- 1. This quiz focuses on Khardung village, a settlement nestled close to the iconic Khardung La pass in the Ladakh region of India. Known for its breathtaking altitude and rugged beauty, Khardung village holds a special place in the hearts of travelers and locals alike. What is the primary characteristic that makes Khardung La famous?
A) Its extensive railway network
B) Its high altitude
C) Its lush greenery
D) Its proximity to the ocean
- 2. Khardung village serves as a gateway to the Nubra Valley for many who traverse the Khardung La pass. What is the approximate altitude of Khardung La pass, often cited as one of the highest motorable passes in the world?
A) Under 10,000 feet
B) Exactly 5,000 feet
C) Around 15,000 meters
D) Over 17,500 feet
- 3. The landscape surrounding Khardung village and Khardung La is predominantly arid and mountainous. What type of ecosystem best describes this region?
A) Subtropical savanna
B) Cold desert
C) Tropical rainforest
D) Temperate grassland
- 4. The inhabitants of Khardung village are primarily of Ladakhi descent. What is the dominant religion practiced by the people of Ladakh, including those in and around Khardung?
A) Christianity
B) Hinduism
C) Buddhism
D) Islam
- 5. The harsh climate of Khardung presents challenges for agriculture. What is a common staple crop grown in Ladakh, adapted to the arid conditions?
A) Corn
B) Wheat
C) Rice
D) Barley
- 6. Travelers passing through Khardung village often experience the effects of the high altitude. What is the medical term for altitude sickness?
A) Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
B) Altitude Fatigue
C) High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)
D) High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)
- 7. What is the main mode of transportation used to reach Khardung village and cross Khardung La pass?
A) Trains
B) Motor vehicles
C) Airplanes
D) Boats
- 8. The primary economic activity in and around Khardung village, besides local subsistence, is often related to tourism. What sector does this primarily fall under?
A) Information technology
B) Agriculture and mining
C) Hospitality and transport
D) Manufacturing and industry
- 9. The natural beauty of the region attracts many visitors. What is a common sight that travelers can expect to see in the mountains surrounding Khardung?
A) Vast oceans
B) Dense forests
C) Tropical flora
D) Snow-capped peaks
- 10. During the winter months, Khardung La pass can be impassable due to heavy snowfall. What is the typical period when the pass is usually closed?
A) Spring (March to April)
B) Monsoon season (July to September)
C) Summer (June to August)
D) Winter (November to May)
- 11. The local culture in Khardung village is rich in traditions. What are some common forms of traditional Ladakhi art and craft?
A) Sculpting and pottery
B) Thangka painting and carpet weaving
C) Oil painting and marble carving
D) Glass blowing and mosaic art
- 12. What is the primary language spoken by the residents of Khardung village?
A) Tibetan
B) English
C) Hindi
D) Ladakhi
- 13. The air at such high altitudes is thin. What is the primary gas that is less abundant in the atmosphere at Khardung La?
A) Argon
B) Oxygen
C) Nitrogen
D) Carbon Dioxide
- 14. Khardung village is situated in a region known for its extreme diurnal temperature variations. What does this mean?
A) Temperatures are mild and unchanging
B) Temperatures vary greatly between day and night
C) Temperatures are consistently low throughout the night
D) Temperatures are consistently high throughout the day
- 15. What kind of wildlife might one encounter in the higher altitudes near Khardung La, if lucky?
A) Wild yak and bharal (blue sheep)
B) Penguins and seals
C) Tigers and lions
D) Monkeys and elephants
- 16. The construction and maintenance of Khardung La pass are vital for connectivity. Which branch of the Indian armed forces is primarily responsible for its upkeep?
A) Indian Army
B) Border Roads Organisation (BRO)
C) Indian Navy
D) Indian Air Force
- 17. What is a common form of traditional Ladakhi housing found in villages like Khardung, designed for insulation?
A) Wooden cabins
B) Stone and mud houses
C) Tents
D) Concrete bungalows
- 18. The sparse vegetation around Khardung village is adapted to survive with minimal water. What is a typical type of plant found here?
A) Water lilies
B) Large evergreen trees
C) Carnivorous plants
D) Drought-resistant shrubs and grasses
- 19. What is the primary historical significance of Khardung La pass in terms of trade and communication?
A) Ancient trade route to Central Asia
B) Airport runway
C) Modern shipping channel
D) Underwater tunnel
- 20. What is a popular local beverage in Ladakh, often consumed for its warmth and energy-boosting properties?
A) Coffee
B) Fruit juice
C) Butter tea (Gur Gur Chai)
D) Soft drinks
- 21. The sun at high altitudes can be very intense. What protective measures are recommended for visitors to Khardung village and pass?
A) Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats
B) Light clothing and umbrellas
C) Heavy scarves and gloves
D) Waterproof jackets
- 22. What is the approximate distance from Leh town to Khardung La pass, making Khardung village a point along the way?
A) Around 10 kilometers
B) Around 40 kilometers
C) Around 250 kilometers
D) Around 100 kilometers
- 23. The geological formations around Khardung village and pass are a result of tectonic activity. This region is part of which major mountain range?
A) Himalayas
B) Rocky Mountains
C) Alps
D) Andes
- 24. What is the primary natural resource that is economically important to communities in and around Khardung, though often harvested sustainably?
A) Oil and gas
B) Precious metals
C) Timber
D) Wool (from sheep and goats)
- 25. When visiting Khardung village, it's important to respect local customs and traditions. What is a common greeting in Ladakh?
A) Hola
B) Namaste
C) Bonjour
D) Julley
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