NCERT Class 5 Environmental Studies Looking Around: Chapter 9 — Up You Go!
This chapter, 'Up You Go!', from NCERT's Class 5 Environmental Studies book 'Looking Around', recounts an experience at a mountaineering camp in Uttarkashi. The narrator, a teacher, suffers from blisters after a strenuous trek and contemplates quitting. However, the camp director assigns her the crucial role of leading group number 7, emphasizing the responsibilities of a group leader. These include assisting fellow trekkers with their loads, ensuring no one falls behind, helping those struggling to climb, finding rest spots, caring for the unwell, and arranging food. The chapter highlights the importance of discipline, responsibility, and teamwork in challenging environments like mountain expeditions, making students aware of the leadership qualities required for such adventures.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 5 |
| Subject | Environmental Studies |
| Book | Looking Around |
| Chapter | Chapter 9 — Up You Go! |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 413 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the challenges and excitement of a mountaineering camp.
- Recognize the responsibilities of a group leader in difficult situations.
- Appreciate the importance of teamwork, discipline, and mutual support.
- Learn about the physical demands of trekking and mountaineering.
- Develop empathy for others facing difficulties during an expedition.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Mountaineering | The sport or activity of climbing mountains. |
| Rucksack | A large bag with shoulder straps that is carried on the back. |
| Blisters | A small bubble on the skin filled with fluid, caused by friction or burning. |
| Trek | A long, arduous walk, typically one made for pleasure or in order to reach a remote place. |
| Director | A person who manages or directs an organization or activity. |
| Adventure course | A program designed to provide challenging experiences and skill development, often in outdoor settings. |
| Climb | Ascend, especially by using the hands and feet. |
| Rough | Having an uneven or irregular surface; not smooth or level. |
| Narrow | Of little width; not wide. |
| Responsibility | The state or fact of having a duty to deal with something or of having control over someone. |
| Discipline | The practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behaviour, using punishment to correct disobedience. |
| Expedition | A journey undertaken by a group of people with a particular purpose, especially that of exploration, research, or war. |
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Practice questions
- What was the narrator's initial problem at the mountaineering camp? Answer: The narrator had blisters on her feet from a previous day's long and strenuous trek, causing her pain and making it difficult to walk.
- Who was Brigadier Gyan Singh? Answer: Brigadier Gyan Singh was the Director of the adventure course at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering.
- What was the narrator's new responsibility? Answer: She was assigned to lead group number 7 and help any member who had difficulty climbing the mountain.
- List three responsibilities of a group leader mentioned in the chapter. Answer: Three responsibilities are: helping others carry bags, letting the group go ahead and keeping to the last, and helping those who cannot climb properly.
- What did the narrator realize about the camp? Answer: She realized that there was a special kind of discipline at the camp and wondered if it would still be fun.
Frequently asked questions
What is the chapter 'Up You Go!' about?
The chapter is about a mountaineering camp experience, focusing on the challenges faced by a participant and the responsibilities of a group leader.
Where was the mountaineering camp held?
The camp was held at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering in Uttarkashi.
What physical problem did the narrator face?
The narrator developed blisters on her feet after a long trek, causing her pain.
What role was given to the narrator?
She was asked to lead group number 7 and assist members facing difficulties.
What are some duties of a group leader mentioned?
Duties include helping others with bags, staying at the back, assisting climbers, finding rest spots, and caring for the sick.
What did the chapter teach about discipline?
It highlighted that adventure courses require special discipline, and leaders must be ready to take responsibility.
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Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 5 Environmental Studies — Looking Around — Chapter 9 — Up You Go!. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.