NCERT Class 11 English Hornbill: Chapter 11 — Silk Road Nick Middleton
Chapter 6 of the NCERT Class 11 English Hornbill textbook, titled "Silk Road" by Nick Middleton, begins with the author's departure from Ravu. He receives a farewell gift of a sheepskin coat from Lhamo, intended for his journey towards Mount Kailash. The narrative details a shortcut taken by Tsetan, the driver, across the vast Changtang plains, which are sparsely populated with gazelles and wild asses. The author observes the 'kyang' (wild ass) galloping in formation and solitary drokbas tending their flocks. The text also describes encounters with fierce Tibetan mastiffs guarding nomadic tents. These dogs, described as fearless and fast, pose a challenge to the travellers, causing Tsetan to brake and swerve. The chapter sets the scene for a challenging journey through remote and rugged landscapes, highlighting the unique culture and wildlife encountered along the way.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Hornbill |
| Chapter | Chapter 11 — 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 style of a travelogue.
- Identify and infer the meaning of new vocabulary from context.
- Appreciate descriptions of diverse landscapes and wildlife.
- Recognize cultural practices and interactions in remote regions.
- Analyze the challenges and experiences of a journey.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ducks back | to quickly move your head or body down to avoid being seen or hit |
| swathe | a long, thick piece of something |
| careered down | moved rapidly and uncontrollably in a particular direction |
| 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 swelled outwards |
| kora | a Tibetan Buddhist pilgrimage route |
| drokba | nomadic pastoralists of Tibet |
| gazelles | small, swift antelopes |
| arid | extremely dry |
| kyang | Tibetan wild ass |
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Practice questions
- What farewell present did Lhamo give the author? Answer: Lhamo gave the author a long-sleeved sheepskin coat.
- What kind of terrain did the shortcut take them across? Answer: The shortcut took them across vast open plains and stony wilderness.
- What are 'kyang'? Answer: 'Kyang' is the Tibetan word for wild ass.
- Describe the Tibetan mastiffs mentioned in the text. Answer: Tibetan mastiffs are large, black, fearless dogs, often with red collars, used as guards by nomads. They are fast and protective of their territory.
- Why did Tsetan have to brake and swerve the car? Answer: Tsetan had to brake and swerve because the Tibetan mastiffs would run directly into the path of the speeding vehicle.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the author of the 'Silk Road' chapter?
The author of the 'Silk Road' chapter is Nick Middleton.
What is the main destination mentioned in the chapter?
The main destination mentioned is Mount Kailash, for which the author is completing the 'kora'.
What are 'drokbas'?
Drokbas are the nomadic pastoralists of Tibet.
What animals are observed on the plains?
Gazelles and a great herd of wild ass (kyang) are observed on the plains.
What kind of dogs are encountered guarding the nomadic tents?
Tibetan mastiffs are encountered guarding the nomadic tents.
What does the chapter describe about the journey?
The chapter describes the initial part of a journey through the Tibetan plateau, detailing landscapes, wildlife, nomadic people, and their guard dogs.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 11 English — Hornbill — Chapter 11 — Silk Road Nick Middleton. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.