"We were now actually in the inner sanctuary of the Nanda Devi Basin, and at each step I experienced that subtle thrill which anyone of imagination must feel when treading hitherto unexplored country. My most blissful dream as a child was to be in some such valley, free to wander where I liked, and discover for myself some hitherto unrevealed glory of Nature. Now the reality was no less wonderful than that half-forgotten dream; and of how many childish fancies can that be said, in this age of disillusionment ?" - Nanda Devi by Eric Shipton
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South Col trekked to Thyanboche monastery and Kala Pattar in April/May 2011 with a team of 20 trekkers including four children. For some of the photographs of this trek please see the link The Kala Pattar and Panorama Trek 2011.
For more photographs of this trek please do visit http://www.sujoydas.com/Nepal-Himalaya/Kala-Pattar-and-Everest-Spring/17107726_DJR2DG#1296374818_7XLN5CT and also https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.201373616571838.50283.133607456681788
South Col Expeditions trekked the Phedi- Dhampus-Pothana-Landrung-Ghandrung-Birethanti route in the Annapurna Himalaya in December 2007 with a team of fourteen including two children 3 years and 10 years. Arin the 3 year old was a gutsy walker when he was not in his mother's carrier! The team enjoyed an excellent night's hospitality at Gurung Cottage (below) run by the ever efficient Kisam Gurung and his family!
In December 2009, a South Col team of ten trekkers including three children successfully did the Ghandrung-Ghorepani loop in five days from Pokhara. Sujoy was surprised at seeing the plush accomodation at the Nice View Lodge in Ghorepani having not visited the region for more than ten years! The views of Dhaulagiri (see below) was just stupendous from the top of Poon Hill and also on the ridge walk from Deurali to lower Ghorepani! Unfortunately the group had bad weather at Ghandrung and Tadapani and were denied the magnificent views of the Fish Tail - Macchapucchare. However, there is always the next time!
