07/14/2026
Has your Rotary club banner been unfurled on the top of Thorongla Pass in Nepal? The banner for Gainesville Sunrise Rotary has!
On May 21st, Surise member KC Cole and wife Hera, summitted the Thorongla Pass in Nepal and captured these photos with the Gainesville Sunrise Rotary Flag. This was the pinnacle of their 18-day journey to complete the classic Annapurna Circuit Trek; approximately 130 miles of trekking starting in the town of Dharapani and ending in the town of Ulleri. Highlights from the trip included stays in the towns of Chame, Ngawal, Upper Pisang, Manang, Yak Kharka, Thorong Pedi, Muktinath, Marpha, Ghasa, Tatopani, and Ghorepani with a final hike to P**n Hill with a majestic view of the Himalayas.
This was a major accomplishment for these Rotary flat landers that took nearly a year of planning and physical preparation. They completed this trek with eight other friends (from Gainesville, FL) as part of a small expedition including five porters and three guide from the Nepal Hiking Team who were absolutely amazing.
Hera and KC left Nepal with a great appreciation for the people of Nepal and their spirit of giving and kindness.