Summits and Basecamps at Christmas and New Year

Nepal, Ethiopia, Morocco, Guatemala, Argentina and Ecuador These six destinations have something in common - they're all home to some of the mo... Read more
Summits and Basecamps at Christmas and New Year

Nepal, Ethiopia, Morocco, Guatemala, Argentina and Ecuador These six destinations have something in common - they're all home to some of the most outstanding trekking peaks in the world. Why not escape from all the feast-preparing obligations this year and treat yourself with a trek to a summit or basecamp on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure?

 

Take a look at our top 7 for Christmas and New Year inspiration.

ECUADOR VOLCANO TREKKING HOLIDAY

Trek to the summits of Fuya Fuya (4263m), Imbabura (4575m) and Ruminahui (4650m) on this great value Ecuador volcano walking holiday. A perfect blend of walking amongst towering volcanoes, stunning lakes and a rich variety of wildlife. You'll stay in a variety of accommodation, from comfortable hotels to mountain lodges with panoramic vistas, to give you a true flavour of Ecuadorian hospitality. To help you relax and recuperate we have also included a memorable trip on the Devil's Nose railway and a stay in Banos. 

Where will I be on Christmas day?  Chilling out in Banos, a small spa town at the 'Gateway to the Amazon', famous for its thermal pools.  

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ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT AND ANNAPURNA SANCTUARY

A unique choice for Christmas and New year trekking, as no-one else offers this amazing (and logical) combination of the Annapurna Circuit and Sanctuary treks which also includes a hike from Tatopani to Ghorepani and sunrise on Poon Hill. With views of Manaslu, Machapuchare and Dhaulagiri this 3-week classic trek allows you to celebrate both Christmas and New Year in Nepal and is the ultimate Annapurna experience.

Where will I be on Christmas day?  After a hard day crossing the Thorung La (5416m) on Christmas eve, you can relax on Christmas day cruising along in the jeep on a spectacular journey through the World's deepest gorge between the Himalayan giants of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. Top it off with a hot springs dip on arrival at Tatopani. 

Where will I be at New Year?  After descending into warmer climes to Bamboo, you'll get to celebrate the New Year on the edge of the forest before ascending on New Year's day up to Chomrong overlooking the Modi Khola and with great views back up towards Machapuchare.

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MOUNT TOUBKAL IN WINTER

Mount Toubkal (4167m) in the High Atlas Mountains, is not only Morocco's highest peak, but the highest summit in North Africa and this incredible range provides some of the most spectacular winter trekking on earth! With its traditional villages, friendly Berber, awesome trails and jaw-dropping mountains, this dramatic and beautiful area takes on a magical appearance in winter.

Where will I be on Christmas day?  Weather permitting you will be trekking to the summit (21 Dec departure). The effort to get there is worthwhile as there are fantastic views of the snow-covered peaks of the High Atlas away to the north-east, whilst the Anti Atlas and Sahara lie to the south. Now that's a great way to celebrate Christmas.

Where will I be at New Year? After seeing the New Year in at the Neltner Refuge (28 Dec departure), the closest refuge to the Toubkal summit, it'll be an early start to begin the challenging climb to the summit before descending and celebrating the New Year in true Moroccan style.

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ETHIOPIAN SIMIEN MOUNTAINS TREK AND LALIBELA

A land full of surprises and a wealth of superb trekking in a rich cultural heritage. On this exceptional walking holiday, you'll experience some of the finest mountain scenery in Africa, including a trek to the summit of Ras Dashen (4543m), Ethiopia's highest peak. Home to extraordinary wildlife including Ethiopia's gelada baboons, this highland area comprises of several major plateaux and freestanding pinnacles. We've also included a 2-day visit to Lalibela, famed for its collection of amazing UNESCO-listed rock-hewn churches. 

Where will I be on Christmas day?  Meeting the muleteers on the very first day of your trek, heading out from the small market town called Debark. Get ready for one of the most impressive mountain views in the Simien Mountains while en-route to the high plateau, home of the gelada baboons.

Where will I be at New Year? Flying to Lalibela, one of Ethiopia's holiest cities famous for its rock-hewn churches carved out of surrounding rock.

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GUATEMALA'S MAGNIFICENT SEVEN

Tackling seven of the highest volcanoes in the Western Highlands will be challenging, but camping under the stars and waking to far-reaching views across to the Pacific and into Mexico will be more than ample reward. You'll stand on top of Tajumulco (4220m), Central America's highest peak, watch Volcan Fuego illuminate the night sky with plumes of lava and enjoy a soak in volcanic hot springs.

Where will I be on Christmas day? You'll wake up with incredible views from your campsite after a long tough day climbing Tajumulco. Now you can relax and enjoy the scenery on your drive to Lake Atitlan, stopping for lunch en route. This astonishingly beautiful lake lies in one of the most dramatic settings imaginable. The rest of the day is free to relax so you may wish to simply enjoy your Christmas day swinging in a hammock and enjoying the views over sparkling blue Lago de Atitlan.

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THE ULTIMATE EVEREST TREK

Get ready for a real Christmas cracker on this journey high into the world's most majestic mountain range, the Himalaya. This Bucket List journey is full of surprises and while on route to Everest Base Camp you'll enjoy mindblowing views around Thamserku (6,623m), acclimatisation ridge walks, tasty Nepalese cuisine and the azure blue lakes of Gokyo. 

Where will I be at Christmas? Trekking to Everest Basecamp (5364m). After waking at the lodge at Lobuche, you'll follow the trail through Gorak Shep, walking at first on the moraine crest and finally on the Khumbu Glacier itself all the way to Everest Base Camp. What a place to take a Christmas selfie.

Where will I be at New year? Relaxing in Kathmandu or Lukla (depending on the weather) as this is a contingency day. Regardless of where you are, you'll be celebrating the end of the trek with your group before flying home on New Year's Day.

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ACONCAGUA ASCENT

Dominating the Andes Mountains in South America, and the highest peak in the world outside of the Himalayas, the mighty Aconcagua (6962m) is the second-highest peak in the famed Seven Summits. We climb the mountain via the Normal Route, which is a challenging, high altitude trail, but less technical than others.

Where will I be on Christmas day? Depending on which departure you choose, you could either be heading down the mountain having just summited, camping at camp 2 (5520m) on route to the summit or enjoying views of Aconcagua on a day excursion up to a viewpoint at the start of the trek. 

Where will I be at New Year? Either enjoying a celebratory dinner back at basecamp or heading to camp 2, known as 'Nido de Condores' (the condor’s nest) which affords spectacular views of a host of surrounding peaks. 

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