When your Chief AI Officer, Paul Swider, announces that he’s embarking on a 10-day Tibetan adventure, you know it’s going to be a journey worth following. The expedition, flanked by a few of his closest friends, is not merely an escape from the buzz of the corporate world; it’s a pilgrimage of sorts that aligns closely with our community’s mission work.
At a Glance: The Travel Plan
Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa (3650m)
Day 2: Lhasa Tour – Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street (B, D)
Day 3: Lhasa Tour – Dadong Village and Sera Monastery (B, L)
Day 4: Lhasa to Shigatse via Gyantse (360km, B)
Day 5: Shigatse (3900m) to Everest Base Camp (5200m, B)
Day 6: Everest Base Camp (5200m) and return to Shigatse (3900m)
Day 7: Shigatse (3900m) to Lhasa (3650m)
Day 8: Lhasa to Namtso Lake and drive back to Damxung (B)
Day 9: Damxung to Lhasa via Chimelong Nunnery and Tsurphu Monastery (B)
Day 10: Depart from Lhasa (B)
The Journey Unfolds
First Leg: Soul of Lhasa
Paul Swider, accompanied by friends, started by soaking in the ethereal beauty of Lhasa—visiting Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and the intriguing Barkhor Street.
Midway: Everest Calls
On Day 5, the group made it to Everest Base Camp, capturing a moment that was truly larger-than-life.
Final Stop: Namtso’s Divine Beauty
After returning to Lhasa, Paul and team set out for Namtso Lake, concluding their journey on a note of tranquility and profound beauty.
Aligning with Our Mission
This trip was not just about sightseeing; it was a spiritual and cultural exchange that extended the boundaries of our community’s mission work. While Paul Swider was exploring technological interventions for the local community, he was also learning from their resilient ways and absorbing lessons that are invaluable for the ethos of our organization.
Conclusion
Paul’s Tibetan adventure was an inspiring blend of personal growth, cultural understanding, and mission-aligned outreach. And as he departed from Lhasa on Day 10, it was clear that while the journey had ended, the stories, friendships, and insights gained would remain an indelible part of his life—and by extension, of our community’s ever-evolving narrative.
