If you're seeking a trekking holiday in the Himalayas that takes you deep into some of the most untouched and breathtaking corners of the planet, you’re in the right place. Handpicked by KE's Pete, who has been leading trips and exploring the Himalayas for over 40 years, these are the most exhilarating trekking adventures the region has to offer. From crossing 5,000m mountain passes to venturing into valleys so remote that only a handful of trekkers ever set foot there, these holidays promise extreme adventure, breathtaking scenery and memories that will last a lifetime...

Is this the greatest trail on earth? Known as the ‘Holy Grail’ for seasoned Himalayan trekkers, it is certainly one of the hardest and most remote treks in the world. Over the course of 25 days, you’ll conquer 11 high passes, 5 of which soar above 5,000m. You’ll venture deep into the Himalayas, reaching the 'shangri-la' region of Lunana, one of the most isolated inhabited valleys on the planet. You will journey through remote villages and pass the world's highest unclimbed peak, Gangkar Puensum. If you’re ready to push yourself to the limit and experience something extraordinary, you could be one of the few trekkers that complete this circuit each year.

New for 2025, this adventurous route leads into a spectacular and little-trekked region northeast of Kathmandu. Starting from the sacred lakes of Panch Pokhari (4,055m), you’ll follow a remote trail through mature forest, across cascading streams and sacred shrines, and into the dramatic hidden valley of Ne-Pemachhal. From here, few have ventured onward to the Jugal Himal Base Camp at Yang Kharka (4,700m), which sits beside the Jugal Glacier and beneath the soaring flanks of Dorje Lakpa, Jugal Yangri and Phurbi Chhyachu. This is true Himalayan wilderness, with rugged trails, unbridged river crossings and sections of basic scrambling. Not for the faint-hearted, this trek rewards confident high-altitude trekkers with some of the most pristine landscapes in Nepal.

This was the very first KE trek and is arguably still the best. You will trek into the very heart of the Karakoram to reach the aptly named 'Throne Room of the Mountain Gods' – the best place on earth to stand so close to so many of the world’s highest peaks including Broad Peak (8,047m), Gasherbrum (8,080m) and the stupendous south face of K2 (8,611m). This feels more remote than many other Himalayan and Nepali treks as the terrain is generally more rugged underfoot, there are no tea houses or lodges on the route and no villages or permanent habitation above Askole - a strong sense of adventure is essential to this trek!

KE groups have been among the few fortunate visitors to Dolpo over the past three decades, but this trek is our most ambitious yet. From Shey Gompa to the airstrip at Talcha near Rara Lake, you'll spend two full weeks on one of the most challenging and thrilling traverses in the Nepal Himalaya. For about a week in the middle, there are no villages and you're unlikely to meet anyone except the occasional yak herder! The rewards are immense: remote, almost uncharted trekking, with breathtaking views from the high passes, south to the rarely seen Kanjiroba Himal and north into Tibet. A KE group completed this epic journey in late 2023 and it's highly recommended for seasoned Himalayan adventurers.

This unique KE trek avoids the hiking honeypots of the Himalayas, offering an off-the-beaten-path experience while remaining a moderate trek, with daily walks of 5-7 hours. Over 9 days, you'll trek through a seldom-visited area around Nanda Devi (7,817m), the geographical and spiritual high point of India. Starting in the Ram Ganga valley and ending at the Gauri Ganga, this scenic route passes through untouched alpine meadows and crosses high passes, offering panoramic views of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary and the Panch Chuli peaks. This trek is perfect for experienced trekkers seeking a less-travelled region, as well as well-prepared novices looking for a rewarding challenge.

This is a challenging trek due to its length, the remoteness and several tough days at altitude. In the remote Kangchenjunga region of the Nepal Himalaya, you’ll traverse the rarely-visited north-eastern corner of Nepal. The route to Kangchenjunga leads through scenic farmland and rugged valleys to the basecamp for the south side of the Kangchenjunga massif at Ramze. Then, crossing to the north side of Kangchenjunga by way of the Mirgin La (4,663m), you’ll be rewarded with magical views of the Himalayas including Makalu, Chamlang, Everest and Kangchenjunga. With no quality lodges in this remote area, you'll rely on full-service camping supported by a fantastic local crew. Varied and visually breathtaking, this trek ranks amongst the best and most visually stunning mountain walks in the world.

If you're looking to step up to your first 6,000m Himalayan summit, this rarely-climbed peak in Ladakh offers the perfect mix of high-altitude adventure and cultural immersion. Set in the wild mountains west of Leh, you'll follow remote trails across two 5,000m passes before tackling Tsomothang (6,050m) itself – a non-technical but physically demanding ascent offering far-reaching views across to the twin giants of Nun and Kun, and even K2 on a clear day. Along the way, you’ll explore Buddhist monasteries, acclimatise in Leh and pass through valleys rarely seen by trekkers. On summit day, expect scree, boulders and open snow slopes, with the guidance and safety of ropes and glacier gear where needed. This is Ladakh at its most raw and rewarding.