This is it – our ultimate list of the best mountain journeys in the world. We’ve been to the tops of some of the world’s highest peaks, trekked through the most remote valleys and scouted far and wide to create these adventures, so we can say with certainty that they’re the pinnacle of mountain adventure. Explore the world across these adventures and take your pick... 

KANG YATSE 2 AND THE LHATO VALLEY – INDIA

New to our range but no less spectacular, Kang Yatse is the 6000m summit to climb for 2020. Offering another view to the Himalaya, India’s mountains have a character of their own, something you’ll come to see as you head toward this excellent first 6000m mountain. If you like the sound of remote, this is the journey for you, trekking through the almost unknown Lhato Valley to acclimatise in the week before the summit. With a technically straightforward ascent, this two-week holiday is the perfect combination for those wanting to hone their mountaineering skills whilst enjoying cultural immersion and true wilderness trekking.

What makes it: so far, this trekking peak is much less visited than a lot of its Himalayan cousins. Get there before the crowds do.

THE LAYA TREK – BHUTAN

In Bhutan, the journey is as much about this tiny country’s fascinating culture as it is about the mountains – which are spectacular, by the way. Passing beneath the mighty peaks of Shinge La, Chomolhari and Jitchu Drake, the aim of this challenging trek (another famed as one of the world’s finest), is to reach the Laya village, Bhutan’s highest settlement, which lies on the border with Tibet. Here you’ll meet its friendly inhabitants, and maybe even attend the Royal Highlander Festival, if you time your departure right. With your Bhutan visa fees, all meals, and return flights from Kathmandu to Paro included, along with a free sleeping bag and down jacket hire, all you will have to focus on is one unforgettable journey.

What makes it: as modern life advances, few and fewer places remain inaccessible by vehicle. Enjoy the special feeling of having reached the timeless village of Laya on foot.

K2 AND CONCORDIA

Moving along the Himalayan chain, Pakistan’s Karakoram presents a wild personality of their own. Anyone who’s been will tell you: these mountains are like no others on Earth. Kicking off the adventure in Baltistan, where you can be assured of a warm welcome from our partner (the same one we’ve been connected with for over 35 years), you’ll then head into the heart of the Karakoram and from there begin trekking, aiming to reach the foot of the second highest mountain on earth, K2. As your route takes you over the Baltoro Glacier and up and past the granite faces of the Trango Towers, you’ll start to realise why the Karakoram has captured the hearts and minds of so many of the world’s greatest adventurers. Has to be seen to be believed.

What makes it: Nowhere else on earth can you stand so close to so many of the world’s highest peaks; as well as K2, you’ll be gazing up at Broad Peak (8047m) and Gasherbrum (8080m).

THE ULTIMATE FANN MOUNTAINS TREK – TAJIKISTAN

Central Asia is one of the last great frontiers of adventure travel, and this trek helps you step into it. The beautiful Pamirs are home to the little-visited Fann Mountains, a stunning range home to snow-capped 5000m peaks, rocky valleys and an abundance of aqua-marine lakes. 12 days here offer a comprehensive tour, featuring high viewpoints, dramatic passes and memorable encounters with Tajik shepherds.

What makes it: the campsites are situated next to pristine lakes and babbling, crystal-clear brooks. Take a dip, or simply relax and enjoy the view. It’ll feel like a slice of mountain paradise.

CHOQUEQUIRAO TO MACHU PICCHU - PERU

Anyone who loves the mountains needs to explore the Andes and see Machu Picchu at least once in their lifetime. This is the way to do it a little differently. Trek a longer, more challenging route than the Inca Trail to reach Machu Picchu, with the added reward of seeing the incredible lost fortress of Choquequirao too. Your journey will include trekking along canyons, exploring the rugged Cordillera Vilcabamba, and standing in awe of snowy 6000m peaks, including Salkantay. One epic route with two jaw-dropping Incan sites to explore.

What makes it: The fortress itself. More remote and challenging to access than Machu Picchu, Choquequirao is far less visited and still offers you the chance to explore Incan ruins in relative solitude.

THE ULTIMATE EVEREST TREK – NEPAL

Taking the Everest experience one step further, this circuit is renowned as one of the world’s finest treks. You’ll divert from the main route by heading to the summit of Gokyo Ri, a simple ascent with a jaw-droppingly awesome view of blue lakes and sprawling mountains below, before taking on a bit more of a challenge and heading up to the heights of 5420m across the Cho La pass. This journey in itself would be enough, but of course, Everest Basecamp itself is the main goal, and not much comes close to satisfaction of reaching this iconic point.

What makes it the best: reaching basecamp and knowing you’ve gone the extra mile(s) to get there.

TRAVERSE OF THE CORDILLERA REAL – BOLIVIA

Experience the Andes at their snowy best in Bolivia’s Cordillera Real. This traverse is a high-altitude challenge but more than worth it. Our itinerary will get you acclimatised with a few days at Lake Titicaca, before heading into the depths of the mountains. Over two weeks the traverse will keep you on high trails, crossing several passes that reach a height of over 5000m. Expect alpine valleys, Quechua villages and idyllic lakes – along with of course, a few fluffy friends in the shape of ubiquitous llamas.

What makes it: this adventure excels in its sheer variety. From the surreal experience of acclimatising on the shores of Lake Titicaca to encountering local communities in stunning mountain scenery, there are plenty of things which make this traverse unique.

THE ULTIMATE TOUR DU MONT BLANC – FRANCE, ITALY, SWITZERLAND

The Tour du Mont Blanc is already iconic, but this adventure elevates the classic – literally – by taking high-level routes where possible to complete the circuit around Mont Blanc. The benefits of this are numerous: quieter trails, spectacular views and the joy of hut-to-hut trekking. More than worth the extra challenge, this is the best way to experience the French, Italian and Swiss Alps in one.

What makes it: staying in some of the Alps' most spectacularly situated mountain huts. Perched next to a glacier, with alpine peaks sprawling before you and a beer in hand – that’s the way to finish a day of hard trekking.

THE COMPLETE GR20 – CORSICA

 You wouldn’t think that Europe’s toughest trek lies in the Mediterranean, but here it is: the GR20, a spiny traverse of rugged Corsica. Over 2 weeks you’ll trek 180km of mountainous terrain, 12000m of scent and descent and encounter series of scrambling manoeuvres to top it all off. Dramatic coastline, mountain villages and a landscape that only can be seen by those prepared to take this challenge head-on make it all worth it.

What makes it: the sense of achievement you’ll feel at the finish. Completing the GR20 is no mean feat – relish knowing you’ve conquered it.

TOUR DE MONTE ROSA – SWITZERLAND

One of the finest long-distance trekking opportunities in Alpine Europe, and for some reason, no one knows about it. This tour circuits the massif of Monte Rosa, dipping into Italy along the way. This is alpine trekking at its finest, with stunning views of famous peaks such as Weisshorn and Matterhorn, and plenty of variety, walking over airy passes and even glaciers. Trekking hut-to-hut with a bit more in your backpack than usual adds an extra challenge, but this simply creates an even better sense of mountain immersion.

What makes it: the quiet trails. This route is tougher than the Tour du Mont Blanc and less well-known, making it the perfect tour for those who fancy an Alpine adventure but want to get away from the busier areas.