Tibet, a young yet distant dream of mine, has long captivated many, including me, with its mystique and ethereal beauty. I once imagined that one day I would set aside everything to wander and explore Tibet, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, to take an intimate look at my own inner self. But as I became more engrossed in material life, this dream gradually faded. Had it not been for the "Dream Fulfillment Journey" campaign initiated by the LONSDALE Travelers Club, I can’t say when I would have remembered this dream again, let alone created the conditions to realize it.
We spent a day resting at the foot of the mountain, climbing small hills to help our bodies and breathing adjust to the high altitude, silently praying while gazing at Mount Kailash in the distance, getting familiar with her presence, choosing some souvenirs for friends and colleagues, and chatting with fellow travelers at the youth hostel — both those who had completed the kora and those who hadn’t. It was the most relaxing day of the entire trip. Although the town had electricity for only three hours a day, with no TV, movies, or hot water, it did nothing to dampen our deep sense of comfort and joy. The closer we got to the sacred mountain, the calmer and more resolute I felt inside, and my altitude sickness gradually disappeared. I felt I might have already adapted to the environment — at least I no longer felt uncomfortable or wanted to escape. I just wanted to get a little closer, and then even closer.
I was lucky to have traveled with Mr. Wang, a photojournalist from Beijing. With his care and support, I crossed the mountain pass and completed the journey.
The hardships and beauty along the way need not be described in detail, but all of it is deeply etched in my heart. They say that pilgrims who complete a kora around Mount Kailash can wash away all their sins in a lifetime — I don’t know if that’s true, but for me, this kora was like walking through a long journey, encountering companions, chance meetings, and farewells. No matter how emotions shifted, the destination remained constant. Along the way, one needed wisdom and compassion — this was a journey of the heart and a form of growth. On this path, I saw my inner self more clearly, watching myself as an observer — happy, crying, persevering, reluctant, content... Only one word can express all I gained: gratitude!!!
Back in Hangzhou, sitting back at my office desk in front of the computer, reflecting on this trip to Tibet, I still feel a few minor regrets — like not having enough time to properly explore downtown Lhasa, or taking a car back instead of walking a bit further at the foot of Mount Kailash. But it is precisely because of these small regrets that I felt the completeness of this kora journey. Who says regret can’t be a form of fulfillment? With these thoughts lingering, my next journey no longer feels far away. I look forward to the next trip organized by the LONSDALE Travelers Club.