NCERT Class 11 English Hornbill: Chapter 6 — Silk Road Nick Middleton
This chapter, "Silk Road" by Nick Middleton, recounts the author's journey towards Mount Kailash. It begins with a farewell from Ravu, where the author receives a warm sheepskin coat as a gift. The narrative then details a shortcut taken by Tsetan, the driver, across the vast Changtang plateau. The journey involves navigating high mountain passes and traversing open plains dotted with gazelles and wild asses. The author observes the nomadic life, encountering solitary herders and their flocks, as well as the formidable Tibetan mastiffs guarding their tents. The text highlights the stark beauty of the landscape and the resilience of its inhabitants. This chapter provides insights into the geography and culture of the region, offering a glimpse into the challenges and wonders of travelling through the Tibetan plateau, aiding students in understanding diverse environments and human adaptations.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Hornbill |
| Chapter | Chapter 6 — Silk Road Nick Middleton |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 538 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the narrative structure and descriptive language used in travelogues.
- Identify and infer the meaning of new vocabulary from context.
- Appreciate the geographical and cultural aspects of the Tibetan plateau.
- Analyze the author's experiences and observations during the journey.
- Recognize the challenges and beauty of remote landscapes and nomadic lifestyles.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| swathe | a long, broad strip of something |
| careered | moved in a reckless, fast, or uncontrolled way |
| manoeuvres | a movement or series of moves requiring skill and care |
| cairn of rocks | a heap of stones piled up as a memorial or landmark |
| salt flats | a flat area of ground covered with salt |
| billowed | filled with air and swelling outwards |
| drokba | nomadic pastoralists of Tibet |
| kora | a pilgrimage circuit around a sacred site |
| arid | having little or no rain; too dry or barren to support vegetation |
| pall | a large cloth, especially one used for covering a coffin at a funeral |
| solitary | done or existing alone |
| mastiff | a dog of a breed with a heavy body and large head |
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Practice questions
- What was the author's destination? Answer: The author was heading towards Mount Kailash to complete the kora.
- What farewell gift did the author receive? Answer: The author received a warm, long-sleeved sheepskin coat.
- What kind of terrain did the shortcut involve? Answer: The shortcut involved crossing several fairly high mountain passes and vast open plains.
- What animals did they encounter on the plains? Answer: They encountered a few gazelles and a great herd of wild ass (Kyang).
- What kind of dogs were guarding the nomads' tents? Answer: Tibetan mastiffs were guarding the nomads' tents.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the author of 'Silk Road'?
The author of 'Silk Road' is Nick Middleton.
What is the main theme of the chapter 'Silk Road'?
The chapter describes the author's journey through the Tibetan plateau towards Mount Kailash, detailing the landscape, wildlife, and nomadic life.
What is a 'kora' mentioned in the text?
A 'kora' is a pilgrimage circuit around a sacred site, which the author was heading to complete at Mount Kailash.
What are 'drokbas'?
Drokbas are the nomadic pastoralists of Tibet.
What challenges did the journey present?
The journey involved crossing high mountain passes and traversing difficult terrain, with encounters with wildlife and protective dogs.
What is a 'Kyang'?
A Kyang is the Tibetan word for wild ass.
Related resources
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 11 English — Hornbill — Chapter 6 — Silk Road Nick Middleton. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.