For Ray, the trip to Chuanxi—nearly 3,000 meters above sea level—was a journey of challenge, growth, and connection. From tackling high-altitude hikes to experiencing Tibetan culture, he discovered resilience, friendship, and lessons that will stay with him long after the trip.
Volunteer's Insight_Link
My experience at Chuanxi was truly one of a kind, something that pushed me out of my comfort zone while also giving me memories I will carry for a long time. Having grown up mostly at low altitudes, I had never been anywhere above a few hundred meters. Spending a whole week in a region that was nearly 3,000 meters above sea level was a completely new challenge for me.
As someone who is normally very sporty and physically active, I had assumed I would adapt easily to the physical demands of the trip. However, the reality of altitude sickness hit me quite hard, especially during the hike to the Milk Sea. I couldn’t make it all the way to the destination, which at first felt disappointing, but I quickly realized that the real treasure was in the journey itself—the way my friends and I supported each other, looked out for one another, and shared both the struggles and the small victories along the way.
What stood out about Chuanxi was that it was not a trip of comfort but one of effort, resilience, and reward. The roads were long, the climbs were steep, and the nights were often cold, but every time I looked up and saw the dramatic mountains rising against the sky, I knew it was worth it. The views we got were truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Even simple things like drinking warm butter tea at a small teahouse or watching yaks grazing on the hillsides felt surreal, almost like stepping into the pages of the books I had read about Tibetan culture.
One of my favorite parts of the trip was our time in Shangri-La town. Wandering through the old streets, seeing the colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and trying on traditional Tibetan clothing gave me a sense of connection to a culture I had long admired from afar. I remember the moment I looked at myself in the mirror, wearing the long robe with its bright patterns, and felt as though I was stepping into a different world. The local food was also unforgettable—simple yet rich with flavor and history. Eating tsampa and butter tea, which I had only ever read about, brought the stories I once knew on paper into reality.
Another meaningful aspect of the trip was how it brought me closer to the other volunteers. Back at the program, much of our focus is on taking care of the kids, so there’s little time for deeper personal connections. But in Chuanxi, where we had to rely on one another to push through tiredness and altitude challenges, a new bond formed. We encouraged each other during hikes, shared snacks when someone’s energy dipped, and laughed through the moments of exhaustion. These simple acts of teamwork and kindness made the trip not only about the place we visited but also about the people who were there with me.
In the end, even though I didn’t reach every destination I had hoped for, I came away with something more valuable: a deep respect for nature’s power, an appreciation of Tibetan culture beyond books, and friendships strengthened through shared struggle. Chuanxi reminded me that sometimes the most meaningful experiences are not about where you arrive, but about how you get there and who walks the path with you.
