Classic Climbs
List Trips
Mountains of alluring beauty, established testpieces, the most attainable 8,000m peaks, or a tried-and-tested itinerary on the ‘hit list’ of aspiring mountaineers.
These are the ‘classics’. Some of these expeditions were first devised by Jagged Globe (for example, Khumbu Climber and Bolivian Climber) and have attained classic status over the past two decades. Others, like Ama Dablam, Denali, Alpamayo and Aconcagua draw climbers from all over the world with their special qualities.Read more about Classic Climbs »
Aconcagua
The second highest of the Seven Summits, Aconcagua is a tough mountaineering expedition. It is an extremely arduous ascent due to the scale of the mountain, altitude and the unpredictable weather. However, it is not a technical climb and can be attempted by very fit mountain walkers without roped mountaineering experience.
Difficulty
Prices
from £8,745.00 from £7,345.00 Deposit £450.00Duration
23 NightsRegion
South America
Alpamayo
Alpamayo is a steep, perfectly formed ice pyramid situated in the heart of Peru's Cordillera Blanca. Its impressive shape and spectacularly fluted ice face ensure that it remains a coveted summit for aspiring alpine climbers.
Difficulty
Prices
from £5,895.00 from £4,895.00 Deposit £450.00Duration
23 NightsRegion
South America
Ama Dablam
The South West Ridge of Ama Dablam is a beautiful route, on mainly good rock, with sections of mixed climbing and a snowy finale. We go in the late autumn season, when typically there are fewer people on the mountain and the weather is cold but stable. To date (2023) we have organised 19 expeditions to Ama Dablam.
Difficulty
Prices
from £9,795.00 from £8,595.00 Deposit £450.00Duration
30 NightsRegion
Nepal
Bolivian Climber
Bolivia's Cordillera Real offers mountaineering on some impressive peaks. This expedition attempts three of them; the highest in the range - Illimani (6,462m), plus ascents of Pequeno Alpamayo (5,400m) and Huayna Potosi (6,094m). It's an action-packed itinerary, suitable for climbers operating at Scottish II or Alpine PD.
Difficulty
Prices
from £5,695.00 from £4,195.00 Deposit £350.00Duration
22 NightsRegion
South America
Cho Oyu
Cho Oyu is the most climbable and objectively safe of the 14 peaks higher than 8,000m. It is an excellent training expedition for those who aspire to climb Everest.
Difficulty
Prices
from £38,200.00 from £37,000.00 Deposit £3,000.00Duration
44 NightsRegion
Tibet
Climb Cotopaxi Volcano
One of the world's highest active volcanoes, Cotopaxi (5,897m), is a much sought after prize for mountaineers. This new itinerary treks to Cotopaxi from Quito, taking in the walking summits of Pasochoa (4,200m) and Ruminahui (4,600m).
Difficulty
Prices
from £3,845.00 from £2,645.00 Deposit £350.00Duration
13 NightsRegion
South America
Denali
Located in Alaska, Denali is the highest mountain in North America and the second most difficult of the Seven Summits. The West Buttress route is technically quite easy, but it is a tough expedition due to the need to carry heavy loads, and the notoriously stormy weather that the peak attracts.
Difficulty
Prices
from £12,395.00 from £10,995.00 Deposit £2,000.00Duration
26 NightsRegion
North America
Ecuador Volcanoes
Climb Illiniza North (5,126m), Cayambe (5,790m), Cotopaxi (5,897m) and Chimborazo (6,310 - Ecuador's highest mountain and the furthest point from the centre of the earth).
Difficulty
Prices
from £4,745.00 from £3,495.00 Deposit £350.00Duration
17 NightsRegion
South America
Khumbu Climber
An action-packed adventure climbing three peaks in the shadow of Everest. Our expedition itinerary is the original Khumbu Climber, which we first planned and organised in 1993. The climbs follow on from one another in altitude and technical difficulty. We summit Pokalde, the most straightforward peak first, followed by Island Peak...
Difficulty
Prices
from £5,795.00 from £4,595.00 Deposit £450.00Duration
27 NightsRegion
Nepal
Mera and Island Peak
Mera Peak (6,476m) and Island Peak (6,189m) are both highly sought after summits. Although geographically fairly close together, they are separated by the formidable mountain chain dividing the Hongu and Khumbu Valleys.
Difficulty
Prices
from £7,695.00 from £6,295.00 Deposit £450.00Duration
29 NightsRegion
Nepal
Mera Peak
Nepal's highest trekking peak lies on the edge of the famous Khumbu Region, where it overlooks many of the world's highest summits, including Mount Everest. Although Mera Peak is very high, the climbing is straightforward. This trip is ideal for those with moderate mountaineering experience and a good level of fitness.
Difficulty
Prices
from £5,145.00 from £3,795.00 Deposit £350.00Duration
23 NightsRegion
Nepal
Mount Kenya Summit
An expedition to the 'climber's' summits of Mount Kenya - Nelion and Batian. 19 pitches of technical rock climbing and the crossing of the "Gates of Mist". One of the most famous alpine climbs in the world.
Difficulty
Prices
from £6,395.00 from £5,695.00 Deposit £450.00Duration
11 Nights(10 days climbing)
Region
Africa
Nevado Pisco
The Peruvian Andes are considered by many to be the most beautiful and impressive mountains in the world, with Nevado Pisco being one of the most popular snow-capped summits with stunning panoramic views.
Difficulty
Prices
from £4,895.00 from £3,295.00 Deposit £350.00Duration
15 NightsRegion
South America
Peak Lenin
Peak Lenin is a popular 7,000m peak, yet despite its low technical difficulty, it is a serious mountain. With no visa requirements for UK Nationals and the mountain being very accessible from Osh, it's an attractive 7,000er.
Difficulty
Prices
from £5,195.00 from £4,395.00 Deposit £450.00Duration
25 NightsRegion
Chinese PamirIntroduction
Mountains of alluring beauty, established testpieces, the most attainable 8,000m peaks, or a tried-and-tested itinerary on the ‘hit list’ of aspiring mountaineers.
These are the ‘classics’. Some of these expeditions were first devised by Jagged Globe (for example, Khumbu Climber and Bolivian Climber) and have attained classic status over the past two decades. Others, like Ama Dablam, Denali, Alpamayo and Aconcagua draw climbers from all over the world because of their special qualities.Dawn on Mera Photo: © John Eames
What defines a 'classic'? We've included expedition itineraries that have remained popular for many years and are 'tried-and-tested'. If you have limited mountaineering experience and have one opportunity to visit Nepal, then you could do a lot worse than attempting Mera Peak, for example. It's the highest 'trekking peak' in Nepal, the views from the upper reaches of the mountain are incredible, but to get there you only need to have a basic knowledge of ice axe and crampon use.
The upper reaches of Ama Dablam's South West ridge Photo: © Iain Peter
At the opposite end of the difficulty spectrum, Ama Dablam is one of the most recognisable mountains on the planet. Its location in the Khumbu Valley on the popular trekking route to Everest Base Camp, its distinctive shape, with steep ridges descending from the upper icefields and the sunny aspect of the south west ridge, has made it the most sought after technical climb in Nepal. Throw in superb rock and mixed climbing, dramatically exposed camp sites and views from the summit towards Everest and you have possibly the most 'classic' Himalayan peak of all.
Do you want to experience the raw natural beauty, vast scale and extremes of temperature (both hot and cold) associated with mountaineering in Alaska? On the highest summit? Following an intricate route taking the easiest line to its summit? Denali, the highest mountain in Alaska, remains the objective each season of the top Alpinists in the world, as well as the aspiring mountaineer, gunning for the popular West Buttress route. The sheer beauty of this massive peak (the vertical relief from the base to the summit is more than on Everest), coupled with the quality of the experience on offer, means it's no surprise that so many people want to climb it. Luckily, the mountain is carefully managed by the National Park, who limit the number of climbers and have careful environmental regulations in place, so you'll be able to enjoy it in years to come.
