Mountain exploration can keep even a person busy for a lifetime. You could spend years cutting your teeth on local routes or invest decades in learning your home range like the back of your hand. Many do. But the most notable explorers of our generation — Simon Yates, Andrew Lock, and the like — satisfy their adventurous spirits by straying far from the beaten path to explore captivating landscapes few people ever see. From summiting 7,000m peaks to trekking through some of the most isolated wilderness areas in the world, these explorers not only push the limits of the sport but also challenge themselves to grow their skill sets continually.
Eager to emulate that same sense of discovery? Make this the year you finally take the plunge to bridge the gap between your own mountain expeditions and the far-flung adventures of the pros. Here’s how.
Small-Group Guided Mountaineering Trips
While safe mountain travel requires fitness, skill, and preparation, expeditions aren’t reserved for the bravest and most experienced mountaineers. Guided treks and mountaineering experiences can help make challenging adventures more accessible.
With five decades of expertise in the field, World Expeditions offers guided expeditions so novice trekkers to advanced mountaineers can push their limits in a safe environment. Expert guides introduce travelers to remote, lesser-known mountain environments, sharing their comprehensive understanding of regional conditions and culture. Meanwhile, a support crew manages all the logistics. Whether you’re hoping to take your skill set to the next level or explore a region that previously felt out of reach, World Expeditions can help you adventure outside your comfort zone with a small group of like-minded explorers.
World Expeditions prioritizes small group expeditions, with no more than 16 guests on any trip. Photo: Soren Kruse Ledet
The tour operator’s line-up of trips is vetted by some of the world’s most respected adventurers, including world-class photographers, authors, mountaineers, and others who are the elite in their respective fields. Plus, many itineraries offer guests a unique opportunity to travel with these esteemed explorers for the adventure of a lifetime.
Exploratory Trekking & Non-Technical Climbs
World Expeditions introductory mountaineering trips are designed to immerse travelers in the thrill of alpine exploration with accessible itineraries that range from extreme hiking to beginner-friendly mountaineering. Led by experienced guides and supported by a professional team, these adventures offer the perfect blend of cultural immersion and exhilarating mountain exploration, making them ideal for your first mountaineering journey.
In the field on the Bhutan Snowman Trek with World Expeditions. Photo: Matt Brazier
Embark on an extraordinary journey through one of the world’s most remote and pristine mountain landscapes on the Bhutan Snowman Trek. This fully-supported, 27-day expedition travels through a unique region of the Bhutanese Himalaya — combining rich cultural experience with guided exploration on foot. Cross high-altitude passes, marvel at glacial lakes, and wander through isolated villages and Buddhist monasteries as you take in breathtaking views of 7,000m peaks.
On the 18-day Twin Peaks of Ladakh itinerary, explore the vibrant culture of northern India and set out on guide, non-technical ascents of two of the Ladakh region’s most stunning peaks — Kangyatse and Dzo Jongo. After an exhilarating day of trekking, retire to a remote campsite where a prepared meal awaits.
First Climbs to Moderate Mountaineering
If you’re ready to develop your technical mountaineering skills, opt for one of World Expeditions’ intermediate mountaineering trips. These itineraries are designed to bridge the gap between beginner-friendly treks and more technical alpine challenges to help budding mountaineers gain confidence in the field.
Journey deep into the Bolivian Andes with mountaineering legend Simon Yates, whose harrowing story was depicted in the survival epic Touching the Void. The 20-day Triple Peaks of Bolivia with Simon Yates itinerary tackles three iconic 6,000m peaks — Acotango, Parinacota, and Sajama — with the support of professional guides. Between climbs, immerse yourself in the unique culture of remote mountain villages shaped by the dramatic high-altitude landscapes of the High Andes.
Trekking in the Bolivian Andes on the Triple Peaks of Bolivia tour with World Expeditions. Photo: Sue Fear
Advanced Mountaineering and Beyond
More experienced climbers can get the chance to summit bucket-list mountains on World Expeditions’ intermediate-to-advanced expeditions. These journeys are crafted for mountaineers with a solid foundation looking to hone their skills while exploring some of the world’s most extraordinary mountain ranges. With expert guides, a full support team, and carefully planned itineraries, these expeditions provide a safe and rewarding pathway to some of the world’s most significant peaks.
Attempt your first 7,000m peak with mountaineering great Andrew Lock on the 31-day Spantik Expedition with Andrew Lock itinerary. As the only Australian mountaineer to climb all 14 of the world’s 8,000m peaks, Lock brings unparalleled expertise and a wealth of high-altitude stories to this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Get to know the local culture in remote mountain villages, where you’ll acclimatize before beginning your ascent. Then, under Lock’s tutelage, traverse glaciers and ascend spectacular ridgelines of Pakistan’s Karakoram Range as you make your way up Spantik Peak.
Mountaineering in the Shigar District of Pakistan on the Spantik Expedition with World Expeditions. Photo: Simon Yates
Or join Soren Kruse Ledet as you take on San Valentin — the highest peak in Patagonia on the San Valentin Expedition with Soren Kruse Ledet. With 25 years of high-altitude mountaineering experience and more than 60 expeditions under his belt, Ledet offers mentorship to advanced mountaineers over 15 days of trekking in Chile. After the initial helicopter transport into the wilderness, put your skills to the test, hauling a sled across the Northern Patagonian Ice Cap as you travel by snowshoe. Acclimatize at three base camps, enjoying progressively breathtaking views as you climb, before making a bid for the 4,058m summit.
This post is sponsored by World Expeditions.
