Climbing each mountain within a year: A year-long mountain-climbing expedition
World Mountain Day Calendar: 12 Challenging Peaks for Experienced Climbers
In commemoration of World Mountain Day, we are pleased to present a calendar showcasing 12 formidable mountain climbs planned for the coming months. To begin the New Year, we shall embark on Argentina's Mount Aconcagua, the highest peak in the western hemisphere, standing 6,962 meters tall.
January - Mount Aconcagua, Argentina
A physically and mentally testing climb, Mount Aconcagua offers an ideal progression for seasoned mountaineers who have previously scaled Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Elbrus. The ten-day expedition promises stunning vistas worth the challenging ascent.
February - Mount Kenya, Kenya
With an elevation of 5,199 meters, Mount Kenya serves as the second-highest mountain in Africa. Febrile views characterize this climb, making it an excellent destination year-round, especially in February. We run treks to all three jagged peaks, with varying degrees of technicality, ensuring an exciting experience for climbers of diverse skills and ambitions.
March - Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Staying in East Africa, we proceed to Africa's highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, otherwise known as the “Roof of Africa”. The iconic silhouette of this 5,895-meter peak lures mountaineers from across the world annually, as it presents a challenging yet accessible climb for outdoor enthusiasts. Like Mount Kenya, climbers can summit Kilimanjaro year-round, while our company also organizes an annual charity challenge in support of Moving Mountains.
April - Mount Everest, Nepal
Our nine-week expedition to Mount Everest embarks in April to ensure the most favorable weather conditions. Aspiring climbers can join our fully-inclusive Mount Everest climb, guided by a professional team with a successful track record of six Everest summits. In addition, April also offers an opportunity to explore the lower-elevation Mount Mera, providing a more accessible challenge for climbers seeking a shorter adventure.
The grandeur of the Himalayas continues to captivate experienced climbers, and May - Island Peak is an ideal destination in this majestic range during clear weather months. Island Peak, standing tall at 6,189 meters, offers an exciting climb for fit and experienced mountaineers who have previously completed more challenging ascents. Previously used as a training climb by Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing, Island Peak boasts breathtaking views of neighboring 8,000-meter peaks from the summit.
June - Huayna Potosi & Pequeno Alpamayo, Bolivia
Westward we traverse to Bolivia, where the twin peaks of Huayna Potosi and Pequeno Alpamayo await. June offers the best weather and snow conditions for this twin-peak adventure, which serves as an excellent introduction to mountaineering in Latin America. With ample time for acclimatization, climbers will ascend the 5,350-meter and 6,088-meter summits, facing challenges ideal for hungry adventurers eager to conquer unknown peaks.
July - Mount Toubkal, Morocco
Mount Toubkal, standing at 4,167 meters, presents an exhilarating eight-day summer climb in the Atlas range. This obtainable peak offers a picturesque escape from the stifling Marrakech heat, with routes taking climbers through remote Berber trails and lesser-known valleys and villages.
August - Mount Elbrus, Russia
Europe's highest peak, Mount Elbrus, rises to 5,642 meters. Known as one of the Seven Summits, Mount Elbrus can be scaled from three different routes: South Route, North Route, or the Full Traverse. In August, the summit is accessible for climbers seeking an introductory ice and snow climbing experience, serving as a transition between Kilimanjaro and more challenging Himalayan mountains.
September - Altai Mountains, Mongolia
The Altai Mountains, which span the borders of Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and China, offer a remote wildness of rocky ridges, wind-swept forests, and turquoise lakes. In September, these peaks force visitors to disconnect from modern life and embrace the serenity of the wilderness. Our two-week trek does not require advanced climbing skills but offers an unforgettable journey through an intriguing corner of the world.
October - Mount Kailash, Tibet/China
Loitering on the Tibetan Plateau in October, milder temperatures and reduced snow fall make Mount Kailash (5,630 meters) an optimal time for adventure-seekers. This trek offers a unique experience, with climbers moving through ancient settlements towards the famous Guge Kingdom.
November - Mount Meru, Tanzania
Dubbed Kilimanjaro's "little sister," the 4,566-meter peak of Mount Meru proves to be a formidable challenge for seasoned climbers. In November, when Kilimanjaro's summit is visible, climbers will be rewarded with incredible views and a great opportunity to witness mountain wildlife migrations from Kenya into the Serengeti National Park.
December - Mount Kinabalu, Borneo, Malaysia
Known as Borneo's highest peak, Mount Kinabalu rises to 4,095 meters. A haven for nature enthusiasts, Mount Kinabalu boasts an abundance of exotic orchids and pitcher plants, as well as stunning vistas over tropical rainforests and the South China Sea. With reasonable accessibility, climbers will ascend the peak by moonlight during a full moon for an awe-inspiring sunrise from the summit.
Further recommendations for experienced climbers looking for challenging ascents include the 100 Peaks Challenge in New Zealand, renowned for its multi-disciplinary obstacles, and Nepal's trekking regions such as the Annapurna, Everest, and Manaslu circuits, which are admired for their rigorous technicality and breathtaking views.
The creation of this calendar is inspired by the spirit of our founder, Gavin, who first launched our website in 1991 during a period of extensive traveling, diverse job experiences, and mountaineering adventures. With over 30 years of experience in guiding climbers on various expeditions, our company remains dedicated to presenting daring, exhilarating climbing opportunities to adventurous spirits year-round.
Sources:[1] Interview with Nathan Longhurst. (2020, August 27). Retrieved October 15, 2023, from http://www.100peaks.co.nz/100-peaks-challenge/[2] Hubble, A. (2019, January 9). Top 10 challenging hikes in Nepal. Retrieved October 15, 2023, from https://www.lonelyplanet.com/nepal/hiking/top-10-challenging-hikes-in-nepal[3] Lonely Planet Staff. (2015, November 19). The top 10 treks in the world. Retrieved October 16, 2023, from https://www.lonelyplanet.com/best-in-travel/top10in2016/top-treks[4] Madarik, E. (2011, September 12). Col du Granon by foot. Retrieved October 16, 2023, from https://www.cooloftheworld.com/60208/col-du-granon-by-foot/[5] Chenier, H. (2018, September 28). A mountain biking adventure in the Italian Alps: Col du Granon. Retrieved October 16, 2023, from https://www.velonews.com/velo-news/mind-body/mountain-biking/mountain-biking-adventure-italian-alps-col-du-granon_430434[6] Nightingale, M. (2012, July 25). Col du Granon: A cycling classic. Retrieved October 16, 2023, from https://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/col-du-granon-a-cycling-classic-33595/
- Embarking on the 100 Peaks Challenge in New Zealand provides an opportunity for experienced climbers to test their skills on numerous multi-disciplinary obstacles, connecting with the outdoor-living lifestyle and nature's beauty in every step.
- For seasoned climbers yearning for an adventure beyond the established trails, the trekking regions of Nepal, such as Annapurna, Everest, and Manaslu circuits, offer breathtaking views and rigorous technical ascents, immersing them in the heart of the Himalayas.
- To embrace a unique blend of lifestyle, outdoor-living, and home-and-garden ambiance, climbers can venture to the summit of Mount Kinabalu in Borneo, Malaysia, where they'll be captivated by a dense rainforest, exotic flora, and a serene connection with nature, juxtaposed against modern hill resorts and vibrant markets.
