Why are mountain climbing holidays suddenly all the rage?…

Because its there is one of the most cited reasons why mountain climbers climb mountains. Whatever it is thats driving people to partake in a pursuit that can be lonely, dangerous and cost a lot of money, its definitely worth noting that there are a lot of people dedicating their lives to high altitudes and the thrill of the peak. If youre yet to climb a mountain, could you be missing out?

Have you been considering climbing a mountain recently and want to know what it involves and what youll get out of it? Perhaps youve just had a significant birthday and this is the next item on your bucket list. Maybe youre enjoying your indoor climbing class so much youre ready to take the next step. Or, could it be that youve just seen or heard something thats inspired you to wonder whats going on at the rocky precipice above the clouds?

Whether youre a complete novice looking to take your first step out of basecamp, or a seasoned climber familiar to mountain climbing holidays, Exodus holidays offer an all-inclusive luxury climbing package that will provide you with a guide, flight, overnights and food somewhere exotic at a high altitude.

Our dedicated team of travel experts here at Aspen Travel book mountain climbing holidays for our customers all year round. We get to hear about how reaching the summit after hours of strenuous adrenaline-soaked physical and mental activity causes an unrivalled high. During steep climbs, you control your own continuing mortality with every decision you make. Its empowering to have your survival instincts operating so keenly in your exploration of a harsh environment. This is what drives many to circumnavigate upwards towards high peaks. That, and the view.

One of the biggest benefits mountain climbers report, however, is that being faced with a sheer rock face and the prospect of extreme exertion, is great for making your other problems disappear. Want to cleanse your spirit and forget about office politics for a week? Mountain climbing holidays are a great way to do that.

Tips for first-time climbers

With an Exodus mountain climbing holiday youll have an experienced guide showing you exactly what to do, but the more prepared you are for your ascent, the easier youll find it and consequently, the more youll enjoy it.

Make sure youre fit: Mountain climbing holidayswill be a strain on your muscles. Not being ready for that means youre making yourself vulnerable to injuries. This exhilarating pastime can be a miserable experience if youre physically pushing yourself whilst in pain. The trick to a successful, comfortable and happy climb is to up your fitness level before you set off. Youll need to build up your stamina and your strength.

Do your research: When you make your booking, well be able to give you a rough guide to what to expect, but researching the terrain youll be covering will give you a better idea of what to pack. If youre wading through mud in the wet season, youll wish you had the right walking boots! As for your backpack, having the right things in it will make all the difference during your hikes. Water, food, sun protection, a first aid kit and waterproof bags for keeping your phone safe when youre crossing waterways will prove very useful.

Make sure you dress for the season and the terrain:Your clothes and shoes need to comfortable and lightweight, without restricting your movement. Layers are ideal, helping you get cooler, or warmer as the temperature changes with the altitude. Its also worth bearing in mind that long sleeves will protect you better from scratches.

Some of the Exodus mountain climbing holidays are more ideally suited to novice climbers, while others require a little more experience. Lets have a look at some of the most popular types of mountain climbing packages we offer:

Mountain climbing in the French Pyrenees

Located on the border of France and Spain, the Pyrenees mountain range is full of Alpine peaks, forest trails and exquisite, rustic cuisine, which makes for some excellent mountain climbing holidays.

Your walks will mainly be based in the Aure Valley. Youll begin with a 12 km hike through the French villages of Salhan and Ens, into the forest, and then onto the wide ridge of Coume Lake so you can get the best views of St Lary. Next, youll be walking in the Neovielle Nature Reserve and heading over to the 1634m high Coup de Pede as part of the days 15km hike. From the top, youll have views of the Arbizon Mountain.

This all-inclusive package even builds in a pamper day for you to enjoy the spa and thermal baths, or go for a relaxing cycle ride ahead of your climatic final day along the Tragnes Ridge, up Tuc du Labatiadec. Youll get a great view from the summit and on the way down; as you make your way through pastures and meadows.

Climbing Mount Toubkal in Morocco

Mount Toubkal sits at a majestic 4167m above sea level. Again its not too strenuous, making it a possibility for novice mountain climbers with a good level of fitness. Your days will be spent on hikes ranging from 4 to 6 hours and the amount of ground youll cover in that time greatly depends on the steepness of the path youre ascending. Highlights of this Morrocan adventure include crossing the Tacht Pass and the Aquelzim Pass, camping overnight in a juniper forest and reaching the summits of Hadjj, Ouanoums, Ouanakrim and Mount Toubkal.

See Angel Falls from the top of a mountain

Angel Falls in Venezuela is one of the worlds largest and most famous waterfalls. Pictures dont do it justice. Until youve swum in its waters and felt its mist on your face, you cant imagine the power and majesty of this world wonder.

Each day will involve a long hike and some spectacular views. Youll stay at the base camp of Roraima Tepui before ascending higher and have a full day exploring the flat volcanic summit. Youll pass through jungles, rainforest and rivers; using a line to get across safely when the water levels are high. There will also be some challenging climbs, which involve loose rocks and steep descents. The sense of achievement when you reach each destination on your itinerary, after all the hard work youve put in, is magical!

Climbing the mountain Stok Kangri at Ladakh

This is a summit for more seasoned climbers and will involve the use of some specialist equipment, such as crampons and ice picks to help you ascend to the ridge of this peak!

Your trip will begin with a flight over the Himalayas and a sightseeing tour around Leh in Nepal. This area is located at a very high altitude and requires a few gentle initial walks to allow you to get used to life at this height without feeling faint or nauseous.

The actual ascent of Stok Kangri will take several days and involve plenty of rest to ensure youre prepared for the strenuous activity ahead of you. Youll climb Kong La initially. This is where youll get your first view of the Ladakh range. Youll cross the Kong La pass and head up to Palam Peak, where youll see the Himalayas laid out before you. After contouring a valley youll be in position to climb Stok La and then Stok Kangri. Near the top, when youre crossing the glacier is where the gradient increases dramatically and your ice axe will come into play. Youll need to rope your way up to the ridge for the last two hours, but that heart-stopping moment; when you see the prayer flags, will have made everything worthwhile and give you a huge sense of why youre doing this and how quickly youll want to do it all over again.

If the mountains are calling you, either for the first time, or to persuade you to take your next adventure, please give us a call. Aspen Travel have been a booking partner of Exodus for many years and can advise you on what to expect, what youll need and exactly how exciting your mountain climbing holidays will be. Please get in touch.

Just here for the photos? Why not head over to our Facebook page where we feed your hunger for travel.