With over 40 years of experience, we know how to run exceptional, safe adventure holidays. Our deep local knowledge and close partnerships with on-the-ground teams ensures that the very best travel experiences are delivered and that customer safety is never compromised.

We’re fully bonded through ABTA and hold an ATOL licence, meaning your money is 100% protected on all bookings.

We operate from a real, bricks-and-mortar office in Keswick, where our expert teams work. You can call, write, or drop in for a chat and a brew anytime.

Our active and adventurous team regularly joins KE trips, gaining firsthand experience, which means we can offer real, personal and genuine advice. Collectively, we’ve travelled to 98% of the countries in the KE collection and share a true passion for the great outdoors.

No hidden costs. We clearly state what’s included, often add more than other operators like meals, excursions and bike hire, and design longer itineraries when needed for acclimatisation and success. We do not increase our prices in order to be able to offer discounts and aim to always offer a fair price to all KE travellers.

Our guided group trips are led by experienced local leaders with deep knowledge of their regions. This not only enhances your experience but also supports local communities and long-standing partnerships.

It all started back in 1984 in the heart of the Karakoram Mountains in Pakistan, when our intrepid founders led the first expedition-style treks to K2 and started a company called the Karakoram Experience (hence ‘KE’).

We were soon offering small group walking and trekking holidays throughout the Himalaya and before long, walking, cycling, multi-active, wildlife and family adventures throughout the world, led by our own expert KE leaders.

In 2018 we introduced Self-Guided walking and cycling holidays, offering a greater degree of flexibility and freedom to those who prefer to travel on a date of their choice and at their own pace. Today we have around 350 Guided and Self-Guided trips in 100 countries, ranging from leisurely walking and cycling, through to tough multi-day treks or rides in some of the world’s most remote and rugged wilderness areas. We have something for everyone, whatever your ability or level of fitness.

Based in Keswick in the Lake District, we live and breathe adventure and love to get out into the surrounding fells at every opportunity. We also love chatting about our adventures with our customers. So if you are passing, do pop into the KE shop; we’ll put the kettle on.

The photo above is taken at our bi-annual agents meet where we invite all of our ground agents from across the world to spend a few days with us in the Lake District.

• Expert-led and worry-free: Travel with professional guides who keep you safe, informed and fully supported.

• Never feel alone: Instantly join a group of like-minded explorers - perfect for solo travellers who want company without the pressure.

• Access the extraordinary: Enjoy hidden trails, authentic local experiences and places independent travellers are less likely to travel to.

• Zero planning stress: Forget researching routes, permits, or transport—everything is organised for you.

• Push your limits with confidence: Try new challenges knowing expert help is always close by.

• Explore at your own pace: Linger where you love and shape each day exactly how you want.

• Choose who you travel with: Friends, family or travel solo*.

• Hassle free: We arrange the logistics for you. We plan the routes, book your accommodation and transport your luggage. Some holidays come with a travel app to help guide you on your way.

• Choose your own travel dates: Self-Guided departure dates are more flexible so you can take advantage of cheaper flight prices and choose dates to suit you.

• A confidence-boosting challenge: Enjoy the satisfaction of completing the journey yourself.

*A few KE Self-Guided holidays require a minimum of 2 people for safety considerations.