In “Silk Road,” Nick Middleton recounts his journey from Ravu to Mount Kailash in Tibet to perform the sacred kora—a ritual circumambulation of the mountain. Accompanied by his driver, Tsetan, and later joined by Daniel, Middleton traverses challenging terrains, including high mountain passes. Along the way, he experiences physical discomfort due to altitude sickness and harsh weather conditions. A farewell gift of a sheepskin coat from Lhamo, a local woman, proves invaluable against the cold. Despite the difficulties, Middleton is captivated by the rugged beauty of the landscape and the spiritual significance of the journey. His reflections delve into themes of isolation, cultural encounters, and the profound impact of undertaking such a pilgrimage. The narrative blends adventure with introspection, highlighting the challenges and rewards of exploring remote regions and engaging with different cultures.
“Silk Road” में लेखक निक मिडलटन ने तिब्बत के रावू से माउंट कैलाश तक की अपनी यात्रा का वर्णन किया है, जहाँ वे पवित्र कोरा (कैलाश के चारों ओर परिक्रमा) करना चाहते थे। इस यात्रा में उन्होंने अपने चालक त्सेतन और साथी डैनियल के साथ कठिन पहाड़ी रास्तों को पार किया। उन्हें ऊँचाई के कारण शारीरिक असुविधाओं का सामना करना पड़ा और मौसम भी प्रतिकूल था। स्थानीय महिला लामो से प्राप्त भेड़ की खाल की कोट ने ठंड से बचाव में मदद की। यात्रा के दौरान, मिडलटन ने परिदृश्य की सुंदरता, सांस्कृतिक मुठभेड़ों और एकांत के अनुभवों पर विचार किया। यह यात्रा साहसिकता और आत्ममंथन का मिश्रण है, जो दूरस्थ क्षेत्रों की खोज और विभिन्न संस्कृतियों के साथ जुड़ने की चुनौतियों और पुरस्कारों को उजागर करती है।
1. Who is the author of “Silk Road”?
a) Lhamo
b) Tsetan
c) Nick Middleton ✅
d) Daniel
2. What is the primary purpose of the author's journey?
a) Adventure
b) Research
c) To perform the kora at Mount Kailash ✅
d) To visit friends
3. Who accompanied the author on his journey?
a) Tsetan and Daniel ✅
b) Lhamo and Tsetan
c) Daniel and Lhamo
d) Only Tsetan
4. What gift did Lhamo give to the author?
a) A map
b) A sheepskin coat ✅
c) A prayer flag
d) A book
5. What physical ailment did the author suffer from during the journey?
a) Fever
b) Headache and blocked sinuses ✅
c) Stomach ache
d) Cold and cough
6. What is the significance of Mount Kailash?
a) Tourist destination
b) Sacred site for pilgrims ✅
c) Historical monument
d) Archaeological site
7. Who was Daniel in the story?
a) A fellow traveler ✅
b) A local guide
c) A doctor
d) A monk
8. What route did Tsetan suggest for the journey?
a) Coastal route
b) Mountain passes route ✅
c) Desert route
d) River route
9. What was the author's profession?
a) Doctor
b) Teacher ✅
c) Engineer
d) Artist
10. What did the author find in Darchen?
a) A hospital
b) Pilgrims preparing for the kora ✅
c) A market
d) A monastery
Q1. Who was Lhamo?
Ans: Lhamo was a local woman from Ravu who provided the author with a sheepskin coat as a farewell gift, recognizing the cold conditions he would face during his journey to Mount Kailash.
Q2. What difficulties did Tsetan face while taking shortcuts?
Ans: Tsetan faced challenges such as navigating slippery, snow-covered mountain passes and ensuring the vehicle could safely traverse the rugged terrain, all while maintaining the safety of the passengers.
Q3. What did the doctors in Darchen advise the author?
Ans: The doctors in Darchen diagnosed the author with altitude sickness and prescribed herbal medicine to alleviate his symptoms, emphasizing rest and acclimatization to the high altitude.
Q4. What did the author learn from his journey?
Ans: The author learned about the resilience required to undertake such a challenging journey, the spiritual significance of the kora, and the profound impact of engaging with different cultures and landscapes.
Q5. Why is the journey to Mount Kailash considered sacred?
Ans: The journey to Mount Kailash is considered sacred because it is a pilgrimage site for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bonpos, who believe that circumambulating the mountain brings spiritual merit and purification.
Q6. How did the author prepare for the cold weather?
Ans: The author prepared for the cold weather by wearing layered clothing, including the sheepskin coat given by Lhamo, and by ensuring he had adequate gear to protect against the harsh conditions.
Q7. What role did Daniel play in the journey?
Ans: Daniel accompanied the author to Darchen, providing companionship and assistance, and acted as a translator, facilitating communication with locals who spoke Tibetan.
Q8. What challenges did the author face in Darchen?
Ans: In Darchen, the author faced altitude sickness, physical discomfort due to blocked sinuses, and the challenge of acclimatizing to the high elevation, all while preparing for the kora.
Q9. How did the author describe the landscape along the journey?
Ans: The author described the landscape as rugged and barren, with vast stretches of barren land, snow-capped mountains, and sparse vegetation, highlighting the harsh beauty of the Tibetan plateau.
Q10. What is the significance of the kora ritual?
Ans: The kora ritual involves circumambulating Mount Kailash, believed to purify the soul and bring spiritual merit. It is a deeply sacred practice for pilgrims seeking spiritual enlightenment and blessings.
Q1. Describe the author's journey to Mount Kailash.
Ans: Nick Middleton's journey to Mount Kailash was both physically demanding and spiritually enriching. Starting from Ravu, he traversed challenging terrains with his driver, Tsetan, and later with his companion, Daniel. The journey involved navigating high mountain passes, enduring harsh weather conditions, and dealing with altitude sickness. Despite these challenges, Middleton was determined to complete the sacred kora. Along the way, he encountered local nomadic tribes, observed their way of life, and reflected on the cultural significance of the pilgrimage. The journey not only tested his physical endurance but also deepened his understanding of the spiritual importance of Mount Kailash for various religious communities.
Q2. What cultural insights did the author gain during his journey?
Ans: Throughout his journey, Nick Middleton gained profound cultural insights into the Tibetan way of life. He observed the nomadic lifestyle of the drokbas, the Tibetan shepherds, and their deep connection to the land. Interactions with local villagers and pilgrims provided him with a glimpse into the spiritual practices and beliefs surrounding Mount Kailash. The significance of the kora ritual, the reverence for sacred sites, and the communal aspects of pilgrimage were central themes in his observations. These experiences broadened his understanding of the cultural and religious tapestry of Tibet, highlighting the intertwining of daily life with spiritual devotion.
Q3. How did the author prepare for the challenges of the journey?
Ans: Nick Middleton prepared for the challenges of his journey by hiring an experienced local driver, Tsetan, who was familiar with the treacherous mountain routes. He also enlisted Daniel as a companion to assist with navigation and communication. Understanding the harsh climatic conditions, he was gifted a sheepskin coat by Lhamo, a local woman, to protect against the cold. Additionally, Middleton ensured he had the necessary supplies, including food, water, and medical provisions, to sustain him during the journey. His meticulous planning and reliance on local knowledge were crucial in navigating the difficult terrain and unpredictable weather.
Q4. What role did spirituality play in the author's journey?
Ans: Spirituality was a central theme in Nick Middleton's journey to Mount Kailash. Undertaking the kora, a sacred ritual of circumambulating the mountain, was not merely a physical endeavor but a spiritual quest. The author reflected on the significance of the pilgrimage, considering it as a means to connect with the divine and seek inner peace. Encounters with fellow pilgrims and observations of their devout practices highlighted the deep spiritual reverence associated with Mount Kailash. Middleton's own introspection during the journey underscored the transformative power of spirituality in facing challenges and finding purpose.
Q.5 What is the reason for the title ‘Silk Road’?
Ans: The title “Silk Road” refers to the ancient trade route that connected China with Central Asia, India, and beyond, historically used for trading silk, spices, and other goods. Nick Middleton’s journey in the story traces a part of this historic route, highlighting the cultural, geographical, and spiritual significance of the region. By choosing this title, the author emphasizes not only the physical path he traveled but also the historical and cultural connections that the Silk Road represents. The route is symbolic of exploration, human endeavor, and the blending of different cultures. It also reflects the challenges of traveling through remote and harsh terrains, showing the endurance, courage, and curiosity required to navigate both the land and its history. The title, therefore, captures the essence of adventure, history, and human spirit.