KE Adventure Travel has one of the most extensive and renowned portfolios of trekking adventures worldwide. From our earliest days pioneering routes in the Karakoram of Pakistan we’ve developed a range of treks that includes celebrated classics such as the Inca Trail in Peru and trekking to Everest Basecamp, alongside unique itineraries in less familiar areas such as Uganda, Iceland and Bolivia.

But what is trekking and what can you expect to experience on a KE trek?
The term trekking is traditionally applied to overland journeys made on foot, usually involving the support of a trek crew to carry personal belongings, along with any tents, food and cooking equipment that may be required. This is the very form of travel used by pioneer explorers and mountaineers in the world’s greater ranges, from the Andes to the Himalaya. Over time, this notion of trekking has evolved and now encompasses everything from extended trips into true wilderness areas, to shorter holidays, staying in guesthouses and hotels and involving a series of day-hikes. Whichever form of trekking you undertake you can be sure you’ll enjoy breaking out of your day-to-day routine to walk through exotic landscapes and experience different cultures.

All of our treks are very different in their nature, difficulty and objectives but typically you can expect your days in the great outdoors to go something like this….

Shortly after first light (say around 6 a.m.) one of the cook crew will wake you with a cup of tea or coffee brought to your tent. You will have plenty of time to get up and pack your kitbag before sitting down to a hot breakfast, during which camp will be struck and your porters or mules given their loads. Setting off in the pleasant cool of the morning, you will generally reach our lunch stop by 11 am. The cook crew, having overtaken us on the trail, will already have the lunch preparations well under way. Lunch usually takes an hour, or even two in hot climates, and is often a cooked meal. This is a great time for relaxing, reading and sitting in the sun. During the afternoon our porters or mules will usually overtake the group, aiming to set up an overnight camp before our arrival by 3 or 4 p.m., well before dusk. It is usual for the afternoon’s walk to be shorter than the morning session. During the day you are free to walk at your own pace and to take as many photographs as you wish, something our leaders are keen to promote. On arrival at camp, you’ll usually find your tents are already up and a hot drink will soon follow. Where practical we may camp close to a lodge or mountain hut, enabling you to use any facilities. Dinner is usually ready by early evening and is a 3-course meal served in the mess tent. This is a great time of day for reliving the events of the trek so far, planning the next day’s activities and for general socialising. After dark, the temperature is likely to fall quite quickly and everyone will soon be tucked up in their sleeping bags, recharging their batteries for another envigorating day ahead.

For more information on KE trekking trips, including how they are graded and when to travel, see About Our Trips