Reaching New Heights: Three SIT Alumni’s Journey to Everest Base Camp
From grounded flights to grueling climbs, three SIT alumni overcame plot twist after plot twist to reach Everest Base Camp, pushing their limits in an unforgettable adventure.
Standing at an altitude of 5,364 metres, Everest Base Camp is a dream destination for many adventure seekers worldwide. For three SIT alumni— Zhou Xihao (Class of 2020), Toh Yi Sin (Class of 2021) and Lester Lim Sheng Long (Class of 2021)—this journey was not just about conquering a trek; it was about testing their resilience, embracing the unexpected, and finding camaraderie in the face of adversity.
A Shared Dream
The seed for this adventure was first planted four years ago when Lester, Xihao, and a group of friends hiked Mount Rinjani. That trip sparked a love for mountaineering, leading them to climb Mount Kinabalu soon after. During that expedition, someone floated the idea of trekking to Everest Base Camp—a challenge that quickly became a personal goal. For Lester, it was a bucket-list item to tick off before his marriage, while Xihao aimed to accomplish it before turning 30.
Yi Sin, on the other hand, had a different route to the decision. Having travelled solo to Vietnam and hiked Mount Fansipan, he felt a deep connection with nature and resolved to add Everest Base Camp to his bucket list. When the opportunity arose, he seized it without hesitation.
Training and Preparation
Despite their initial commitment to regular training, work commitments made it difficult. Yi Sin, a dedicated runner, incorporated running, swimming, and stair climbing into his routine to maintain his endurance.
Despite their limited training, they found that the trek itself was not overwhelmingly difficult. The key challenge was adjusting to the high altitude, something no amount of training could fully prepare them for. “Altitude sickness is something you can’t train for,” they remarked.
Navigating Unexpected Challenges
Their adventure began with an unexpected challenge – bad weather grounded all domestic flights from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, to the mountain range’s airport, delaying their journey for three days. With their tight 12-day itinerary at risk, they considered hiring a helicopter. Unfortunately, all flights were fully booked. Left with no other option, they endured an 18-hour jeep ride on treacherous single-lane roads—an experience they described as “painful” and nerve-wracking.
After finally setting off on foot, they faced yet another challenge – a landslide that forced a steep three-hour detour, testing their endurance early on.
Once on the main trekking route, altitude sickness became their next major hurdle. Due to the earlier delays, they had to push their pace, leaving little time to acclimatise. Lester fell ill at the second checkpoint, struggling with severe headaches and sleeplessness. Xihao, who was already nursing an ankle abrasion, developed flu-like symptoms and suffered from dangerously low oxygen levels, putting him at risk of altitude sickness. With their health deteriorating, they made the difficult decision to take a helicopter back to Kathmandu—a costly but necessary choice to avoid further complications.
Even food proved to be a challenge. Advised to avoid meat due to questionable freshness, they subsisted on repetitive meals at teahouses along the way. As Singaporeans accustomed to a rich variety of cuisine, adjusting to a plain diet was tough. Thankfully, their foresight in bringing along bak kwa, seasoning, and canned food offered some much-needed relief.
Lessons from the Journey
Reflecting on the experience, the trio walked away with invaluable lessons (shared in their own words):
- Embrace the Journey, Not Just the Destination
This adventure reinforced the idea that the value lies not in reaching the summit or Base Camp, but in the experience along the way. There were moments of physical exhaustion, mental struggle, and beauty that wouldn’t have been appreciated if the focus was solely on the end goal. It taught us to embrace the process, recognizing that every step, no matter how challenging, contributes to growth and resilience. - Resilience Through Adversity
The high-altitude conditions, fatigue, and physical discomfort pushed our limits. However, we learnt that resilience is built by continuing to move forward, even when you feel like giving up. Each challenge faced during the trek served as a reminder that strength comes from overcoming adversity, not avoiding it. - Leadership is About Support, Not Control
During the trek, we all relied on one another—whether it was for motivation, encouragement, or simply sharing a quiet moment of awe. This taught us that leadership is not about being in charge, but about lifting others up and making sure the team succeeds together. Leading with empathy and collaboration strengthens everyone’s journey. - Gratitude for the Simple Things
Being surrounded by the raw beauty of nature and stripped of everyday comforts made us realise how often we take things for granted. We learnt to appreciate the small things—clear air, a warm meal, the energy of a group supporting each other. Sometimes, the most powerful lessons in life come from stepping away from the noise and focusing on what truly matters. - Letting Go of Perfection
The trek was full of unpredictability—weather changes, unexpected delays, and moments when things didn’t go as planned. We learnt to let go of the need for everything to be perfect and to find joy in the unexpected. Life doesn’t always unfold how we imagine, and that’s often where the most rewarding experiences lie.
Advice for Aspiring Trekkers
For SIT alumni or students inspired by their journey, the trio offered these words of wisdom:
- Don’t overthink it—just go. Plan the trip first, then prepare for it. If you prepare first, you might never get around to going.
- Start small. Everest Base Camp is not the only trek in the region—Mount Annapurna offers a fantastic experience as well.
- Be well-equipped. Comfort and safety are key, so invest in good gear and pack essential items.
Their journey to EBC was more than just a physical challenge—it was a transformative experience that pushed their limits and deepened their appreciation for the world around them. As they look ahead to new adventures, their story serves as a reminder that the greatest rewards often come from stepping outside our comfort zones and embracing the unknown.
The Alumni Spotlight series shares personal and intimate stories of SIT alumni. Know someone with a unique story, or have an interesting experience to share? Contact us here!
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