A Shelter So High — Class 5 EVS (CBSE)
Based on the NCERT Looking Around Grade 5 textbook. Discover how people live in the high mountains of Ladakh, then solve the practice set.
1. Why this chapter matters
People live in some of the most challenging environments on Earth — including the high-altitude cold desert of Ladakh. This chapter takes students to the Himalayan region to understand how people build homes, live, and thrive in extreme cold with limited resources. Students learn about the Changthang nomads, their unique lifestyle, and how architecture and clothing adapt to harsh climates.
2. Ladakh — a cold desert
Ladakh is a region in the union territory of Ladakh (northern India). It is called a cold desert because it receives very little rainfall (less than 10 cm per year) and is extremely cold.
Climate
| Season | Temperature | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Oct-Apr) | -30°C to -10°C | Snowbound, roads closed, very cold |
| Summer (May-Sep) | 10°C to 25°C | Pleasant, crops grow, tourists visit |
Key facts about Ladakh
- Located at an altitude of over 3,000 metres.
- Part of the Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges.
- The Indus River flows through Ladakh.
- Leh is the largest town.
- Very little rainfall — less than 10 cm per year.
- People rely on glacier meltwater for drinking and farming.
3. Houses in Ladakh
Ladakh houses are designed to handle extreme cold with limited building materials.
| Feature | Why it is used |
|---|---|
| Thick stone/mud walls | Keep the cold out and warmth inside |
| Small windows | Less heat escapes through windows |
| Flat roof | Used for drying crops and storing hay |
| Sun-dried bricks | Made from local mud, good insulation |
| Attached animal shelter | Animals provide warmth and are protected from cold |
| South-facing windows | Capture maximum sunlight for warmth and light |
| Low ceilings | Easier to heat a smaller space |
4. Changthang nomads
The Changthang region is a high-altitude plateau in Ladakh. The Changpa people are nomadic herders who move with their animals.
Lifestyle
- They live in tents made of yak hair (called rebo).
- They herd yaks, sheep, and goats.
- The famous Pashmina wool (cashmere) comes from Changthangi goats.
- In summer, they move to higher pastures. In winter, they move to lower valleys.
- Their diet includes tsampa (roasted barley flour), butter tea, and dried meat.
Challenges
- Extreme cold and thin air (high altitude).
- Limited food and fuel.
- Changing weather patterns affecting grazing land.
- Children often travel far for schooling.
5. Clothing in cold regions
People in Ladakh wear many layers of warm clothing to protect against the cold.
| Traditional clothing | Description |
|---|---|
| Goncha | A long woollen robe worn by both men and women |
| Bakhu | A thick sheepskin coat |
| Topi | A traditional hat covering the ears |
| Pashmina shawl | Made from the wool of Changthangi goats |
Layering: The secret to staying warm is wearing multiple layers — the air between the layers traps heat.
6. Activity corner
Activity 1: Find Ladakh on a map of India. Which countries border it? Through which river valley does it lie?
Activity 2: Draw a traditional Ladakhi house and label its features (thick walls, flat roof, small windows).
Activity 3: Write a short paragraph comparing your house with a house in Ladakh. What would be different in the way it is built?
7. Common mistakes
- Mistake: Thinking Ladakh is always covered in snow Fix: Ladakh is a cold desert. It has very little snowfall in most areas (except high passes). It is dry, not snowy year-round.
- Mistake: Confusing Ladakh with Kashmir Fix: Ladakh is a separate union territory of India, located to the east of Kashmir.
- Mistake: Believing nomads wander without purpose Fix: Nomads move in a planned pattern to find fresh grazing for their animals. It is a sustainable way of life.
8. Key facts
- Ladakh is a high-altitude cold desert (under 10 cm rainfall/year).
- Winter temperatures can drop to -30°C.
- Houses have thick walls, flat roofs, and small windows.
- Changthang nomads (Changpa) herd yaks, sheep, and goats.
- Pashmina wool comes from Changthangi goats.
- People use multiple layers of woollen clothing.
- Life at high altitude requires many special adaptations.
9. Self-test
- Why is Ladakh called a 'cold desert'?
- What materials are Ladakhi houses made of?
- What kind of tents do Changthang nomads live in?
- Which animal provides Pashmina wool?
- Name one challenge of living in Ladakh.
10. Answer key
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Why is Ladakh called a 'cold desert'? Answer: Because it receives very little rainfall (less than 10 cm per year) and is extremely cold.
-
What materials are Ladakhi houses made of? Answer: Stone, mud, and sun-dried bricks with flat roofs.
-
What kind of tents do Changthang nomads live in? Answer: Tents made of yak hair, called rebo.
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Which animal provides Pashmina wool? Answer: The Changthangi goat (a breed found in Ladakh).
-
Name one challenge of living in Ladakh. Answer: Extreme cold, thin air (high altitude), limited food and fuel, difficult travel (any one).
11. Quick revision
- Ladakh: cold desert, high altitude, little rainfall.
- Houses: thick walls, flat roofs, small windows, mud bricks.
- Changthang nomads (Changpa): move with herds, live in yak-hair tents.
- Pashmina: from Changthangi goats — a luxurious wool.
- Clothing: multiple woollen layers, goncha, bakhu, pashmina shawl.
- Life in Ladakh requires adaptation to extreme cold and altitude.
- Traditional knowledge helps people thrive in harsh environments.
