contributed
• Survey = examine, inspect 
• Imperial = royal, majestic 
• Horizon = skyline, where sky meets earth 
• Glinting = shimmering, sparkling
• Gained height = ascended, went up 
• Bank = side of river, edge 
• Bumpier = more uneven, rougher 
• Slope = incline, gradient
• Studded = dotted, adorned 
• Lurching = staggering, stumbling 
• Throb = pulse, beat
• Cairn = stone pile, marker
• Festooned = decorated, adorned 
• Erected = set up, constructed
• Pockmarked = marked with pits, scarred 
• Vestiges = remnants, traces 
• Collision = crash, clash
• Glare = strong brightness, shine
• Puncture = tire hole, tire leak
• Liberally = freely, abundantly 
• Refuse = garbage, trash 
• Vegetation = plant life, flora 
• Trade route = path for trading, commerce path
• Bade = said goodbye, parted 
• Miserable = wretched, unhappy 
• Venerated = revered, respected
•  Cosmology = universe study, space theory
• Headwaters = river source, origin
• Striking distance = very close, nearby 
• Forge ahead = progress, advance
• Draught = breeze, airflow 
• Confinement = captivity, restraint
• Stark contrast = clear difference, opposition
• Sanctity = holiness, purity
• Hallowed = sacred, blessed
• Admitting = allowing, permitting
• Abruptly = suddenly, quickly
• Pinpoints = identifies, specifies 
• Flanks = sides, edges
• Encounters = meetings, confrontations
• Moved = affected, touched
• Burst = explode, erupt 
• Guesthouse = inn, lodge
• Rubbish dump = garbage pile, waste heap
• Solitary = alone, single
• Convinced = sure, certain
• Accustomed = used to, familiar with 
• Disturbances = interruptions, disruptions
• Nostril = nose hole, nasal passage 
• Strangely = oddly, unusually
• Nasal = nose-related, nostril 
• Curious = odd, inquisitive
• Impulses = urges, drives
• Gasping = panting, choking
• Sinuses = cavities, spaces
• Medical college = hospital, clinic
• Monastery = shrine, temple 
• Consulting room = clinic, chamber 
• Paraphernalia = gear, tools 
• Altitude = height, elevation
• Kora = circuit, path 
• Envelope = wrapper, cover 
• Cinnamon = spice, bark 
• Pellets = balls, beads
• Sleepless = restless, insomniac
• Aversion = dislike, distaste
• Courtyard = patio, yard
• Symptoms = signs, indications 
• Recover = heal, recuperate 
• Lhasa = capital of Tibet, city 
• Passed away = died, expired 
• Rubble = debris, wreckage 
• Refuse = trash, waste
• Rudimentary = basic, primitive
• Incongruous = out-of-place, unsuitable 
• Brook = stream, creek 
• Pilgrims = travelers, devotees
• Pondering = considering, reflecting
• Options = choices, alternatives
• Pilgrimage = religious journey, expedition
• Kora = circuit, path 
• Blockage = obstruction, barrier
• Cavernous = spacious, vast
• Wreathed = surrounded, encircled
• Multi-coloured = colorful, varied 
• Stripe = band, line 
• Voluminous = large, bulky 
• Export = shipment, send out 
• Silk Road = ancient trade route 
• Rickety = shaky, unsteady 
• Windcheater = jacket, outerwear
• Academic = scholarly, educational 
• Kora = circuit, path 
• Buddhist = follower of Buddhism 
• Enthusiasm = eagerness, passion 
• Tibetan = from Tibet, native 
• Devout = pious, dedicated 
• Believer = follower, devotee 
• Yaks = Himalayan animals, beasts 
• Luggage = baggage, bags
• Prostrate = bow, kneel 
• Hysterical = frantic, uncontrollable