A Journey to the Magical Mountains: NCERT Class 4 Story, Santoor Ch 11

etmantra3 Nov 20264 min read

This warm story takes children on a day's walk into the Himalayas with a girl and her grandfather. They will meet yaks, play in snow and learn why mountains must be protected.

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From NCERT’s new English book Santoor for Class 4, unit “Up High”. Chapter 11.

What your child learns

Words about mountains: peak, valley, snow, Sherpa
Joining ideas with and, but, because
Learning from elders
Caring for nature

What the story is about

Minam lives in a small village at the foot of the Himalayas and loves her grandfather's stories about the mountains. He was once a Sherpa. One sunny morning, he says she is strong enough for a long walk, and they set off with rotis, achaar, water and apples. Minam sees flowers, tall trees and new birds. They have lunch by a clear river, where she dips her feet and watches fish.

Climbing higher, they see yaks, which give milk and wool and carry loads. They reach snow and build a snowman. From a hilltop, Grandfather shows her Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world. On the way back they hear an old man playing the Santoor and see mountain goats jumping on rocks. At home, Minam thanks him, and she promises to respect and protect the mountains.

New words, with Hindi meanings

mighty: very big and strong (हिंदी: विशाल)
journey: a trip from one place to another (हिंदी: यात्रा)
Sherpa: a mountain person who guides climbers in the Himalayas (हिंदी: शेरपा)
loads: heavy things to carry (हिंदी: बोझ)
peaks: pointed tops of mountains (हिंदी: चोटियाँ)
memories: things we remember (हिंदी: यादें)
respect: to treat with care and value (हिंदी: सम्मान करना)
protect: to keep safe (हिंदी: रक्षा करना)

Talk about it

Ask these aloud after reading or watching. Let your child answer in English if they can, or mix in their home language. Both help.

What did Minam pack for the journey?
How do yaks help people in the mountains?
What did Minam promise at the end?
Who in your family teaches you special things?

Answers for parents

Rotis with achaar, two water bottles and apples.
They give milk and wool and carry heavy loads.
She promised to take care of the mountains and share their magic with others.
For example: My grandmother teaches me the names of plants in our garden.

Grammar corner: Joining words: and, but, because

Joining words link two ideas in one sentence. 'And' adds more, 'but' shows a difference, and 'because' gives a reason.

Minam packed rotis and apples.
Minam was tired, but she was very happy.
They stopped by the river because it was time for lunch.

Practice at home

Join with 'because': Minam was happy. She saw snow.
Choose: The yak is big ___ strong. (and / but)
Fill in the blank: Mount Everest is the tallest ___ in the world. (mountain / river)

Answers: 1. Minam was happy because she saw snow. · 2. and · 3. mountain

Try this

Go on a 'Magic Walk' around your home, lane or school. Like Minam, look for three things: something living, something that makes a sound and something you have never noticed before. Come back and tell the family about your journey.

Tip for parents

Ask your child in Hindi, 'Minam ne pahadon mein kya-kya dekha?' Let them list in Hindi, then say each item in English together: yak, snow, river. Share a trip memory of your own in Hindi too; praise your child for every English word they try.

Questions parents ask

What is the story A Journey to the Magical Mountains about?

Minam walks into the Himalayas with her grandfather, sees rivers, yaks, snow and Mount Everest, and promises to protect the mountains.

Who are the characters in A Journey to the Magical Mountains?

Minam and her grandfather, who was once a Sherpa. An old man playing the Santoor also appears.

What is the message of A Journey to the Magical Mountains?

Mountains teach us about strength and beauty, and we should always respect and protect them.

Learn every Class 4 chapter with CALP

Every chapter of Santoor, NCERT’s new book, with notes in English and Hindi, say-it-aloud practice with a score, grammar, speaking and writing practice. ₹1,299 for the whole year.

See the free lessons and enrol →