In the summer of 2019, Sujoy led a small party that included me and my two sons, aged 13 and 16, on a trek in Ladakh. It was a wonderful, unforgettable experience. Sujoy assembled a great team made up of a guide, a cook, his assistant and a pony wrangler, who looked after the ponies that carried all our provisions and tents. The team would strike camp after we trekkers started walking, they would overtake us during the day and that night's camp would be up and ready before we reached it. Nothing beats a hot cup of tea after a hard day's walk. The meals were delicious too--ranging through Indian, Italian and Chinese cuisines!
The route was perfectly chosen, coupling stunning views with a level of difficulty that matched the fitness of the trekkers. Nothing was left to chance. When one of our group showed signs of struggling with the altitude, Sujoy had an oxygen cylinder ready and ensured he was accompanied by one of our guides back to lower altitudes.
All told--very enjoyable and memorable! - Paul Sen, Independent Documentary Film Producer, Glasgow, Scotland
I went trekking with a group put together by Sujoy Das, who runs South Col Expeditions. Sujoy was our trek leader, organizing all details of our trek. He works very closely with a Nepalese guide who he uses for all treks throughout Nepal. I can’t speak highly enough about Sujoy and our trip. He attends to every detail, listens closely to the needs of his clients, and is an all around joy to trek with. He is also a professional photographer, and sometimes runs treks more focused on photography.
Dr. Suzanne E. Majewski, U.S. Dept of Justice, Washington DC 20530
Our trip with South Col Expeditions was absolutely amazing! Myself and three other girls from Canada were introduced to Sujoy through a mutual friend when we expressed interest in going to Nepal to trek. Since day one of contacting Sujoy, he made sure our experience was going to be as comfortable and as straightforward as possible. He set us up with our guide Rame and our two porters, Sunjay and Deepak. We went in July 2018, and decided to do Annapurna Circuit. All three of them were so supportive and hilarious and told the most interesting stories during our trek. We honestly would’ve been so lost without them, and they constantly made sure we were safe and comfortable. It was amazing to be immersed in such a wonderful culture, and we all felt so lucky to have met such wonderful people during our trek. I would 100% recommend South Col Expeditions to anyone. Thank you so much Sujoy, Rame, Deepak and Sunjay! You will all be the first people we contact when we come back to trek or hang out in Nepal :)
From the Canadians- Janelle, Nicole, Kaileigh and Lauren
I first heard of Sujoy Das and South Col Expeditions while writing for Lonely Planet a few years ago. Fellow writers recommended his treks, and wanting to get back into the activity, I contacted him and paid for the Everest Base Camp trek. Things unfortunately we're a bit topsy turvy in my life at the time and I had to withdraw from the trek before it even began. Sujoy though was most accommodating. I was surprised as to how pleasantly and politely he dealt with the whole thing, even offering to transfer my payment towards a future trek. Eventually I ended up doing the LangTang Valley trek with him in Nepal. We were a group with varied abilities and it was wonderful to see how he dealt with each individual's needs, always keeping the group morale up and maintaining a good pace and excitement for what was still to come.
Next I did a ten day trek in Ladakh and then a third one - the Poon Hill trek in the Annapurna region. Every time the experience has been the same - comfortable, safe and enlightening. At this point I would not choose to trek with anyone else (unless Sujoy himself recommended it!)His knowledge of the Nepal Himalayas, including the flora and fauna, is unparalleled, his respect for each trekker's needs commendable.
Next up, I am finally attempting Everest Base Camp with South Col Expeditions!
Karuna Parikh is a travel show presenter with NDTV and a writer for Lonely Planet.
My first time with SouthCol - West Sikkim Feb 18-22, 2021. An unforgettable experience thanks to Sujoy (founder) and his devoted team - everything meticulously planned and executed for a small group carefully curated by Sujoy. The background information shared in advance, the walks themselves with amazing views of the snows, Sujoy’s deep knowledge of and passion for the Himalaya and its flora and fauna (worn lightly and always shared in abundance), the excellent guides/ transport/ accommodation/food, the evening presentations and talks by Sujoy, and the camaraderie of the group - all came together in a unique experience. Even a newbie like me felt comfortable. Certainly not my last time with SouthCol. Thank you Sujoy! Amitabha Mukherjee, World Bank, Washington USA
Hi Sujoy, I just wanted to thank you again for a wonderful trip to the Langtang Valley. The trek was well organized and very well staffed. I particularly appreciated your broad knowledge of the Himalayas.
It provided some much valued insight into the area. I am looking forward to the next trip!
Dave Murphy Sonoma, California – Retired
“As the sole gora (plus one gori) amongst a bunch of Delhi Brahmin friends I initially wondered just how Sujoy would cope with the conflicting demands and egos involved. I need not have worried. Sujoy was Mr Organised and Mr Calm personified, as well as Mr Ultra-Knowledgeable. He even arranged for us to have perfect weather and gourmet dal baht throughout the trek. Everyone had a fabulous time constantly invigorated by the breath-taking scenery and the flow of expert information imparted by Sujoy and his Nepali associates. I cannot recommend South Col highly enough.”
Simon Ogus, CEO, DSGAsia Limited Hongkong
“Sujoy was highly recommended to me, and nicknamed as the “Granddaddy of the Everest Trek” by his colleague for his in-depth knowledge of the Himalayan region. Before the hike itself, he answered e-mails promptly, gave thorough information, and made us all feel relaxed and ready. He was always there right from the beginning till the end. Clearly, this is a labor of love for him and the mountains and the people seemed to reflect that love back to all of us. I did the most dangerous and difficult hike of my life unscathed and victorious, thanks to Sujoy and his wonderful team!
Jacquelyn Sy, Writer, Tokyo, Japan & Manila, Philippines
“A bunch of us friends, generally over 50 corporate types, decided to go with Sujoy on the EBC/Kala Pattar trek in Nov/12. It was everything that we had anticipated and more. The experiences during, and the sense of accomplishment after, will stay with us forever. Sujoy structured the trek brilliantly so that all of us made it with plenty of acclimatization time and no AMS issues. His Sherpa team was friendly and very supportive. I would do it again.”
Sangeet Chowfla | Partner | Corporate Mechanics | Delhi – San Diego
“When someone is following their passion, the enthusiasm is infectious. That’s South Col and Sujoy! While I am no stranger to hiking, my first trek in Nepal was indeed a fantastic experience in large part owed to the energy and organizational skills of Sujoy. You can tell that Sujoy is at ease hiking in these mountains. And if you like photography (and I do), you’ve made a friend for life. Bring your bucket list and hook up with South Col, that’s all I’m going to say…and send me a photo from the top of the world.”
Sandip Bhattacharya, Engineer, Silicon Valley, California
I have just completed an amazing trek in the Nepal Himalayas which culminated at Kala Pathar, with amazing views of Everest and other iconic peaks. Very challenging but also very rewarding. If any of you are thinking of doing something similar, I can recommend South Col Expeditions. Sujoy Das did a great job of getting a group of 40 and 50-somethings through the trek without any altitude sickness issues. He is also very knowledgeable about the region, which adds a lot to the experience.
P.C.Abraham, Consultant, Singapore
Sujoy’s treks are addictive. Southcol’s knowledge base transcends the thrill of the mere physical experience. Nature, culture, life, people, flowers and food. Everything of the region is on the menu and the whole exercise is an effortless enrichment of the body and the mind. You pretend it would last for a lifetime, but the lust for the trails makes you lie secretly in wait for the signs – that tell you its time to pack the rucksack one more time.
Sharan Lal – Architect, Kolkata India
As my first ever trek (at 44!), and the fact that I was taking my two children – 9 years and 7 years old, I was justifiably apprehensive. However, with Sujoy’s experience, help and encouragement, we not only completed the trek comfortably, but were also able to experience the sheer sense of accomplishment and exhilaration at the sight of those mountains. Looking forward to the next one.
Dr. Harsh Jain, Consultant Neurosurgeon, Medica Hospital, Kolkata India
Nepal December 2007, the Annapurna trek with South Col Expeditions, was one of the most enriching experiences of my life. It was not just the beautiful landscape but the local people whom you met, and how they maintained and protected their surroundings and their natural resources, their forests.
When we reached the highest point of our trek route it was extremely cold even for the locals (it was in December), but I never saw the locals use wood to heat their room or warm themselves, they blankly told us: ” if you are feeling cold wear more warm clothes or we will give you warm blankets or sit for sometime in the kitchen.”
This was the most clean and well organized mountain environment I have ever seen. if you ever saw a plastic on the route then it is surely some irresponsible trekker. when the locals notice it they pick it up and clean the area. The best part of the trek was the food, I think the Nepalis are the best cooks. i dont mind going many times for their food and lemon tea!”
Archana Hande, Artist, Mumbai India
Once you have trekked in Nepal,you feel like coming back time and again. The challenge of the physical stress is dissolved by the excitement inherent in such an adventure. What is unusual and fascinating about a trek along side Sujoy and South Col is the camaraderie one experiences.Sujoy makes very sure that safety is his number one priority.After that he leaves you alone to to absorb the awesome natural beauty of the mountains,the flora and the fauna.He allows each one or group to follow his or her own pace,but continues to monitor with the help of his trusted ‘Sirdars”.I cant wait for my next adventure with Sujoy and South Col.
Dr. Ajmal Sobhan, Retired Physician, Virginia, USA
We live in California so we were apprehensive about what the trek would be like. But, trekking with Sujoy was a fabulous experience! When we went trekking with him he showed me sights that a tourist would have never seen. He gave his total knoweledge to us of the mountains and the pricing range was also great. The lodges were comfortable and he made my trip a great memory. Would go back!
Reenita Das | Partner| Healthcare | Frost & Sullivan | USA
Undoubtedly, trekking is an addiction, unfolding a whole new world of unimaginable beauty. Sujoy Das gave us the experience of a lifetime. He is a great organizer, knowledgeable and caring, leaving you free to find your own pace. As a special bonus he’ll send you breath-taking pictures of your adventure. It was such a pleasure travelling with him and the rest of the group. 3 cheers for Gokyo, 2012!
Persis Anklesaria, Mumbai India
"We did an Annapurna sanctuary trek with Southcol. Included my wife and 3 year old son Arin. Fantastic experience. Would never have taken young Arin had it not been for Sujoy. Our faith in his leadership is as big as the mountains he loves so much. One of the other kids in the group even got sick. No panic – Sujoy smoothly arrange to have her treated and transported. Wow! Lets the kids set their own pace. Food, lodging, etc was really well organized and we always knew exactly what to expect. Southcol knows how to organize a budget, value for money expedition! "
Raja Sengupta, Associate Professor, CEE: Systems, UC Berkeley
Sujoy knows the mountains like no one else does. Be it a good spot and time for pictures, mountaineering folklore or advice on tackling high altitude issues, Sujoy's knowledge is encyclopedic. The treks are extremely well organised with a wonderful support staff.
Parmeet Kohli - Senior Software Engineer, Pune, India
"An out of the world experience to the Annapurna’s" - Hi! Recently went for a trek to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC), Nepal with Sujoy Das who runs South Col Expeditions. Every aspect of the trek, stay, food, safety was personally looked into by Sujoy. He is also extremely knowledgeable on the Himalaya’s and a top rated photographer. He has authored the lonely planet guide on Nepal (Indian Edition). He shares his knowledge freely on any aspect of travel or photography. I would very highly recommend South Col for any of their future treks and hopefully would be trekking again with him soon.
Nikhil Mehta, Mumbai
Dear Sujoy - Thank you very much for the most enjoyable Annapurna Ghorepani trek! It was truly a fabulous end to 2017. This was only possible, thanks to your meticulous planning, foresight, and thoughtfulness for each one of us in the group. Starting from our very first meeting in Katmandu, to the very last Ulleri steps and back on Yeti Air. Every step and stop was an amazing experience. Hope to definitely go back to do some more treks with South Col Expeditions soon.
Dinky Dutt is a school teacher based in London