NCERT Class 5 Environmental Studies Looking Around: Chapter 13 — A Shelter so High!
Chapter 13, "A Shelter so High!" from NCERT's Class 5 Environmental Studies book, "Looking Around," introduces Gaurav Jani, a traveller who journeys from Mumbai to the highest roads in India on his motorcycle, Loner. The chapter details his preparations, including packing essentials like a tent, sleeping bag, warm clothes, food, and a camera. Gaurav describes his initial travel through Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan to Delhi, noting his fatigue with city houses. He then travels to Manali and prepares for the challenging journey to Leh in Ladakh. The chapter highlights the contrast between city life and the refreshing mountain air, setting the stage for exploring diverse housing and environments. It encourages students to explore geography and different living conditions, fostering curiosity about India's varied landscapes and cultures.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 5 |
| Subject | Environmental Studies |
| Book | Looking Around |
| Chapter | Chapter 13 — A Shelter so High! |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 442 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the challenges of long-distance travel and preparation.
- Identify different types of houses and environments in India.
- Learn about geographical locations like Mumbai, Delhi, Manali, and Ladakh.
- Appreciate the importance of planning and carrying essential items for a journey.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Motorcycle | A two-wheeled motor vehicle used for transport. |
| Traveller | A person who travels. |
| Tent | A portable shelter made of cloth or plastic, supported by poles and ropes. |
| Sleeping bag | A padded bag to sleep in, used especially by campers. |
| Plastic sheet | A sheet of plastic material used for protection or covering. |
| Petrol | A liquid fuel used in internal combustion engines. |
| Refreshing | Making one feel fresh or invigorated. |
| Difficult roads | Paths or routes that are hard to travel on due to terrain or condition. |
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Practice questions
- What did Gaurav Jani pack for his journey? Answer: Gaurav packed a small tent, sleeping bag, plastic sheet, warm clothes, food, a camera, and extra cans for petrol.
- Which cities did Gaurav travel through from Mumbai to Manali? Answer: Gaurav travelled through Mumbai, Delhi, and Manali.
- What did Gaurav find similar between Mumbai and Delhi? Answer: Gaurav found the houses in Mumbai and Delhi to be similar, made of cement, bricks, glass, and steel.
- What did Gaurav look forward to seeing on his journey? Answer: Gaurav looked forward to seeing wooden houses, houses with sloping roofs, and houses covered with snow.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Gaurav Jani?
Gaurav Jani is a traveller who undertakes a motorcycle journey from Mumbai to the highest roads in India.
What is the name of Gaurav Jani's motorcycle?
Gaurav Jani's motorcycle is named 'Loner'.
How long did Gaurav Jani's journey take?
The journey described in the chapter took about two months.
What did Gaurav Jani pack for his trip?
He packed essentials like a tent, sleeping bag, warm clothes, food, a camera, and extra petrol.
Which states did Gaurav pass through on his way to Delhi?
Gaurav passed through Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan to reach Delhi.
Where was Gaurav Jani heading after Manali?
After Manali, Gaurav was heading towards Leh in Ladakh through difficult roads.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 5 Environmental Studies — Looking Around — Chapter 13 — A Shelter so High!. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.