Plan your trekking year with Exodus

Italy - Dobbiaco

In winter, many of Europe’s best trekking regions are covered in deep snow. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t go walking. Simply strap a pair of snowshoes on to your walking boots and voila! You instantly have access to the mountains again. Snowshoes allow you to walk through deep snow so that you can admire the landscape without disappearing in a snowdrift.

Alternatively, try Winter Walking using prepared trails.

Portugal - Maderia

Walk through the wild and varied scenery of Madeira, from gentle strolls along levadas to more demanding forays amongst the jagged ridges and peaks of the rugged volcanic interior. We discover one of the most beautiful views of Madeira on our walk from Machico to Porto da Cruz, where the mountains meet the sea. Walking along the spectacular north coast footpath, above steeply terraced hillsides and isolated cottages, we enjoy views over the Atlantic to the island of Porto Santo. 

Now’s also a good time to trek in:
Jordan – Wadi Rum | Kenya – Mt Kenya

Ethiopia - Simien Mountains

Well away from mainstream trekking routes, this World Heritage Site and national park is rich in wildlife, much of it endemic. Steep ascents lead to views that overlook dramatic gorges backed by soaring peaks. The challenge of trekking in such terrain is richly rewarded with the beauty of the scenery and interaction with the locals you’ll pass along the way.

Now’s also a good time to trek in:
Nepal – Annapurnas | Cuba – Island Exploration

Italy - Amalfi Coast

The dramatic and beautiful Amalfi Coast has long drawn walkers to admire its views. Steeply plunging cliffs lead the eye down to the crashing sea below, with one of the most memorable sections rightfully being called ‘The Walk of the Gods’. Spring is an ideal time to enjoy pleasantly warm temperatures and carpets of colourful spring flowers.

Now’s also a good time to trek in:
China – The Great Wall | Nepal – Mera Peak

Turkey - Lycian Way

Trekking along the highest and most rugged parts of Turkey’s most famous coastal footpath you can fully appreciate its scenic beauty. In May you can expect pleasantly warm temperatures and low rainfall plus bright floral displays from a multitude of flowering plants. On this route you can also opt to climb Mt Olympos (now known at Mt Tahtali) for breathtaking views of the coastline far below.

Now’s also a good time to trek in:
Spain – Picos de Europa | Switzerland – Bernese Oberland

Morocco - Mt Toubkal

No trek in the Atlas Mountains would be truly complete without an ascent of North Africa’s highest peak. At 4167m it is a good mountain for first time ‘peak baggers’ to try; high enough to provide a good challenge but decidedly achievable for those with good fitness. Your reward is
panoramic views across the mountains to the Sahara Desert.

Now’s also a good time to trek in:
USA – Yosemite & Canyonlands | Iceland – Volcano Hike

France, Switzerland & Italy - Mont Blanc Circuit

Soaring snow-capped mountains, azure blue lakes and towering glaciers are in generous supply making this arguably the most dramatic trekking route in Europe. Trek the whole route during two fabulous weeks or if you are short on time, see the highlights in a week. Choose from camping or hotel-based options.

Now’s also a good time to trek in:
Canada – Canadian Rockies | Turkey – Mt Ararat

India - Indian Himalaya

The Indian side of the Himalaya are blessed with great beauty and a massive selection of routes to suit all fitness levels. In August, while the Nepalese side can expect heavy monsoon rains, the Indian side is generally much drier. So it’s the perfect choice for trekkers who want to travel during the UK’s summer.

Now’s also a good time to trek in:
Japan – Mt Fuji | Slovenia – Julian Alps

Peru - Inca Trail

Whether you choose the classic 4-day option, an extended option also taking in the high trail or the alternative Moonstone trek, this is one route that every trekker should set foot on at least once. On the final day your efforts are richly rewarded as you step through the Sun Gate to feast your eyes upon the splendours of Machu Picchu for the first time.

Now’s also a good time to trek in:
Italy – The Dolomites | Reunion – Island Walks

Tanzania - Mt Kilimanjaro

Once experienced, the sense of achievement felt upon reaching the summit of Africa’s highest peak is never forgotten. The climb is long and the terrain relentlessly steep in sections but the views from the top make the effort very worthwhile. It’s no surprise that this mountain is at the top of most serious trekkers’ wish list.

Now’s also a good time to trek in:
Spain – Sierra de Aitana | Italy – Tuscany

Nepal - Everest Base Camp

In November the Nepalese monsoon season gives way to autumn when the skies clear to reveal those all-important mountain vistas. The route to Everest Base Camp is dominated by soaring snow-capped peaks and views of the highest mountain in the world. For the best views of all a trek to Kala Pattar is thoroughly recommended..

Now’s also a good time to trek in:
Nepal – Manaslu | Ecuador – Galapagos Islands

South Africa - Drakensberg Mountains

Perhaps passing a baboon or two along the way, a trek in the Drakensberg Mountains provides the opportunity to enjoy some of South Africa’s smaller wildlife highlights. Jagged escarpments and flat-topped mountains punctuate the mostly vegetation-covered scenery. Look out for the brightly coloured birds and Protea – the country’s national flower.

Now’s also a good time to trek in:
Morocco – Atlas Mountains | Tunisia – Sahara Desert

New Zealand - Tongariro Crossing

North Island’s Tongariro Crossing has been described as one of the ‘must-do’ day walks of the world. The landscape of contorted lava flows and stark ash fields is straight out of the Lord of the Rings. Reaching the emerald crater lakes on Mt Ruapehu you can truly appreciate the power of nature as the full extent of the volcanic landscape is revealed below.

Now’s also a good time to trek in:
Guatemala – Guatamalan Highlands | Chile – Torres del Paine

EXODUS TREKKING EXPERTS RECOMMEND

EXODUS TREKKING EXPERT RECOMMENDS

Ecuador - Avenue of the Volcanoes Trek

Having recently undertaken the Avenue of the Volcanoes Trek in the High Ecuadorian Andes, culminating in climbing Cotapaxi, I can safely say without reservation that this is possibly the most demanding - but at the same time fulfilling - summit attempt experience I have enjoyed in my time at Exodus.

Leaving the hut at 1am at a height of 4700m, stepping out into a raging blizzard buffeted by 50mph winds and battling the elements for the 1200m ascent all strongly confirmed that this trek is not for the faint-hearted!

We were 3 groups of 3, roped together, our guides leading the way. Crampons and ice axes were mandatory as we negotiated the ice bridges and deep snow covering the glacier before the wind dropped and the sun rose to energise us for the final assault. Ever onward and ever steeper, after 6 hours of hard physical graft the freshly dusted summit finally appeared at 5875m.

The perfectly formed domed summit with its 360-degree panorama provides a stunning vista across Ecuador and beyond. The crystal clear blue skies and light breeze belie the effort involved but what an experience! If you really want to push yourself, this trek is well worth the effort.

Alistair Grice - Travel Consultant recommends:
Avenue of the Volcanoes Trek

Anyone fancy climbing a peak in the Himalayas? Everest may be a bit too extreme for you and me, but Stok Kangri in Ladakh is certainly within many peoples’ capabilities. I bagged this peak a couple of years ago but I’d do it again tomorrow given the chance. Ladakh’s landscape is truly spectacular and it’s a lot less crowded than some of Nepal’s great trekking regions. You’ll get an idea of this on the fl ight to Leh…

Once the trekking begins you’ll pass through remote villages, walk through huge valleys, cross high passes, and say hello to a few yaks. At base camp you’ll rest and re-fuel. The climb begins around midnight, so you’ll hopefully be on the summit just after sunrise. At the summit an amazing panoramic view awaits - 360 degrees of mountains below! It’s a tough climb, but non-technical, and if your mates have climbed Kilimanjaro (at a mere 5895m) why not go past the 6000m mark and gain some bragging rights?!

Olly Leicester, Sales Supervisor recommends:
Ladakh: Stok Kangri Climb

We are often seduced by amazing images from far away places with Tibetan prayer flags and multicoloured sunsets. Yet you don’t need to fly hours to reach some of the best mountains in the world. Only an hour’s flight away and a short transfer from Geneva you’ll be in the shadow of the Mont Blanc massif. No jet lag and feeling fresh as an alpine daisy.

The Mont Blanc Circuit will take you through three countries with wonderful views, lush valleys full of the sound of cowbells and tumbling glaciers you can get right up to and touch. Get stuck into all the tarts on offer at the frequent hut stops; you’ll need the energy, as over two weeks you’ll ascend around 10,000m and descend 12,000m. This is a classic trek I would do again and again.

Dave Richardson - Travel Consultant recommends:
Mont Blanc Circuit