activity

Our mountaineering program is designed for all levels, from beginner skills based courses to advanced expeditions with an experienced leader.

Plan a mountaineering trip with World Expeditions and you’ll have access to some of the mountaineering industry’s most experienced guides and view a perspective of the world that not so many do. Whether you’re an experienced mountaineer who has had years of practice conquering peaks, or a beginner looking to take your outdoor travels up a notch to explore the wild, lesser travelled regions and peaks of the world; you can be sure that you’ll come home with memories of an unforgettable journey that’s taken you to new heights and self discovery.

Since 1975 World Expeditions has conducted hundreds of mountaineering expeditions around the globe, with many of our satisfied clients returning to climb with us again. There’s an exciting portfolio in the mountains of the Himalaya in Nepal, India and Tibet; the Tian Shan and Pamirs of Central Asia; the Cordillera Real mountain range in Bolivia, home to over 600 peaks over 5000m; Aconcagua – the highest mountain in the southern hemisphere; Ojos del Salado – the highest volcano in the world; Mt Elbrus – the highest mountain in Europe; Mont Blanc – the highest in the European Alps; and Mt Cook in New Zealand. We are always changing this up too, with new expeditions listed each year.

These mountaineering expeditions involve challenging treks on remote trails in variable weather conditions for up to eight to twelve hours a day. Depending on the region and grade of the trip, some expeditions include travel on snow and ice requiring the use of mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axes and fixed ropes. Not for the faint hearted, travellers are expected to carry up to 12-15kgs in various stages of the expedition. Reasonable portions of your trip will be spent at altitude, giving you some incredible views above the clouds and surrounding land as you camp on glaciers or at the foot of magnificent mountain peaks.

You will need an excellent level of fitness and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions in remote areas. This is particularly important for intermediate or advanced level trips, where you will have our expert staff on hand to discuss your preparation in the lead up to the trip.

 
 

Find your Mountaineering trip



World Expeditions has over 40 years of experience operating authentic and unique adventure holidays with a genuine focus on the paths less travelled. We are the pioneers in designing groundbreaking itineraries and offer unforgettable mountaineering expeditions on the classic as well as the remote peaks. Our mountaineering trips are highly inclusive, offering great value for money through the provision of both a ‘trek pack’ and ‘gear package’. Additionally, each expedition is led by some of the world’s most experienced guides and is fully supported by a team of specialised local staff who are skilled and experienced climbers with deep local knowledge of the region and terrain. While safety is core to how we operate, we’re also focused on the fun factor and suitably challenging you to feel that great sensation of personal achievement while enjoying the camaraderie of like minded mountaineers.


World Expeditions is committed to responsible travel and true sustainability. It was a commitment formed when the company was established, and today, in the face of a multitude of threats to global environments and cultures, our commitment is stronger than ever. Over several decades we have honed our responsible travel philosophy and are continually assessing and improving initiatives that are practiced in the field to ensure that we are mitigating our impact to the smallest possible footprint. View our award winning The Thoughtful Traveller booklet here.


Trip reviews


Nepal Mountaineering Course with Soren Kruse Ledet
1
Discovery & Cruising

These are our least demanding trips. These journeys of discovery and cruises involve little or no extended activity. The itinerary may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and may involve long travel days on various types of transport. Sightseeing may be conducted on foot and all participants should be capable of carrying their own luggage from vehicle to hotel rooms. These adventures do not go above 2500m and rarely involve camping.

2
Adventure Touring

These adventure tours sometimes involve travel at high altitude (rarely exceeding 4000m, except on certain trips in Tibet, Peru and India) and may visit remote areas of the world where facilities are often basic. Many of these trips sometimes involve some camping or basic lodging. These adventure tours will often involve long journeys and rough roads. Sightseeing and optional day walks are often included and these days may involve up to 5 hours of physical activity.

3
Introductory

Up to 5 or 6 hours a day at a slow but steady pace

4
Introductory to Moderate

Introductory walks with several moderate stages

5
Moderate

Up to 5-7 hours a day at a steady pace. Treks will involve carrying a day pack and trail conditions will vary between well-defined to rough trails

6
Moderate to Challenging

Moderate walks with challenging stages

7
Challenging

Often in remote areas in variable, adverse weather conditions, for up to 8 to 10 hours+ a day, possibly more. Be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8 kgs, or in some cases a full pack weighing up to 20kg

8
Entry Level Mountaineering / Exploratory Treks

Classed as expeditions, they involve either extreme trekking and or basic mountaineering. Expect remote and poorly defined trails in variable weather conditions for up to 12 hours a day (possibly more subject to weather conditions and altitude). This may include a number of demanding high pass crossings and evacuation may be difficult from remote areas.

9
Intermediate Mountaineering

Participants should be competent and self sufficient in the outdoors and have experience in multi day trekking at altitude. Prior experience on an entry level mountaineering expedition is highly recommended. The terrain will involve low to moderate angle snow slopes and travelling on crevassed glaciers.

10
Advanced Mountaineering

These are our most challenging expeditions. Most are participatory expeditions & involve load carrying, setting up of camps, cooking and campcraft. Some of these expeditions also involve “technical” climbing and are for experienced alpine climbers / mountaineers only. Technical expeditions involve steep climbing at high altitude (including rock climbing).

Basic

The conditions are relatively straightforward and not technically difficult. Expect generally low angled slopes with no prolonged steep or exposed sections and glacier travel where participants are roped together. Abseiling may be required in short sections.

Intermediate

The conditions are variable with generally low angled slopes with some sections of moderately steep snow or easy rock where ropes are required. Some basic rock climbing and abseiling involved.

Difficult

The conditions are challenging involving steep and exposed snow and ice slopes with sections of rock climbing. Some sections involve abseiling and belaying.

Extreme

A more serious and technical undertaking involving long and exposed climbing on snow, rock and ice. Competent rope work, efficiency of movement and good technical skills are required.

1
Discovery & Cruising

These journeys of discovery and cruises are suitable for people with a basic level of fitness and good health.

Suggested preparation: Once or twice a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour, for at least 2-3 months prior to departure.

2
Adventure Touring

To enjoy these adventures we suggest you have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a moderately active lifestyle and a positive attitude.

Suggested preparation: Two or three times a week, we recommend you walk on undulating terrain for an hour or more, for at least 3 months prior to departure.

3
Introductory

Our introductory trips are not ‘easy’ trips and you will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health.

Suggested preparation: We recommend 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week, starting at least two to three months before departure. Hill or stair walking with a 5-7kg daypack is also highly recommended at least once a week for leg strengthening and aerobic fitness. We also advise doing some walking in variable weather conditions.

4
Introductory to Moderate

On these adventures you will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health.

Suggested preparation: We recommend 45 minutes of aerobic type exercise three times a week, from a minimum of three months period to your departure. Hill or stair walking with a 7kg daypack is also highly recommended at least once a week for leg strengthening and aerobic fitness. We also advise doing some walking in variable weather conditions.

5
Moderate

These adventures require a good level of fitness and health.

Suggested preparation: We recommend 45-60 minutes of aerobic type exercise, three to four times a week. Hill or stair walking with a 7kg daypack is also highly recommended at least once a week for leg strengthening and aerobic fitness. We also advise doing some walking in variable weather conditions.

6
Moderate to Challenging

These adventures require a good level of fitness and excellent health.

Suggested preparation: We recommend one hour of aerobic type exercise, four times a week. Hill or stair walking with a 7kg daypack is also highly recommended at least once a week for leg strengthening and aerobic fitness. We also advise doing some walking in variable weather conditions.

7
Challenging

On these challenging adventures, you will need an excellent level of fitness. Some treks may require you to carry a full pack weighing up to 20kg.

Suggested preparation: We suggest up to one hour of strenuous exercise at least four days a week, interspersed with a relatively demanding bushwalk at the weekend. The best exercise for trekking is bushwalking involving relatively steep ascents and descents. Hill walking with a 7kg pack in variable weather conditions is a must. Multi day walks are ideal preparation for our challenging adventures.

8
Entry Level Mountaineering / Exploratory Treks

To participate in these entry level expeditions or exploratory treks, you must be in excellent health and lead a very active lifestyle. The trips are suitable for first time mountaineers, previous altitude experience is preferable but not essential, and you must be comfortable in adverse weather conditions.

Suggested preparation: Physical fitness should be an ongoing thing, which should start from a base at around four to six months prior to departure and increase to build maximum endurance, stamina, flexibility and familiarity with the anticipated routine as much as possible by your trip commencement. Three to five hard sessions of 45 to 60 minutes of physical exercise per week such as running, hill walking, swimming, cycling or gym work will build excellent aerobic capacity and overall endurance and stamina which are so important in trekking and climbing at altitude. Overnight or multi day bushwalks (on rough, loose and rocky terrain) should be incorporated in your training regime; this develops skill and confidence on difficult terrain you will find on expedition. Rest and recovery, whilst at the same time steadily increasing your routine and incorporating variety, are just as important parts of the process if you intend to maintain and enjoy the regime for any duration.

Please review the ‘Physical Fitness’ section of the detailed trip notes for each expedition to ensure your fitness and training are sufficient.

9
Intermediate Mountaineering

To participate in intermediate level expeditions, you must be in excellent health and lead a very active lifestyle. Experience with multi-day trekking at altitude is essential. Experience using ice axes and campons is preferable but not essential.

Suggested preparation: Physical fitness should be an ongoing thing, which should start from a base at around four to six months prior to departure and increase to build maximum endurance, stamina, flexibility and familiarity with the anticipated routine as much as possible by your trip commencement. Three to five hard sessions of 45 to 60 minutes of physical exercise per week such as running, hill walking, swimming, cycling or gym work will build excellent aerobic capacity and overall endurance and stamina which are so important in trekking and climbing at altitude. Overnight or multi day bushwalks (on rough, loose and rocky terrain) should be incorporated in your training regime; this develops skill and confidence on difficult terrain you will find on expedition. Rest and recovery, whilst at the same time steadily increasing your routine and incorporating variety, are just as important parts of the process if you intend to maintain and enjoy the regime for any duration.

Please review the ‘Physical Fitness’ section of the detailed trip notes for each expedition to ensure your fitness and training are sufficient.

10
Advanced Mountaineering

Prior mountaineering experience is essential for participation in these advanced expeditions. Participation is also subject to acceptance by one of our high altitude mountaineering guides. Most are participatory expeditions, involving load carrying, setting up of camps, cooking and camp craft. Some of these expeditions also involve ‘technical’ climbing and are for experienced alpine climbers only.

Suggested preparation: Physical fitness should be an ongoing thing, which should start from a base at around four to six months prior to departure and increase to build maximum endurance, stamina, flexibility and familiarity with the anticipated routine as much as possible by your trip commencement. Three to five hard sessions of 45 to 60 minutes of physical exercise per week such as running, hill walking, swimming, cycling or gym work will build excellent aerobic capacity and overall endurance and stamina which are so important in trekking and climbing at altitude. Overnight or multi day bushwalks (on rough, loose and rocky terrain) should be incorporated in your training regime; this develops skill and confidence on difficult terrain you will find on expedition. Rest and recovery, whilst at the same time steadily increasing your routine and incorporating variety, are just as important parts of the process if you intend to maintain and enjoy the regime for any duration.

Please review the ‘Physical Fitness’ section of the detailed trip notes for each expedition to ensure your fitness and training are sufficient.

Inclusions & Equipment

The exact inclusions and equipment for each of our adventures is listed once you've found the trip you want. Our trips are generally more inclusive than others in the market place in line with our philosophy of minimising 'extra payments' displayed outside of the main trip price as well as out of pocket expenses once you reach your destination.

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