Silk Road – Questions & Answers

Very Short Answer Questions (1–2 lines each)

1. Who is the author of “Silk Road”?
   Ans. Nick Middleton.
2. Where was the narrator travelling?
   Ans. From Ravu to Mount Kailash in Tibet.
3. Who was the driver of the car?
   Ans. Tsetan.
4. Why did the narrator hire Tsetan?
   Ans. Because Tsetan was a reliable driver familiar with the rough mountainous terrain.
5. What problem did the narrator face during the journey?
   Ans. He suffered from cold, a blocked nose, and later altitude sickness.
6. What was Tsetan’s main concern during the trip?
   Ans. To drive safely through snow-covered, dangerous roads and ensure they reached safely.
7. What did they see on the way at Darchen?
   Ans. Pilgrims who had come for the Kailash kora (circumambulation).
8. What treatment did the narrator receive for his illness?
   Ans. He was taken to a Tibetan doctor who gave him herbal medicine.
9. What is the significance of Mount Kailash in the story?
   Ans. It is a sacred site for pilgrims, symbolising spiritual importance and devotion.
10. Why is the chapter titled “Silk Road”?
    Ans. Because the journey followed part of the ancient Silk Road route through Tibet.

Short Answer Questions (30–50 words)

1. What challenges did the narrator face on his journey?
   Ans. The narrator faced extremely cold weather, rough terrain, and thin air at high altitude. He also suffered from altitude sickness, with blocked nose and severe discomfort, making the journey both physically and mentally challenging.
2. How does Tsetan display his qualities as a driver?
   Ans. Tsetan proved himself to be skilled, cautious, and dependable. Despite snow and dangerous mountain roads, he drove steadily, ensuring safety. He remained calm, practical, and supportive throughout the difficult journey.
3. What was the role of the Tibetan doctor in the story?
   Ans. The Tibetan doctor treated the narrator’s altitude sickness with traditional herbal medicines. His treatment provided relief, showing the effectiveness of local knowledge and ancient medical practices.
4. What impression do we get of Tibetan culture from the chapter?
   Ans. Tibetan culture values spirituality, simplicity, and tradition. The devotion of pilgrims to Mount Kailash, the use of herbal medicine, and the resilience of locals reflect their deep-rooted cultural practices and lifestyle in harsh conditions.
5. Why did pilgrims come to Darchen?
   Ans. Pilgrims came to Darchen to perform the kora (circumambulation) around Mount Kailash, a sacred ritual believed to bring spiritual merit and purification.

Long Answer Questions (120–150 words)

1. Describe Nick Middleton’s journey to Mount Kailash as narrated in “Silk Road.”
   Ans. Nick Middleton set out on a journey from Ravu towards Mount Kailash in Tibet. He hired Tsetan, a trustworthy driver, to drive through the snow-covered mountain roads. The journey was extremely challenging due to freezing temperatures, rough terrain, and high altitude. The narrator suffered from a blocked nose and later altitude sickness, which caused discomfort. Despite these challenges, Tsetan drove carefully and ensured safety. On reaching Darchen, the narrator observed many pilgrims preparing for the sacred kora around Mount Kailash. He later visited a Tibetan doctor, who treated him with herbal medicine, showing the strength of traditional practices. The journey reflects not only physical hardship but also cultural richness, faith, and the resilience of Tibetan people.
2. What message does the chapter “Silk Road” convey?
   Ans. The chapter conveys the challenges and rewards of travelling through one of the most difficult terrains in the world. It highlights the spiritual significance of Mount Kailash for pilgrims and portrays Tibetan culture as rich in faith and tradition. The story also shows the balance between physical endurance and spiritual devotion. Through his personal hardships, Middleton realises the strength of local people who live and thrive in such conditions. The use of traditional Tibetan medicine further reflects respect for age-old wisdom. Overall, the chapter blends adventure with cultural learning, emphasising that journeys are not just physical but also spiritual experiences.