Travel and Tourism: The Great Himalayan Trail Summary | Class 11 English 

This unit features a travelogue by an author who embarked on a challenging five-week journey along the western section of the Great Himalayan Trail in Nepal. Covering roughly 25% of the Nepal Himalaya, the narrative captures the "raw and medieval" beauty of remote regions like Dhaulagiri, Jumla, and Rara Lake.

The text highlights the physical and mental demands of trekking through arid landscapes, crossing high-altitude glaciers, and surviving local illnesses. It serves as an exploration of the transformative power of travel—how stepping out of one's comfort zone leads to a deeper connection with nature and a more profound understanding of the world.

👉 Also Read: NEB Class 11 English New Syllabus All Chapter Notes

Ways with Words

A. Find the words from the text which mean the following.

a. became fuller and softer by shaking 

Answer: fluffed

b. sound mental health 

Answer: sanity

c. consisting of or easily breaking into small pieces 

Answer: crumbly

d. neither very hot nor very cold 

Answer: temperate

e. land that does not have enough water to support the growth of plants 

Answer: arid region

f. only slightly warm 

Answer: lukewarm

B. Word Class, Meaning, and Sentence Construction:

a. hazy (adjective)

• Meaning: Not clear, especially because of heat or dust.

• Sentence: The distant peaks of the Dhaulagiri range appeared hazy in the afternoon sun.

b. frontier (noun)

• Meaning: A line that separates two countries; the extreme limit of settled land.

• Sentence: Trekking near the northern frontier requires special permits and extra preparation.

c. lush (adjective)

• Meaning: Covered in healthy, thick grass and plants.

• Sentence: After days in the arid high-altitude desert, the lush green valleys of the lower trail were a relief.

d. flipflops (noun)

• Meaning: Light sandals, typically of plastic or rubber, with a thong between the big and second toes.

• Sentence: She quickly swapped her heavy trekking boots for flipflops once she reached the campsite.

e. altitude (noun)

• Meaning: The height of an object or point in relation to sea level or ground level.

• Sentence: At an altitude of over 4,000 meters, the air becomes significantly thinner and colder.

f. fatal (adjective)

• Meaning: Causing death; leading to failure or disaster.

• Sentence: A simple mistake on a steep icy slope can prove to be fatal for solo trekkers.

g. magnificent (adjective)

• Meaning: Extremely beautiful, elaborate, or impressive.

• Sentence: The first sight of Rara Lake glistening in the sunlight was absolutely magnificent.

C. Nepali words used in the text and their English equivalents:

• bideshi: foreigner

• Tatopani: lukewarm water / hot water

• raksi: local wine/liquor

• bahini: younger sister

• mathi: up / above

• tala: down / below

• sutne: to sleep

• panipuri: water balls / fried puffed dough balls with spicy water

• pani: water

Comprehension

Answer these questions.

a. How did the author feel when she saw a colourful rooster in the western Himalayas? 

Answer: The author felt amused and entertained by the sight. She felt as though the rooster glanced at her for a brief moment and even winked at her, adding a touch of whimsy to her difficult journey.

b. How does she describe the houses on the trails of western Nepal? 

Answer: She describes the houses as being constructed from stones tucked under rocks over rivers. Though they looked too "crumbly" or fragile to live in, the local people appeared perfectly comfortable and at home in them.

c. What does she mean when she says "I walked towards a village 15 kilometres further as the crow flies?" 

Answer: The phrase "as the crow flies" refers to the shortest possible distance between two points in a straight line, disregarding the actual winding path or terrain of the trail.

d. Describe the village Thankur in brief. 

Answer: Thankur is a small, isolated village consisting of only two houses located in an arid region. It sees very little human mobility but is home to large, beautiful, rainbow-colored birds known as Himalayan monals.

e. What happened when she reached Jumla and how was she relieved? 

Answer: Upon reaching Jumla, she fell ill with a mysterious virus and a severe stomach upset. She found relief only after taking medicine and, surprisingly, enjoying some local pani puri.

f. How does the author describe the bucket water in Khali Lagna? 

Answer: She describes the water in the bucket as having a frozen surface. After cracking the ice, she was pleasantly surprised to find that the water underneath was lukewarm, which provided a sense of satisfaction.

g. How was Rara Lake on the day she reached there? 

Answer: On the day she arrived, Rara Lake was breathtaking, with its deep blue waters glistening in their full "dark blue glory" under the sun.

Critical Thinking

a. It is said that travelling a place equals to reading three books. Do you agree? Why?

Answer: I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment that traveling is equivalent to reading multiple books. While books provide us with theoretical knowledge and imagination, traveling offers "firsthand" experience that is much more vivid and lasting. As the saying goes, "The world is a great book, and those who do not travel read only a page."

Traveling gives character to our knowledge. When we visit a place in person—seeing the architecture, breathing the air, and tasting the food—the memory stays with us forever in a way a text cannot. Furthermore, travel teaches us essential life skills; we learn to be organized, self-reliant, and adaptable in the face of unplanned emergencies. Most importantly, it opens our hearts to new cultures and perceptions, making us realize that we are all members of one big human family. Therefore, travel is a practical education that transforms our perspective more effectively than any library.

b. The author spent five-week long walk along the western Himalayas. Do you think it was adventurous? Why?

Answer: Yes, the journey was undoubtedly adventurous because it involved extreme physical challenges, isolation, and a deep immersion in raw nature. Trekking through the western Himalayas is not a typical holiday; it involves crossing dangerous glaciers, navigating rivers, and enduring freezing nights at high altitudes.

The author covered 25% of the Great Himalayan Trail, often taking "funky detours" into medieval and untouched regions where few tourists ever venture. Surviving in such an environment requires primal instincts and human intuition. The sheer variety of experiences—from battling unknown viruses to walking through snow-covered arid regions—defines the essence of adventure. It was a successful attempt to break the monotony of a "mad rush" life and find oneness with the rugged landscape of Nepal.

Writing

A. Travelogue: A Visit to Pashupatinath Area

Last month, our Grade 11 cohort embarked on an educational excursion to the Pashupatinath area, a site of immense religious and historical significance. Enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the area serves as a living museum of Nepal’s rich cultural tapestry. Our objective was to move beyond textbook descriptions and engage in direct observation of the architectural and social dynamics that define this sacred precinct.

Stretching along the banks of the Bagmati River in eastern Kathmandu, the Pashupati area is much more than just a single temple. It is a sprawling complex encompassing historic neighborhoods such as Gaushala, Jay Bageshwori, and Deupatan. The area is a labyrinth of spiritual monuments, housing nearly 500 temples, diverse shrines, and over 1,000 Shivalingas. The centerpiece of this spiritual hub is the Pashupatinath Temple itself—a magnificent specimen of Pagoda-style architecture. Its two-tiered golden roof and silver-plated doors glistened under the morning sun, reflecting a level of craftsmanship that has survived centuries.

According to historical records, the panchamukhi jyotirlinga (the five-faced Shiva linga) was established by the Gopal dynasty. Over the ages, the site has seen constant evolution, with monarchs from the Licchavi, Malla, and Shah dynasties, along with Rana Prime Ministers, contributing to its grand reconstruction.

During our visit, we witnessed a vibrant influx of pilgrims from across Nepal and neighboring India. The energy of the site peaks during festivals like Maha Shivaratri, Teej, and Bala Chaturdashi, when the air is thick with incense and the sound of bells. However, our visit also shed light on modern challenges. The Bagmati River, while holy, suffers from visible pollution, and urban encroachment threatens the heritage boundaries. We concluded that while the temple remains a beacon of faith, its preservation requires immediate government intervention in sewage management and transparent financial governance of the Pashupati Area Development Trust to ensure its splendor survives for future generations.

B. Write an essay in about 500 words on 'Importance of Tourism in Nepal'.

B. Essay: Importance of Tourism in Nepal

Nepal is globally celebrated as a premier travel destination, a land where the towering peaks of the Himalayas meet the lush plains of the Terai. From the adrenaline-fueled trails of the Everest region to the serene, dark blue waters of Rara Lake, tourism has established itself as the bedrock of the Nepalese economy and a vital tool for national development.

The economic significance of tourism cannot be overstated. It stands as the nation's primary source of foreign exchange earnings. In a country like Nepal, where the trade deficit is high due to a heavy reliance on imports, the "invisible export" of tourism services provides a crucial buffer for economic stability. Beyond the macro-level impact, tourism is a massive employment engine. It creates thousands of jobs in the hospitality, aviation, and trekking sectors. Furthermore, it breathes life into the local handicraft industry. International travelers have an insatiable appetite for authentic Nepalese products, such as hand-knotted wool carpets, intricate wood carvings, and Thangka paintings. This demand ensures that traditional artisans can sustain their livelihoods while keeping ancient skills alive.

Moreover, tourism acts as a powerful medium for cultural diplomacy. When travelers visit sacred landmarks like the birthplace of Buddha in Lumbini or the ancient Durbar Squares of the Kathmandu Valley, they become global ambassadors for Nepal’s heritage. This exchange of ideas fosters international understanding and projects a positive image of the country on the world stage.

However, the future of this sector depends on our ability to embrace "Sustainable Tourism." We must bridge the infrastructure gap between the bustling urban centers and the remote rural trails of Western Nepal to ensure that the benefits of tourism are shared equitably. Protecting our fragile ecosystems from the ravages of over-tourism is equally vital. If managed with a focus on environmental conservation and community involvement, tourism will continue to be the golden key to Nepal’s prosperity, preserving our unique identity while fueling our journey toward modern economic growth.

Grammar: Passive Voice

B. Complete the sentences using the correct form of the verb (Passive):

a. Letters ________ by the postman every day. 

Answer: are delivered

b. This bag ________ in the bus yesterday. 

Answer: was found

c. The gate ________ at 7:00 pm every evening. 

Answer: is locked

d. I ________ to the party last week. 

Answer: was invited

e. The telephone ________ by Graham Bell. 

Answer: was invented

f. Muna Madan ________ by Devkota. 

Answer: was written

g. How much money ________ in the robbery? 

Answer: was stolen

h. Do you know cheese ________ from milk? 

Answer: is made

i. I was born in Kathmandu, but ________ in Dhangadhi. 

Answer: was grown (or: was raised)

C. Change the following sentences into passive:

a. I didn’t fix the problem. 

Answer: The problem wasn't fixed by me.

b. Police protect the town. 

Answer: The town is protected by the police.

c. John’s mother raised him in a small town. 

Answer: He was raised in a small town by John’s mother.

d. Someone painted the building last year. 

Answer: The building was painted last year.

e. Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928. 

Answer: Penicillin was discovered in 1928 by Alexander Fleming.

f. Some students study grammar on the Internet. 

Answer: Grammar is studied on the internet by some students.

g. Someone had broken the window by 3:00 p.m. 

Answer: The window had been broken by 3:00 p.m.

h. A strange man was watching us. 

Answer: We were being watched by a strange man.

i. Tokyo will hold the Olympics in 2020. 

Answer: The Olympics will be held in 2020 by Tokyo. (Or: ...would be held...)

j. We are working on the report right now. 

Answer: The report is being worked on right now.

k. My manager has told him to arrive earlier. 

Answer: He has been told to arrive earlier by my manager.

l. They could not have made the mistake. 

Answer: The mistake could not have been made by them.

m. I hope they are going to hire me soon. 

Answer: I hope I am going to be hired soon.

n. I don't like people staring at me. 

Answer: I don't like being stared at.

o. She likes people waving at her. 

Answer: She likes being waved at.

p. Who told you the story? 

Answer: By whom were you told the story? (Or: Who was the story told to you by?)

q. Is he repairing the bicycle? 

Answer: Is the bicycle being repaired by him?