Snow Mountains and Hearts
Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp, Nepal
In Winter 2024, a team of College explorers embarked on a 12-day trekking to Annapurna Base Camp in the high mountains of Nepal. The team composed of 13 members, including 10 College students, two alumni and one staff member. Prof. Hsieh Chih-mou, the Founding President of Chinese Rock Leadership, a retired professor from Taiwan Normal University, and an adventure educator, provided training and guidance before the journey, and led the team in exploration and reflection throughout the trekking. This expedition was not only a physical challenge but also a journey of human spirit and meaning.
The team departed from Hong Kong on 21 December, 2024 and arrived in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital city. In the next day, they boarded a domestic flight to Pokhara, then travelled by car to Siwai, the starting point of their trekking. From there, the real journey began. From foothills at 822 metres, they ascended to Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 metres, passing through villages, forests, glaciers and snow-covered trails.
They started off in early mornings every day. With hours of hiking, they reached the mountain lodge of the day for rest. On 25 December, after passing through stations including Chhomrong, Doven and Deurali, they arrived at their destination, the Annapurna Base Camp, which was surrounded by majestic peaks.
The trekking was both a test to physical endurance and a mental awakening. Standing before snow mountains at sunrise, participants were inspired to reflect on life’s directions. Embracing the pure belief that “because the mountain is there”, they came to realise that not every direction needs justification if we follow our passions and determination.
One of the most touching part of the journey was the presence of the unsung heroes – the porters and guides. They carried heavy loads for the participants and began the days before the team, and ensured that the luggage arrived at each stop ahead of the time. Though words were few, their silent support was the backbone of the expedition.
In the last night, the participants had the chance to meet the porters, learn their names and personally express gratitude. These individuals were no longer just “someone’s porter”, but people with names, families, and dreams. The encounter sparked reflection on deeper structural issues in the local tourism industry. Many porters take up tough and dangerous jobs with the hope that their children could be lifted out of poverty. Their love is heavy and unwavering.
Life in the mountains offered a sharp contrast to city life. Rising with the sun and resting with its fall. Eating meals together, walking, and maintaining a steady rhyme that nurtured both body and mind. At every meal, participants gathered around the table, fully present, listening to one another. There were no phones, no outside distractions, only genuine connection in the moment. At the end of the journey, the participants danced with locals, sharing music and joy. Although they did not speak the same language, their hearts communicated effortlessly.
On 29 December, the team visited a local school, learning about the state of education and connecting their adventure with a broader sense of social responsibility.
The team returned to Hong Kong on the first day of 2025. On 17 January, they held a debriefing sharing session at The Wells of the College. Each participant chose a favourite photograph, wrote a message on the back, and shared their stories with others.
Each journey must come to an end but the impact it leaves behind continues to grow. Perhaps the answers we sought in the mountains have yet to fully emerge, but the power of being together, the inspiration of nature and the seeds of reflection have already taken root in our hearts.
The team consists of 13 participants, including College students, alumni and a staff member.
The participants form close bonds throughout the journey.
The team passes through villages, forests, glaciers and snow-covered trails.
The journey is filled with challenges that test the participants’ courage and perseverance.
Discovering life away from the city.
Sharing snacks with local children.
Visiting a local school to learn more about the state of education.
A debriefing session is held at The Wells.
