Great Treks in Asia

Jami Masjid: Lahore, Pakistan

Having just completed my third trip to Asia this year, I am duly convinced that trekking and what I term on the ground travel, is the richest way to experience the world. My first journey to Asia was in 1986, and while this is a much different era of travel, the history, culture, landscape, politics, and art are as enthralling as ever.

How Travel has Changed 

The biggest change in travel has been the ability for the middle class (or thereabouts) to purchase cars which has transformed mass transportation such as buses and trains. In the past, trains, buses and short ride transport saw travelers from a much wider socio-economic group.  With the advent of mass auto travel, the population retreats from the public to the private domain. That said, a train journey in India is still quite a memorable experience. Taking the time to travel overland by foot, bus, and local city transport may not always be the easiest way to travel but provides the richest experience. 

Train station, Jodphur, India 

Another monumental change in the travel experience has been cell phones and the ability to be in constant contact. How I miss going to the post office once every few months to book a call. I'd wait 4-5 hours and then hear "America" called over the speaker. After a mad dash to the counter, I would rapid talk until my 3 minutes were up, and a heavy finger would immediately press the switcher off.  While there is certainly something exciting about the real-time display of a travel experience on social media, I find reflective photos and writing much more interesting.

Reflective and immersive – The Travels of Wilfred Thesiger

These thoughts on travel bring us to the Alpine Ascents treks and travels of Asia, a highly curated experience for those looking to explore culture and landscape. Our treks and travel tours are generally personalized, small group experiences.

Gordon Janow – Director of Programs

Cultural Tour of India  
(final offering) 
Guide – Gordon Janow

Maheswar India – Temple and palace 

“Thanks to Gordon and Yatish and the Alpine Ascents team for putting together an epic cultural and educational adventure through a fascinating slice of India. Can’t say enough about the curation, logistics and attention to detail…not to mention their combined deep knowledge of the region. We visited beautiful and hard-to-get-to cities and villages in Rajasthan and along the sacred Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh, stayed in great hotels, learned a ton, ate fabulous food and sipped plenty of chai. Great group and look forward to a return visit with Alpine Ascents!” Traveler Cultural India Tour November 2022

This handpicked tour is a one-of-a-kind India immersion:  traipsing across the beautiful, remote, and urban environments of Northern and Central India. We simply visit the places lead guide Gordon Janow would take his friends to impart his love of India after 30 years of travel. We look to offer this program one final time with approximately 10 travelers. This is a non-trekking trip. Details:

Walking Tour in Northern Pakistan
Guide – Eric Murphy

Passu Cones, Hunza Valley Pakistan

I just wanted to tell you that the Pakistan trip was incredible. Eric was amazing. Momin and Rafeek were incredible. The treks were great and absolutely beautiful. I really enjoyed meeting in the homes and eating with some of the local Pakistani families. - 2022 Pakistan Walking Tour 

The majestic beauty of Pakistan and the Karakorum is on full display in the incredible regions of the Hunza Valley and nearby Baltistan. This journey takes us into the heart of the Hunza Valley where we find relaxed and open culture and an opportunity to walk through these stunning villages.  The trip will culminate in hikes to the base camps of both the famed Nanga Parbat and Rakapohsi. Those arriving early can add a side trip to the thriving city of Lahore, with museums, forts and mosques galore. Details:

K2 Base Camp Trek 
Guide – Eric Murphy

K2 Base Camp from Concordia, along the Goodwin Austen glacier.

From a recent trek: "Overall experience exceeded all expectations. Eric is a master guide; knowledgeable, personable, great communicator, tremendous leadership; he has it all, in spades. He is a great communicator, thoughtful, well spoken and extraordinarily knowledgeable, with great judgment as he lead and guided people through this experience. I have done several trips like this with other companies. This was clearly the standout; While everything was great, you have a superstar in Eric Murphy. He never missed a thing, his attention to detail was perfect and his ability to advise, share information, coach and support people through the climb was terrific. Kudos to all at Alpine Ascents and Eric Murphy!!!" 2022 K2 Base Camp Trek

Perhaps the most arduous, remote, and spectacular trek we offer, our hike to K2 Basecamp (the world's 2nd highest peak) in the Concordia region is truly a visit to the "throne of the gods". Fully supported, this trip through Baltistan is a mountain lover’s dream with all trekking nights in tents, as we make our way across this incredible landscape. Details:  

Arunachal Pradesh –
A Magical Corner of India 
Guide – Gordon Janow

Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh

Thank you so much again for the adventure. I’ve always had a desire to travel India. So when Gordon announced an exploratory trip with trekking, I made the decision to participate.
From beginning to end it was a dream come true. Absolutely fantastic and far from your typical guided trek. The sights, sounds, people, food, and majestic landscape were truly an incredible experience. Well supported with Robin Pendry and well narrated by Gordon. Thank you Alpine Ascents for taking us to Arunachal!  2021 Arunachal Pradesh Trek

One of India's "seven sisters", Arunachal was originally part of Tibet and lies in an isolated corner of the country, pressed up against Myanmar and Bhutan.  This is truly a walk back in time, when small independent villages were the heart of Buddhist culture. 

Our treks take us from village to village as we experience ancestral lifestyles culminating in a visit to Tawang Monastery, the world's largest Buddhist Monastery and school. This is a moderate trekking trip for those who want to see the wilds of this region and visit simple Buddhist cultures and towns. The region is rarely visited and can be coupled with add on tours to other parts of India. Details:  

Mt. Everest Base Camp 
Guides – Vern & Carole Tejas 

Stupas along the Khumbu Valley

"Vern and Carole were extraordinary - just the right balance of direction and freedom, all with humor and compassion. They are both so competent and professional that they don't have to prove anything, which made for a delightful experience. I learned a tremendous amount from each of Vern and Carole - about trekking as well as Nepali culture. Their knowledge was encyclopedic."  2022 Everest Base Camp Trek

Little introduction is needed to this most epic of journeys. Walk amongst the Himalayan giants as we explore Sherpa villages and the Monastic culture of the Khumbu. While this is a popular offering, the chance to join Vernon and Carole Tejas is a rare opportunity as they have created a near magical experience with their impressive ability to share Sherpa culture and tales from their decades of traveling in Everest base camp region. Details:

And There Is More:

Nubra Valley, Ladakh, India 

In addition to the offerings above, Alpine Ascents offers exceptional treks with local guides to: