Scale new heights: 7 exhilarating mountain adventures for you to conquer
Spectacular mountains, remote villages and challenging peaks – these high altitude adventures around the world will, quite literally, take your breath away…
1. Conquer Nepal’s highest trekking peak
Climbing Mera Peak (Dreamstime)
You’ll be rewarded with amazing views of five of the world’s six highest mountains on this tough expedition through the sparsely inhabited Hinku Valley with Exodus.
This 16-day trip culminates with an ascent of Mera Peak, the highest trekking peak in Nepal at 6,461m. Wearing crampons, and ice axe in hand, you’ll reach the summit – and marvel at the Himalaya’s most majestic mountains standing before you.
Trip: Mera Peak Climb
Who:Exodus
Type: Small group
When: Apr & Oct
How long: 21 days
How much: £2,699 (exc. flights)
2. Discover the hidden peaks of the French Hautes-Alpes
Monte Viso seen from the Hautes-Alpes (Dreamstime)
Discover some of Europe’s most beautiful hidden corners on this six-day Alpine trek through the French Hautes-Alpes with KE Adventure Travel.
Based loosely on the Tour of Queyras circuit, you’ll hike from a succession of refuges and gites, climbing roughly 1,000m a day, before conquering rocky summits such as Rocca Bianca (3,059m), Pain du Sucre (3,208m) and Grand Glaiza (3,293m).
The views are spectacular,and so are your hiking companions – a succession of marmots, chamois and golden eagles.
Type: Small group
When: Aug & Sep
How long: Eight days
How much: From £1,145 (exc. flights)
3. A different way to conquer Kili
Trekkers on Mount Kilimanjaro (Dreamstime)
See a different side of Mount Kilimanjaro and avoid the crowds on this summit climb following the lightly-used Lemosho route, with Absolute Africa.
Regarded by many as the most beautiful route, the Lemosho trail retains a rare sense of unspoiled wilderness. Ascending from the west, you’ll have vast swathes of forest and moorland to yourself, before crossing the caldera of Shira Volcano and traversing beneath the southern ice fields of Kibo.
The eight-day itinerary also gives you plenty of time to acclimatisation before your final ascent to the top.
Who: Absolute Africa
Type: Small group
When: Flexible dates throughout the year
How long: Eight days
How much: From £1,740 (exc. flights)
4. Climb South America’s highest peak
Trekking towards Aconcagua (Dreamstime)
Tick off South America on your ‘Seven Summits’ list on this 20-day trek to the top of Mount Aconcagua in Argentina, with KE Adventure Travel.
Lying on the border between Chile and Argentina, Aconcagua is the highest peak in the Southern Hemisphere and the highest mountain outside of the Himalaya.
Although the mountain is high (6,962m), the ascent is relatively straightforward, with lots of acclimatisation to maximise your chances of reaching the top. You’ll also be able to celebrate your success in beautiful wine growing Cuyo region.
Trip:Aconcagua Ascent
Type: Small group
When: Nov to Mar
How long: 20 days
How much: From £4,495 (exc. flights)
5. Learn to climb as you conquer Mount Cook
Mount Cook. Tougher than it looks. (Dreamstime)
Learn and consolidate Alpine climbing skills as you tackle one of the world’s most challenging mountains, on this 18-day training/ascent of Mount Cook with World Expeditions.
Known locally as Aoraki, Mount Cook is regarded as a mountaineer’s mountain. It was here that Sir Edmund Hillary trained to conquer Everest. The terrain is technical without the challenge of high altitude.
After completing an intensive a 10-day Alpine Climbing Course you will test and consolidate these skills as you make your way to the top of the highest peak in New Zealand and the staggering view of the surrounding Alps.
Type: Small group
When: Oct to Dec
How long: 18 days
How much: From £6,220 (exc. flights)
6. Tackle Toubkal and the High Atlas Mountains
Group climbing Toubkal (Dreamstime)
Trek through the High Atlas Mountains and conquer the highest peak in North Africa on this seven-day Mount Toubkal climb with Exodus.
Hiking through remote villages and terraced fields, you’ll gain an intimate insight into the life of the local Berber people, experiencing extraordinary hospitality and unforgettable meals.
After a not-too-strenuous ascent of Mt Toubkal you’ll return to the colourful imperial city of Marrakech and a well-earned massage at one of the local hammams.
Trip: Mount Toubkal Climb
Who:Exodus
Type: Small group
When: Apr to Sep
How long: Eight days
How much: From £459 (exc. flights)
7. Take the tough route to Everest Base Camp
Climber on the high trails near Everest Base Camp (Dreamstime)
This challenging trek to Everest Base Camp with World Expeditions will more than satisfy the ambitious trekker intent on crossing the regions high passes, but without the commitment of any technical climbing.
After taking in the classic climbing route Everest Case Camp you’ll complete a spectacular traverse over the Cho La to the alpine pastures and lakes of Gokyo. From Gokyo Ri you’ll head over the Renjo La, enjoying views into Tibet, before heading into the the wild upper Bhote Kosi.
Your nights will be spent in a combination of wilderness camps, exclusive private eco-campsites and handpicked eco-lodges. If you want to experience the absolute best of what the Everest region has to offer, then this is the trek for you.
Trip:Everest High Passes
Type: Small group
When: Mar, Sep & Oct
How long: 22 days
How much: From £2,180 (exc. flights)
