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Very challenging trekking vacations

A choice of challenging treks from specialist operators. For these trips we recommend previous experience of trekking, preferably at altitude. You will need to be fit, have very good stamina, and be confident that you can to trek for many days without a break. Further information on our walking classifications here

Very challenging trekking vacations
Kilimanjaro climb, Rongai route
Ascend Mt Kilimanjaro's Rongai Route, from US $1240 - US $1930 (10 days) ex flights
Ecuador trekking vacation, Cotopaxi and Chimborazo
Discover Ecuador's fantastic highlights on this group tour, from US $2405 (14 days) ex flights
Patagonia trekking vacation
Trek the third largest single expanse of ice on earth, from US $2020 (10 days) ex flights
Trekking with Sherpas  in the Everest region
Trek in the foothills of the world's mightiest of the mountains from £620 (7 days) ex flights
Self guided walking vacations in Scotland
Self guided walks on Scotland’s classic treks, from £240 (4 days) ex flights
Annapurna Sanctuary trekking vacations
One of the very best alpine treks to Annapurna Base Camp, from US $1540 - US $1670 (16 days) ex flights
Kilimanjaro Machame route climb
Climb Kilimanjaro via the Machame route, from US $2865 (7 days) ex flights
Climb Aconcagua, Argentina
Climb the highest peak in South America, from US $3600 (20 days) ex flights
Mont Blanc climbing vacation
The exhilaration of summiting an alpine peak, from US $2960 (7 days) ex flights
Climbing Kilimanjaro, 7 days Machame Route
Climb Kilimanjaro and enjoy the scenery & wildlife of Tanzania, from US $1895 (7 days) ex flights
Karamea Track hiking trip in New Zealand
A classic NZ wilderness trek, from NZ $1495 (6 days) ex flights
Peru holiday & community volunteering
Journey deep into the heart of the ancient Inca empire., from £2600 (4 weeks) inc UK flights
Hiking holidays in Scotland
Unique and dramatic views, from £326 - £578 (5 days) ex flights
Everest trekking vacation, Everest Circuit
3 week trek of Gokyo Lake & Everest Base Camp, from US $2720 (25 days) ex flights
Matterhorn walking vacation in Switzerland
A tough trek in the Zermatt area of Switzerland, from US $1790 - US $1820 (8 days) ex flights
Snowman trek in Bhutan
The ultimate Bhutan trekking experience, from US $7190 (27 days) ex flights
Trekking and community volunteering in Ladakh, India
Trekking through the Indian Himalayas, from £699 (13 days) ex flights
Karakoram Mountains & K2 trekking vacation, Pakistan
Trek the mighty K2, from £2695 (24 days) ex flights
Cordillera Huayhuash trekking vacation
One of the most dramatic mountain areas in the Andes, from US $2215 (18 days) ex flights
Tailormade trekking in Annapurna region
Trek amongst the cultural and environmental diversity of Nepal, from £500 - £1500 (9-21 days) ex flights
Torres del Paine Circuit trekking vacation in Patagonia
Experience one of the world's classic treks, from US $4030 - US $4300 (16 days) ex flights
Shira route trek up Kilimanjaro
Strenuous route up Africa's highest peak, from US $2370 - US $2810 (12 days) ex flights
Patagonia luxury trekking vacation, Patagonia in style
Trek through the mountains and glaciers of Patagonia, from US $5256 (16 days) ex flights
Simien Mountains trekking vacation, Ethiopia
Reach the summit of Ras Dashen, the highest peak in Ethiopia, from US $500 (6 days) ex flights

74 reviews for Very challenging trekking vacations4 star overall rating

These full and frank independent Very challenging trekking vacations reviews are from travelers who have booked directly through responsibletravel.com. They are not edited by us or any of the companies we work with. Find the real story, from real travelers below.

Trekking with Sherpas  in the Everest region
Words don’t describe what an incredible experience it was for us... but we also had a guide and porter who loved to run like we did, and they had a great sense of adventure and fantastic sense of humor... so it was a blast.  (more)
From £695 excluding flights
Kilimanjaro climb, Rongai route
Most memorable will be reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro, not without the expert help from the guides, especially Dae. The team were fantastic, helpful, professional, considerate, and made everything as comfortable as possible, they were brilliant.  (more)
From US $1240 - US $1930 excluding flights
Mont Blanc climbing vacation
I think the attempt to reach the summit of Mont Blanc and in spite not having made it due to bad weather conditions it was still nice to have been to the Dome de Gouter. Other moments were the stunning landscapes. (more)
From US $2960 excluding flights
Annapurna Sanctuary trekking vacations
Excellent; an enlightening and refreshing experience... The overall experience of being surrounded by the mountain ranges was truly indescribable. (more)
From US $1540 - US $1670 excluding flights
Climbing Kilimanjaro, 7 days Machame Route
The whole trip was wonderful. I was passionate about wanting to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and got 2 friends to agree and with the added incentive of raising money for a charity...Just do it! It is an experience and if you like trekking it is absolutely fantastic....would love to do it again. (more)
From US $1895 excluding flights
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, tailor made
The most memorable and exciting part of my vacation was Kilimanjaro - reaching the summit despite the cold! (more)
From £1130 excluding flights
Cordillera Huayhuash trekking vacation
The scenery was fantastic and some great days walking/climbing. The optional climb of Diablo Mudo towards the end was tougher than expected but very rewarding - don't miss it!  (more)
From US $2215 excluding flights
Tailormade trekking in Annapurna region
The jungle tour in Chitwan’s national park was fantastic. We enjoyed elephant rides through the jungle, came close to wild rhinoceros and crocodiles and learned about the local wild life, plants and culture. The accommodation was second to none. (more)
From £500 - £1500 excluding flights
Hiking holidays in Scotland
Everything that can be recycled or reused is, but yet at the same time this doesn’t effect the quality of the service offered and I feel this certainly adds to the whole experience and ambience of the lodge.  (more)
From £326 - £578 excluding flights
Shira route trek up Kilimanjaro
The most memorable part of the vacation was being on top of Kilimanjaro. It was so hard getting there but the beauty at the top made it worthwhile. I would give this vacation 4 stars. I had a brilliant time!  (more)
From US $2370 - US $2810 excluding flights
Simien Mountains trekking vacation, Ethiopia
Touring lake monasteries in Bahir Dar, Lalibela - especially the mule trek...I would definitely recommend visiting Ethiopia - a beautiful and friendly country and using this tour operator.  (more)
From US $500 excluding flights

Vacation Reviews

We invite every traveler who books a vacation via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the vacations they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same vacation can have different views!

Read our review policy

Unedited reviews from other travelers

5 stars
I am reborn! Simply the best vacation I have ever been on
4 stars
Some great stories to tell the grandchildren. Would recommend to a friend
3 stars
Very enjoyable
2 stars
It was OK
1 star
A bit disappointing really

Walking vacation classifications

We organise our walking vacations by difficulty & the number of hours you walk each day to help you find the right walking vacation for your level of fitness.

Introductory walking
You do not need previous experience for these trips, but you do need to be in reasonably good health. If you enjoy walking, and will be able to walk for 4-5 hours per day then these trips will be for you. Although these trips are not at higher altitudes, and will have time for rest, remember that the walks will not be flat and that you'll enjoy them even more if you've built up a little stamina!
Moderate walking
If you have walked in the hills at home and are reasonably fit you will enjoy these trips, which will typically involve 5-8 hours walking per day. These trips might involve a day or two of harder and steeper walking, but generally walking conditions will be good.
Strenuous walking
Fitness is important for these trips, and you'll need to improve your stamina before you depart. You should expect to walk in mountainous terrain, usually at significantly higher altitudes than at home, for between 6 to 8 hours per day. You will either have trekked before, or be confident of your fitness.
Very challenging trekking
We recommend previous experience of trekking. You will need to be fit, have very good stamina, and be confident that you can to trek for many days without a break. You will be able to cope with difficult underfoot terrain such as scree, snow or difficult paths on steep mountainsides. Extremes of altitude and weather may also be encountered and walking days can be from 6 to 9 hours.
High altitude trekking
If you want to get away from it all and up into some of the highest and most spectacular mountain ranges in the world then here are some awesome treks for you! As you will be at altitude you will need to be in good health, and have good stamina and fitness for those uphill days. You should expect some long days, cold temperatures, high altitudes, and some tough terrain in simply spectacular scenery.
Climbing
A choice of climbing vacations from specialist operators. For these trips we recommend previous climbing experience, preferably at altitude or the confidence to learn as you go. You will need to be fit, have very good stamina, and be confident that you can climb in demanding conditions.
Wilderness trekking
We've selected these treks for you based on their remoteness and beauty. If you prefer to enjoy the solitude of the mountains away from too many other people then these treks are for you. You'll need a reasonable level of fitness and you will enjoy walking, but these trips are more about enjoying the surroundings than searching out really tough treks.
Walking safari
There is no better way of really experiencing wildife and wildlife habitats than getting out on foot to see and track game. Your safety will be paramount and you will be accompanied by expert guides. It might involve anything from a 3-4 hour walk from camp, to a mobile safari over several days moving from camp to camp. You'll will simply need to be able to walk for 3-4 hours.
Self guided walking
If you prefer to avoid groups and guides, or want create your own group, then a self guided walk is for you. No previous experience is needed.
Charity treks
Charity treks are ideal for people who don’t only want to travel responsibly, but also want to give that little bit extra and help contribute towards a favourite charity. All of our charity treks are either run by charities, or contribute a significant proportion of the cost of the vacation to a good cause.
Summer walking
Want to enjoy the fields, meadows and mountains in the summer sunshine? No previous experience required, just an enjoyment of walking and the outdoors.
Winter walking
Are you looking to get away during the winter months to enjoy an invigorating winter walk? No previous experience required, just an enjoyment of walking and the outdoors.
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