The secret to every great mountaineer is that before they summited the highest peaks, they had to start somewhere. We’ve put together a journey of adventures designed to take you from an eager beginner to a confident mountaineer, ready to take on the world’s great peaks. You don’t have to complete every one to get there, but together they form the perfect path towards your own Seven Summits success.

From the rugged slopes of North Africa’s Toubkal to the glaciers of the Alps, the high passes of the Himalayas and the volcanic heights of Ecuador and Nepal, each adventure builds your experience, acclimatises your body and deepens your love of the mountains.

Whether you’re stepping onto your first snow-covered ridge or preparing for your ultimate summit push, every stage is a chance to learn, challenge yourself and embrace the spirit of adventure.

Designed as accessible adventures for aspiring mountaineers, these trips are ideal for strong trekkers ready to take their first steps onto snow and ice. You’ll learn essential alpine techniques, gain confidence in high-mountain terrain and experience altitude in manageable, supportive conditions. Each climb is designed to build your skills while showcasing some of the world’s most breathtaking mountain landscapes - the perfect foundation for your Seven Summits journey.

Rising high above the striking landscapes of the High Atlas, Mount Toubkal (4,167m) is North Africa’s highest peak and one of Morocco’s greatest natural landmarks. Its rocky slopes, sweeping valleys and expansive summit views stretching across the Atlas range to the Sahara make it a truly unforgettable introduction to mountaineering. At grade six, this moderate trip is perfect for keen walkers looking to build confidence.

While the altitude is manageable, a carefully planned acclimatisation day in Ait Souka - a tranquil Berber village tucked beneath Toubkal’s shadow - gives you time to prepare and pause in the traditional mountain life.

This trip’s popularity owes much to the experienced Moroccan guides who support you every step of the way. You’ll also receive hands-on training in the use of crampons and ice axes, with all essential equipment, including helmets, provided free of charge.

Italy’s High Level Route is a spectacular traverse through the heart of the Alps - a journey of dramatic peaks, spectacular trails and authentic mountain culture that makes it the ultimate alpine introduction.

You’ll summit several 4,000m peaks, including the Breithorn (4,146m), straddling the Swiss-Italian border. Often regarded as one of the Alps’ more accessible 4,000m peaks, it’s an ideal next step for climbers looking to gain high-altitude experience and progress in their Seven Summits training.

This grade eight adventure is guided by IFMGA-certified experts, some of the world’s most accomplished mountain professionals. Trained to the highest international standard in snow, ice, rock and ridge travel, they provide hands-on instruction in alpine skills while ensuring you can focus on the adventure itself. Such knowledge will be shared in an afternoon of Alpine Glacier Training Skills at a charming high-altitude refuge above Zermatt, in the shadow of the iconic Matterhorn.

These climbs are designed to give aspiring mountaineers their first taste of true high-altitude adventure. You’ll focus on acclimatisation, building endurance and tackling straightforward summit routes. These challenges push you higher, but with careful preparation and expert guidance, every step brings you closer to your ultimate mountaineering goals.

The final climb in our introductory trilogy is a grade eight challenge and the perfect opportunity to summit your first 6,000m peak. Kang Yatse 2 rises above the fierce Markha Valley, offering magnificent Himalayan views. Less technical than Kang Yatse I, it provides an ideal introduction to Himalayan climbing.

Acclimatisation is key. Flying into Leh (3,500m) can take your breath away, so the first few days focus on a trek through the Lhato Valley. Nestled between Himalayan ridges, the valley offers alpine meadows, crystal-clear streams and traditional Ladakhi villages - a remarkable experience in its own right.

To further adapt to the altitude, we drive up Kardung La (5,390m), one of the world’s highest roads, both to prepare our bodies and enjoy views of the epic Karakoram range.

The climb itself is technically straightforward, with gently angled scree and snow slopes, but excitement comes from navigating remote valleys, river crossings, small glaciers and rocky ridges. Exposure and some scrambling add challenge, making this trek perfect for honing essential mountaineering skills while enjoying the Himalayan wilderness.

Moving up to grade nine, Mount Kazbek, Eastern Georgia’s highest summit, rises majestically above the Caucasus as a striking vision of snow, ice and rock.

No technical skills are required, but the trek demands strong fitness and stamina. The final push to the summit involves glacial travel, roped sections and a steep ascent gaining 1,400m over a 10 - 12 hour day. Preparation through regular hiking, trail running, or long-distance walking is strongly recommended.

To support you on this adventure, you’ll be guided by an IFMGA guide on a 1:3 ratio.

Acclimatisation is built into a gradual itinerary with scenic hikes through the alpine village of Juta and the rugged valleys around Stepantsminda where you can expect winding rivers and alpine meadows swaying in the wind, with hidden villages peeking out from the slopes.

These climbs take you to the next level, refining your technical skills on challenging glaciated terrain. You’ll encounter altitude alongside learning real mountaineering techniques -using crampons, tackling roped sections, crossing glaciers and completing long summit pushes. With expert guidance every step of the way, these adventures prepare you for the toughest conditions while building confidence in your ability to take on high mountains.

Our second grade nine adventure takes you through the dramatic High Passes to Lobuche East, where the Himalayas reveal their wildest landscapes. Towering glaciers, jagged ridges and sweeping alpine valleys frame the ascent, resulting in breathtaking views of the Khumbu region, including an unforgettable view of Everest.

The route follows the Renjo La (5,340m) and Cho La (5,420m) passes. While the trek is relatively straightforward, the glaciated Cho La can be snow-covered, requiring the use of crampons and roped climbing techniques. Your IFMGA-certified Nepalese guides and a team of Sherpas, provides expert instruction and support, ensuring safe passage across fixed lines and exposed ridges. The high base camp at 5,400m sets the stage for long days and challenging ascents, making this an ideal introduction to Himalayan mountaineering.

Now we reach one of the ultimate goals for any mountaineer: Mont Blanc (4,807m), the highest mountain in Western Europe. Known as the “Roof of Europe,” its glistening snowfields, jagged ridges and iconic glaciers create a landscape that is both humbling and awe-inspiring.

To ensure a successful summit, climbers have two opportunities after three days of acclimatisation and skills training. These sessions take place at the Albert Premier and Torino Huts - perfect bases for developing glacial techniques in dramatic alpine surroundings. From the Albert Premier Hut (2,702m), climbers can practice crevasse rescue, roped glacial travel and ice axe skills, all while enjoying sweeping views over Val Veny. Higher up, the Torino Hut (3,375m) offers unparalleled access to high glaciers, ideal for refining crampon use, ice climbing and high-altitude safety.

Both huts combine practical facilities with immediate access to some of the Alps’ most instructive glacial terrain, helping climbers gain confidence and competence before tackling the summit. IFMGA guides support the group with a 1:6 ratio during training and move to 1:2 for the summit attempt, ensuring expert guidance every step of the way.

These expeditions are designed for experienced adventurers ready to take even bigger ambitions. You’ll push your stamina, develop technical proficiency and strengthen mental resilience, all while tackling world-class summits. Each climb challenges you physically and mentally, but with expert guidance and careful preparation, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to reach heights you once thought impossible.

Our first grade ten “Tough” adventure takes you to Ecuador’s highest volcanoes: Cayambe (5,790m), Cotopaxi (5,897m) and Chimborazo (6,263m). This ambitious programme is designed to push your limits while carefully preparing your body and mind for high-altitude mountaineering.

Acclimatisation begins with a five-day trek across the Cotachí-Cayapas Highlands. Misty cloud forests cling to jagged ridges, hidden rivers carve through remote valleys and the wild landscape teems with exotic wildlife and vibrant flora. Along the way, you’ll summit three smaller volcanoes to build endurance and refine your mountain skills, trekking continuously above 3,000m and in some places reaching 4,535m.

Your mountaineering technique will be further honed on a walking circuit around the stunning Cuicoha Crater Lake. Volcanic ridges rise above the shimmering caldera, with stretching views of the Andes stretching as far as the eye can see. The trail winds through paramo grasslands, cloud forests and hidden coves, offering a peaceful yet awe-inspiring experience in one of Ecuador’s most photogenic landscapes.

When it comes to the main summits, approach days are short, but summit climbs range from 8 - 12 hours. The primary challenge is altitude, so previous experience and the training from earlier adventures will prepare you to tackle these demanding climbs. On the summits, you’ll experience the unique sensation of being 2,168m further from the Earth’s centre than Everest, thanks to the equatorial bulge.

Throughout the expedition, highly trained guides provide full support, with a 1:2 guide-to-client ratio on summit days, ensuring both safety and an unforgettable adventure.

Our final grade ten, tough adventure is Mera Peak (6,476m), standing among the giants of the Himalayas. From its summit, the eye stretches across the world’s tallest peaks - Kangchenjunga, Makalu, Lhotse, Cho Oyu and Everest - offering trekkers a truly unforgettable high-altitude experience in the heart of Nepal.

While Mera Peak is not technically difficult, the primary challenge is the high altitude, which makes the climb physically demanding. The approach to Khare Basecamp provides vital acclimatisation amid dramatic alpine scenery, with towering peaks, moraine fields and the Imja Glacier surrounding you. It’s a perfect introduction to Himalayan remoteness and high-altitude trekking.

Most of the ascent is on snow slopes under thirty degrees, but guides will teach essential techniques, including roped glacial travel and using fixed lines, with a guide-to-client ratio of 1:3. Crampons are required and participants will gain experience moving safely as a roped party on glacial terrain.

Moving up another grade to an eleven we have the highest mountain in Switzerland and second highest in the Alps. The Monte Rosa, with its Dufourspitze summit offers a true high-mountain adventure. This is KE’s most challenging alpine climb and previous experience with crampons and single ice axe use is required - but this is what all your preparation has been leading to! With expert guidance from IFMGA-certified guides on a 1:2 ratio, summit success is achievable.

Acclimatisation is built into the itinerary with climbs of three key alpine peaks. Begin at Riffelhorn, where steep rock faces and magnificent views of the Matterhorn provide the perfect playground to practice rope work, belaying and alpine techniques. Next is Pollux (4,092m), a mixed rock and ice peak that hones your skills while rewarding you with breathtaking panoramas of twin peaks, glaciers and the Pennine Alps. Finally, ascend Breithorn, one of the Alps’ most accessible 4,000m summits, with broad snow-covered ridges and glacial slopes that build confidence and experience. Together, these climbs prepare you physically and mentally for the demanding summit of Monte Rosa.

On summit day, expect a challenging 1,800m height gain and a final exposed ridge - making it a tougher climb than Mont Blanc. The effort is rewarded with impressive views of the Matterhorn, Liskamm and Signalkuppe, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

This is the culmination of your mountaineering journey - a true expedition at extreme altitude and the ultimate test of everything you’ve learned along the way. You’ll put your skills, stamina and resilience to the test as you tackle South America’s highest peak. With careful preparation, expert guidance and months of training behind you, reaching Aconcagua is not just a climb, it’s a life-changing achievement and the pinnacle of your Seven Summits adventure.

After what will have been a highly rewarding and life changing period of training the ultimate moment arrives: standing on the summit of Aconcagua, South America’s highest peak and the pinnacle of your Seven Summits journey. At 6,961m, the mountain rises majestically above Argentina’s Andes, with sweeping glacial valleys, rugged ridges and expansive views that reward every step. Having honed your skills on previous peaks, you’ll be ready to navigate high-altitude terrain with confidence, embracing both the physical and mental demands of a true alpine adventure. Reaching the summit is more than a climb - it’s the culmination of preparation, resilience and determination.

It’s important to note that Aconcagua is considered an expedition rather than a trekking holiday. Expect zig-zag trails across scree, unstable boulder fields and extreme weather conditions, from powerful sunlight to strong winds and cold temperatures. While high-altitude porters assist you, you must carry your own personal equipment and a share of food on load-carrying days.

This challenge is absolutely achievable. KE’s carefully designed training programme, combined with an acclimatisation schedule that includes three days set aside for summit attempts, ensures you’re fully prepared. Since 1999, KE has run expedition-style holidays with a focus on safety, skill-building and unforgettable experiences. Our experienced, English-speaking Argentinian guides - members of the AAGM (Asociación Argentina de Guías de Montaña) - know these mountains intimately, from the route to the unique challenges of high-altitude Andes climbing. With their guidance, you can focus on the adventure ahead, confident in the expertise supporting you every step of the way.