Detailed summary of the Silk Road for grade 11
Answers
Silk Road is an infusion from a travelogue written by Nick Middleton. The writer recounts his journey to Mount Kailash. As the narrator begins from Ravu towards Kailash to do
Kora, he explains all the elements which he had witnessed such as landscape, people and animals. He desires to be more courageous than to be methodical. The Silk Road was the principal trade route connecting Kashmir and China. Silk was one of the principal assets that were purchased in those areas. So, it was appropriately named ‘Silk Road’.
It was early morning when the writer left Ravu with his comrades Daniel and Tsetan. Tsetan, the driver of his vehicle, identified the short cut route to Mount Kailash. They drove across the vast open luxurious plains to the rough plains.
They reached Darchen at midnight. The poet had to spend a difficult night in Darchen. In the daylight, Tsetan took him to Darchen Medical College. The Tibetan physician gave him
some medication and affirmed him that he would be able to do the Kora. Tsetan went back leaving the author alone after his restoration. The author was concerned because there were no travelers at Darchen. He couldn’t find a single person who converses enough English to clarify his
issues. He met Norbu in Drachen's cafe. Norbu introduces himself to the author and ready to come along with him to kora. The author was fortunate to find his company.
Answer:
The author of the story, Nick Middleton, describes his journey to Mount Kailash in Silk Road. In order to complete his Kora, the author wishes to visit Mt. Kailash. Thus, he hires Tsetan so that he gets someone for driving him up to the mountain. While he was parting with Lhamo, he receives a long-sleeved sheepskin coat. In order to get companionship, the author takes Daniel with him till Darchen.
Upon starting their journey, Tsetan takes a short-cut to the south-west. He says it is a direct route to Mt. Kailash. In order to reach their destination, they would have to cross the high mountain passes. However, Tsetan assures them that due to lack of snow, it would be easy to do so. On their way, they cross through a small number of gazelles, a herd of wild asses and shepherds that were tending the flocks.
Upon reaching the hill, they notice dark tents. They learn they were nomad’s homes and see a Tibetan mastiff guarding the tents. When they reach near the tents, the dogs with large jaws ran after their car. Upon entering the valley, they witness mountains and rivers covered in snow and ice.
The ride on the hill starts turning sharper and bumpier. As they reached higher, the author could feel the pressure and noticed they were at 5210 meters above sea level. After clearing the first hurdle of snow-filled roads, they were on and about. The author starts feeling uneasy due to height and pressure. At around 2 o’clock in the afternoon, they stop for lunch.
Finally, they reach a small town ‘Hor’ in late afternoon. The author took a break in Hor and sat at the local café sipping on tea. During this time, Tsetan got the car fixed and Daniel left for Lhasa. The author did not like Hor too much. Upon resuming the journey, they stay the night at a guest house in Darchen. We see how he suffers from nose-congestion due to the altitude change and chilly weather. He goes to see a Tibetan doctor and receives a five-day course medication.
After that, he feels better and enjoys his stay at Darchen where he meets another pilgrim, Norbu. As Darchen had no pilgrims, the author finds relief and decides to complete his pilgrimage with him. Finally, they hire yaks for their luggage and Norbu gives up while collapsing across the table and laughing. Norbu’s says it would not be possible for him and he also had a big tummy.
Explanation: