HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PHOTO TREK
- Introductory one hour slide show by Sujoy Das on the Everest Region of Nepal in Kathmandu before the start of the trek to familiarize the group with the terrain, locations, light and conditions.
- Guidance regarding the best locations for photography on a day to day basis along with the best time of the day.
- Guiding you how to photograph out of the box and to see the Everest region through different eyes avoiding those stereo type images which every Everest trekker takes home e.g. blue skies and white mountains!
- Discussions every evening at the lodge about the day’s efforts and what to expect for the next day and possible photo opportunities.
- Night photography – mountains, stars, moon and the Milky Way.
- Itinerary has been designed with rest days to give you sufficient time to take better pictures. Sujoy is always there with you to help solve your problems on the field and learn new things about photography. Several sessions taken on location help you understand the location better and improve your photography skills with special emphasis on photography in the mountains.
- Small group size ensures expert guidance with plenty of personal interaction all through the tour. Being friendly and approachable Sujoy helps you with all your needs related to photography or otherwise.
- Assured quality accommodation chosen for their cleanliness and cheerfulness, itineraries planned with the just the right pace – not too fast or not very lazy. We do all the homework to create the best itineraries covering maximum photography opportunities without tiring anyone, so all you have to do is to pack your bags and hop on board.
- Sujoy covers phone photography as well given tips and advice on different modes like night mode, adjusting exposure using a phone and enhancing your skills on phone photography.
- Who can join this photo trek?
- From serious hobbyists to amateurs to beginners, this photo trek is open to a wide spectrum of photographers. Beginners on our tours learn about the basics of photography, through condensed sessions and on-field assistance from Sujoy. Amateur photographers build upon their photography skills and get a chance to explore new avenues in photography. Serious hobbyists benefit from our homework of scouting the right locations, right timings and the lighting.
BIO SUJOY DAS
Sujoy Das has been trekking and photographing in the Himalayas for more than forty years. His photographs and essays have been featured in leading magazines worldwide like The Washington Post, Lonely Planet, The Alpinist, The Outdoor Journal, Lifeforce Magazine, APA Guides, Outlook Traveller, India Today Travel Plus, Mint Lounge, Hindu Business Line, Frontline, The Telegraph, Times of India Crest, India Magazine, Frontline etc.
He leads treks and photo workshops under the banner of South Col Expeditions.
He has been an invited speaker at the Mussoorie Mountain Festival 2017, Mountain Echoes – the Bhutan Literary Festival 2019 and the Everest 70 Years Celebrations in New Delhi in 2023.
He is the joint author and photographer of a number of books like Sikkim- A Travellers Guide, Nepal Himalaya – A Journey Through Time, Everest Reflections on the Solukhumbu, Lonely Planet – Nepal for the Indian Traveller.
He was an invited artist to the first Bengal Biennale held in Kolkata, India in December 2024.
For more details on his work do visit https://www.sujoydas.com/Profile
He can be contacted at [email protected]
Photos Website www.sujoydas.com
Treks and Photo Tours www.southcol.com
Blog www.sujoyrdas.blogspot.com
2025 DAY WISE ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrive Kathmandu by 2 pm drive to Ramechaap – if we get the Kathmandu – Lukla flight then stay in Kathmandu
Day 2 Fly to Lukla 2800m walk to Monjo 2800m 6-7 hours
Day 3 Walk to Namche 3450m 4 to 5 hours uphill climb
Day 4 Acclimatization hike to Khumjung Kunde and Everest View Hotel and back to Namche
Day 5 Phortse 3850m 6-7 hours extra acclimatization day for Gokyo advisable
Day 6 Dole 4000m 5 hours
Day 7 Machermo 4450 m 3-4 hours
Day 8 Gokyo 4750m 4 hours
Day 9 Walk to 5th Lake and back to Gokyo
Day 10 Climb Rhenjo la 5350m 3 hours and descend to Lungden 4380m 4-5 hours long day
Day 11 Lungden to Thami 3850m and then to Namche 5-6 hours
Day 12 Namche to Phakding 2650m 4-5 hours
Day 13 Phakding to Lukla 2800m 4 hours
Day 14 Lukla to Kathmandu by flight
Day 15 Depart Kathmandu for home destinations
Dates and cost on request - this is a custom photo tour for small groups 2-6 pax only
Sujoy Das
India 8 Short Street Kolkata 700 017 India +91 98310 54569; Nepal +977 98180 37020
[email protected] [email protected]
CANCELLATION POLICY
The cancellation policy and refunds available are given below:
0-7 days before the start of the trek =100%
8 -15 days before the start of the trek = 75%
16-30 days before the start of the trek = 50%
31-45 days before the start of the trek = 30%
46 days and above = 20%
The deposit is not refundable.
IN CASE OF LEAVING THE GROUP
If due to illness or any other reason a client has to leave the group and go down or wait at a lodge for the group to pick him/her up on the way back, all expenses including lodging, fooding and any porter/guide related expenses if any are to be borne by the individual client over and above the trek fees paid for the trek. There are also no refunds for leaving a trek before completion.
HIRING OF PONIES ETC
In the eventuality of a client needed the services of a pony to come down to lower altitudes, the cost of hiring the pony will be paid by the client.
EVACUATION BY HELICOPTER
In the eventuality of not being covered by emergency helicopter evacuation insurance and an evacuation is considered necessary, the cost of the evacuation will be paid by the client in advance to the helicopter company/travel agent etc as deemed necessary.
CANCELLATION OF LUKLA FLIGHTS
In case the Kathmandu/Ramechap to Lukla flight is cancelled, the additional cost for hotel accommodation in Kathmandu/Ramechap is to be paid by the client over and above the contracted days accommodation provided.
In case the Lukla to Kathmandu/Ramechap flight is cancelled, the client has the following options:
Continue to remain in Lukla at the client’s cost (both fooding and accommodation) and try for a flight the next day or day after.
Depart from Lukla if possible using the services of a helicopter usually US $ 500 per person. In this case the one way flight cancellation charges will be refunded to the client.
LODGES ON THE TREK
The choice of lodges to be used on the trek will be decided by South Col and clients will have to stay at these designated lodges. Clients are not permitted to choose their own lodges on the route.
TREK ROUTE
The trek route and day wise schedule will be fixed by South Col and will have to be followed by the client.
RISKS AND LIABILITY
The trek is in a remote mountain area and has certain additional dangers and risks, some of which include: physical exertion for which the client should be prepared; weather extremes subject to sudden and unexpected changes; remoteness from normal medical services; evacuation difficulties.
In the event of injury or illness South Col Expeditions (Sujoy Das) or its Staff can, at the clients cost arrange any medical treatment and emergency evacuation service as it or they deem necessary for the health and safety of the client.
WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND RELEASE FORM
The waiver of liability and release form is to be signed by the client before leaving for the trek.