Mountaineering Expeditions   Expedition DATES + PRICES AVAILABILITY SUITABILITY EXPED FAQs . Introductory East Greenland   Peru - Cordillera Blanca           . Intermediate East Greenland Peru - Cordillera Blanca Nepal - Khumbu Indian Himalaya . . Advanced East Greenland Peru - Cordillera Blanca Nepal - Khumbu   Indian Himalaya

Each year we run a number of expeditions to remote destinations in the Greater Ranges. Sometimes to classic peaks, other times to unclimbed objectives - but always alpine style, with small teams and IFMGA guides.

Specials and Private Guiding  The majority of expeditions we organise are custom itineraries for private clients.  We carefully plan each trip on a personal basis and stick to low guiding ratios throughout the expedition.   This 'no short cuts' approach enables you to climb each summit properly, rather than relying on large amounts of fixed rope.

Please Note - all climbing trips to the Greater Ranges during 2007 are being organised as private itineraries with regular clients - if you are interested in us organising a bespoke trip for you, then get in touch so we can discuss the various options.

Style and Safety To us, how an ascent is made is as important as the summit itself - so don't expect big teams, miles of fixed rope and dozens of trips to the same place year in year out - these expeditions are part of the past, not the future of mountaineering.  We want you to reach a summit and feel proud that you climbed it properly. We also pride ourselves on maintaining the highest standard of staff qualification, client care and safety planning in the industry.  Currently, Alpine Guides is the only UK company to meet the IFMGA 'individually guided' expedition standard for all of it's itineraries.  That means full IFMGA guides, normal alpine guiding ratios, professional organisation and no shortcuts.

Mountaineering Expedition Suitability In order to join one of our climbing expeditions, you need previous Alpine climbing experience at an appropriate standard for the proposed ascent, as well as a proven record with acclimatisation for any of our high altitude trips (eg Asia, South America etc) Each itinerary describes the climbing experience and fitness standards required - we suggest you contact us with any questions or queries about particular itineraries, or whether you've got the neccesary experience - as a quick chat with one of our team will help confirm if it's an appropriate trip for you.

Important: Please remember, you need both the required fitness level and mountain experience level in order to enjoy a particular expedition - as our guides have to judge your abilities before embarking on any serious ascent (current weather and mountain conditions are also taken into account). If they decide that a particular objective should not be attempted, then wherever possible a suitable alternative will be offered. (If your fitness or skills are in doubt however, we may have to exclude you from certain activities. It is very unusual for us to do this, but it can occur if you are not realistic about your current experience or fitness levels - or you do not prepare sufficiently beforehand.)

Pricing The typical all in cost for a 3 week trip guiding at 2:1 is usually around £3200-£3500: typically £2000 guiding and organising expenses paid to Alpine Guides and £12-1500 for flights, food, accommodation and logistics which are paid direct as we go along. Basecamps are always stocked with expedition quality tents and stoves etc from our loan stock - so you only need to bring personal clothing, climbing and sleeping equipment for the trip.

Food and Accommodation   We stay in good quality hotels and visit restaurants whilst travelling, and have a fully equipped basecamp whilst in the mountains.   The camp will be fully stocked with expedition quality tents, stoves and food - but is nevertheless a high mountain camp where expedition quality sleeping bags and sleeping mats will be neccesary. You need to be fully prepared for sleeping and living constantly in this kind of environment during the main part of the trip.

Travel  Full travel details are provided with your joining instructions, including recommend flights to the region. In country transport is generally paid for on the spot, except internal flights which are usually arranged through our recommended specialist adventure travel agent.

Our Expedition Climbing Background

Rich Cross and Al Powell amongst others:  our expedition guides are well known international activists, who have pushed the boundaries of what is possible on the worlds hardest faces.  Between them they have been responsible for dozens of alpine style first ascents across the world.

Although in our spare time we may seek out first ascents in Greater Ranges, we also derive as much pleasure from adventurous trips to all wild corners on the globe and in helping people fulfill their longstanding ambitions.

It's this depth of experience and total enthusiasm for expedition climbing that are our key strengths in providing you with a safe and succesful trip to the more remote mountains of the world.