English (Core) · Ch 10 — Silk Road
Summary
Summary
- Context: An extract from Nick Middleton's travelogue about crossing the high Tibetan plateau to reach sacred Mount Kailash and walk the ritual kora around it.
- Journey: He leaves Ravu (with a sheepskin coat gifted by Lhamo), guided by the resourceful driver Tsetan and interpreter Daniel, crossing plains of gazelles and wild ass, fierce Tibetan mastiffs, and snow-blocked passes up to 5,515 m.
- Illness: At the shabby town of Hor (on Lake Manasarovar) Daniel leaves; at Darchen the author cannot sleep for a cold and altitude sickness, is treated with Tibetan medicine, and recovers.
- Setback and rescue: Darchen has no pilgrims (he arrived too early) and no English-speaking companion — until he meets Norbu, a Tibetan scholar who wants to do the kora too, and they agree to team up.
- Key figures: the narrator (curious, humorous, determined), Tsetan (skilful, caring guide), Lhamo (kind hostess), Daniel (practical interpreter), Norbu (enthusiastic, self-mocking scholar). …