Recognized Hiking and Trekking Leaders 2025

I am a trekking Guide and adventure traveller from Nepal. I have been Handling Adventure Trekking, Expeditions, cultural, and Wildlife Tours in Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan since 2006. I love showing new people new places and giving them experiences they'll never forget. I have several past and current clients recommending me and my team, whom you can contact directly. This is, in fact, our best advertisement. Now I am working with smaller and more private groups through this. I love to travel around the world and share my experiences.

Professional Yosemite guide and founder of Yosemite Life (yosemite.life). NPS-permitted for guided backpacking trips and day hikes in Yosemite National Park under a Commercial Use Authorization. Completed all 63 U.S. National Parks over years of road trips, van life, and backcountry travel. Years of experience in Yosemite across all four seasons, including winter backpacking and snow camping. Wilderness First Aid and Leave No Trace certified. Yosemite expertise: trail conditions and route planning, wilderness permits and the recreation.gov lottery system, Half Dome permits, bear safety and food storage, high sierra backpacking logistics, campgrounds, and trip planning for first-timers through experienced hikers. Broader national parks: trip planning for any of the 63 parks, road trip routing, campground strategy, seasonal timing, park history, geology, wildlife behavior. Visitor strategy for Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Zion, Glacier, Rocky Mountain, Grand Teton, Acadia, Great Smoky Mountains, and Joshua Tree, plus remote parks like Gates of the Arctic, Katmai, Isle Royale and the Dry Tortugas. Wildlife and safety: bear encounters, wildlife encounters with elk and mountain lions, wildlife viewing ethics, solo hiking and backpacking safety, emergency preparedness, satellite communicators, backcountry navigation. Gear and preparation: backpacking and hiking gear, layering systems, ultralight packing, hiking fitness, altitude acclimatization. Photography: landscape, wildlife, night sky and astrophotography, smartphone photography outdoors. Conservation: park overcrowding, reservation systems, Leave No Trace, impacts of social media on parks, public lands policy. Van life: van build, overlanding, dispersed camping, boondocking, road trip planning, living on the road full time, mobile office setups. Remote work: Starlink for vans, Starlink Mini for backcountry, mobile routers, cellular bonding, dual-carrier mobile setups, digital nomad productivity. Small business: launching an outdoor guide business, NPS permitting, solopreneurship, transitioning from corporate tech to an independent outdoor career, running a business from the road.

I’m Balaram Thapa, the founder and CEO of Nepal Hiking Team, a leading agency offering trekking and adventure tours across Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. With over 20 years of hands-on experience in the tourism industry, I specialize in designing safe, culturally rich, and memorable trekking experiences in the Himalayas. My journey began as a trekking porter and evolved into leading one of Nepal’s most trusted adventure companies. This deep field experience—combined with a strong commitment to sustainable travel—gives me a unique perspective on high-altitude trekking, traveler safety, and authentic Himalayan exploration.

Junichiro Honjo is the founder of LIFE on the PLANET LADAKH — a travel movement born from the idea that walking and silence can change how we see the world. He curates immersive journeys across the Himalayas that combine culture, nature, and mindfulness, helping travelers reconnect with the meaning of presence.

My specialty is adventure travel topics related to high profile destinations in South America like Machu Picchu, Amazon jungle, Galapagos Islands, Lake Titicaca, Easter Island and Patagonia in Chile. I've traveled extensively in South America for 18 years. I'm not a typical traveler who is an expert on mainstream stories about apps, hotels or airports. My expertise falls into niche categories about how to travel to high profile spots in South America.. For instance, how to choose the right luggage and pack for trips to remote destinations, or when to travel to the amazon jungle or Andes Mountains. Or things like how to combine multiple destinations to more than one country in South America, into a logical, efficient itinerary. What about insects and toilets? These are things I pay attention to and report on. Why do Peruvians not put seats on their public toilets? I help travelers prepare for the real world in South America. I have personally visited all these places and I have scads of tips and stories. What happens when you're traveling and you happen to run into a road block or protest? What is the health care like on the Galapagos Islands or Machu Picchu? How to prepare for and cope with travel to high altitude. What if all the entry tickets to Machu Picchu are sold out? (interestingly, we have noticed that if people translate the official website into English, ticket availability may disappear!) I follow travel trends and ticket issues at Machu Picchu. About 10 years ago I started tracking ticketing data to see how ticket availability to Machu Picchu changed each year. I discovered interesting gaps in the information I collected and the data being reported to the public. Since 2007 I've been working with native Peruvian tour guide, Vidal Jaquehua, to organize trips for small groups to South America. Including Machu Picchu, Inca Trail, Amazon jungle, Lake Titicaca, Galapagos Islands, Easter Island and Patagonia. On the Adios Adventure Travel website, we have a blog that features the latest information and updates about tickets, hiking permits and travel news that affects people traveling to Machu Picchu. We are "fixers" and we often assist travelers when they make mistakes or come across situations they don't know how to handle. My knowledge of how to travel to remote or popular destinations in the middle of nowhere in South America is specific and deep.

Diwakar Sapkota is a next-generation tourism leader and digital strategist dedicated to professionalizing the Himalayan trekking experience. Growing up in a family with nearly three decades of heritage in the tourism industry, Diwakar’s education began on the trails of the Ganesh Himal and Manaslu regions, where he developed a deep-rooted respect for Nepal’s cultural and natural landscapes. A specialist in Travel and Tourism Management, Diwakar holds a Bachelor’s degree in the field and is currently advancing his expertise through a Master’s in Tourism Management. His global perspective was further shaped by an intensive professional internship across Europe, where he studied international hospitality standards and sustainable tourism frameworks. At Adventure Glacier, Diwakar bridges the gap between traditional Himalayan hospitality and 21st-century innovation. He oversees Digital Strategy and Itinerary Architecture, ensuring that every guest receives a personalized, high-tech, and ethically conscious journey. Passionate about "mindful adventure," Diwakar is a vocal advocate for sustainable practices and is committed to ensuring that the benefits of tourism directly empower local mountain communities. When he isn’t optimizing expedition logistics, Diwakar focuses on mentoring the next generation of guides and exploring the latest advancements in digital travel solutions

A solo traveler with a passion for making travel feel approachable and manageable all while packing carry-on only. Inspiring others to make travel happen when you have a 9-5. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, I share how to make the most of both local adventures and global journeys through packing videos, travel resources, and immersive vlogs on YouTube and my personal blog.

I’m the founder of Limitless Morocco Tours and a Morocco travel expert with hands-on experience designing private tours, desert adventures, and cultural journeys across Morocco. I specialize in helping travelers experience authentic Morocco through customized itineraries, local guides, and immersive desert experiences in places like Marrakech and Merzouga. I regularly share expert insights on Morocco travel, safety, itineraries, and best practices for first-time visitors.

🌏 Discovering the Planet Earth! I have lived in 6 countries and journeyed through more than 50. After navigating the ups and downs of various small businesses as a founder, currently working on my passion Explorer Elite, a startup with a dedication to bring a fresh perspective in the world of Adventure traveling.

I am a Central America Travel Specialist and Luxury Itinerary Designer at Mayan Gateway, with deep expertise in curating high-end, experiential journeys across Guatemala, Mexico, and the region. My focus is on connecting discerning travelers with authentic cultural heritage, sustainable luxury, and private, off-the-beaten-path expeditions. With a professional background in project management and customer experience, I specialize in the logistics of luxury travel in remote locations—from private helicopter transfers in the Mayan biosphere to exclusive access to indigenous artisan cooperatives. I am passionate about promoting Central America as a world-class destination that balances exclusivity with deep cultural respect and environmental conservation.

A leading expert on motorhome holidays in New Zealand. Offering practical tips, hidden-gem itineraries, and commentary on travel trends for your story, with a focus on sustainable travel. With 20 years of experience helping thousands of people explore New Zealand on the ultimate road trip. Our focus is on high-quality, sustainable travel. Available to provide expert commentary, tips, or full quotes on: New Zealand travel trends, the best self-drive itineraries (both North & South Island), tips for first-time motorhome travellers, sustainable tourism and travel in NZ, the New Zealand tourism industry

For the past six years, my family and I have lived and traveled continuously around the world, visiting every continent in a 13-month span and documenting the experience as full-time travel creators. Along the way, our YouTube channels have grown to more than 700,000 subscribers, drawn not to glossy brochure travel, but to the real version: the logistics, the decisions, the tradeoffs, and the moments that don’t fit neatly into an Instagram square. After decades spent running digital marketing agencies, I co-founded ABC Trips, a luxury and adventure travel agency focused on high-touch, experience-driven travel—polar expeditions, African safaris, expedition cruising, private yachts, and deeply cultural itineraries designed for solos, couples, groups, and families. The work sits at the intersection of brokerage, storytelling, and logistics, with a strong bias toward knowing what’s genuinely worth the splurge—and what’s just good marketing. Along the way, I’ve served as a quoted travel industry source for major publications, appeared on network news segments and podcasts, and collaborated closely with leading travel brands, lodges, and expedition operators worldwide. My commentary often focuses on luxury and expedition travel, family and multigenerational travel, travel trends, and what it actually takes to design a location-flexible life that works long-term. These days, my time is split between: - Advising clients on exceptional luxury and adventure travel through ABC Trips - Serving as a media source and collaborator for journalists and brands - Continuing to explore the world with my family—still learning, still curious I’m not especially interested in chasing trends or shouting into the void. I value thoughtful questions, smart conversations, and people who care about doing things well—and enjoying the ride while they’re at it. If our paths cross, there’s a good chance we’ll have something interesting to talk about.

As the founder of Himalayan Rides and a former national mountain bike champion, I specialize in leading high-altitude motorcycle and MTB expeditions across Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. With over 20 years of experience mapping remote trails like the Great Himalayan Trail, I focus on delivering technically precise, "local-first" adventures that have been featured by Red Bull and National Geographic. My mission is to combine elite logistics with a deep commitment to sustainable, community-focused exploration.

With 10+ years of experience in the cycling travel industry, Romuald Barboteau is the Co-Founder of Veymont Travel, a boutique agency specializing in fully-supported, private cycling tours across France and Europe. Based between the Alps and Provence, he helps North American travelers discover the 'hidden soul' of France through slow luxury and off-the-beaten-path routes. From the iconic climbs of the Tour de France to secret vineyards, his focus is on merging premium logistics with authentic cultural immersion. His expertise spans from France’s most legendary destinations to its most secluded, hidden gems.

Tana Hoffman Cook is an outdoor lifestyle expert, venture-backed entrepreneur, coach, and formerly sponsored athlete who's spent her career proving that the outdoors are the best MBA program you never knew you needed. She believes the skills you learn when decisions have real consequences - like in uncontrolled outdoor spaces - translate directly to building the life and business you actually want. Named to the Forbes Next 1000 List in 2021, she has spoken at SXSW and is the founder of ILLA Adventures, where she's helped 3,000+ women embrace uncertainty through outdoor pursuits. Her perspectives on entrepreneurship and adventure have been featured in Business Insider, Forbes, Thrive Global, and Teton Gravity Research. Based in Jackson, Wyoming, Tana continues to practice what she preaches by committing to the outdoor lifestyle year-round and helping high-performers discover why the outdoors might be the missing piece to stronger leadership, deeper connection, and a more fulfilling life.

Outdoor, travel, and lifestyle writer with over two decades of lived stories and hundreds of articles published. I have penned three books on craft beer, traveled to multiple foreign countries and every U.S. state. I currently write hunting and fishing-based articles for onX Hunt and serve on the Board of Directors for the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA). I'm happy to consider traveling to your neck of the woods to create unique content.

Turning the world into words Travel writer and journalist specialising in solo adventure and story-led travel for women. I'm Nika—a journo, adventurer and author with a 25+ years of experience across radio, TV, print, digital and social. My passion is solo travel and slow adventures—not just seeing places but getting under the skin of them. Walking my way to stories - my feet are wiser than my head, finding cultural connection and a deeper understanding through the people who live there: local families, creatives, journalists. And always, the taste of place. I've worked with global media and brands, including the BBC, Emap, News UK, DMGT, Bauer, Wizja TV, Foxtel, Expedia Group, Weber Shandwick, Havas and Publicis Groupe. 12x book babies on health & wellness. I mentor journos through the NUJ and host a Writers' Café in Hastings & St Leonards. Work and collaborate with me → https://nikatalbot.io Since 2020, I've been building Bold Types, recommended by Hotflash Inc. as “a helpful newsletter for the intersection of writing, the digital world and entrepreneurship, which can be a lonely place for many of us.” 🌐 Bold Types Adventures in journalism, from a GenXy writer who walks. Your weekly hit of optimism and grit. Join us → https://www.nikatalbot.io Professional memberships National Union of Journalists (London Freelance SoMe officer), Women in Journalism, Adventure Travel Trade Association, Digital Creator Association, The Media Society, Talking Travel Writing, TravMedia. Wall of Love “They should frame this newsletter in the Louvre—simply a joy to read!” – Eoin Whyte, Chief Revenue Officer & co-founder, Savvy. Here to fix your content gaps! 💎 “Two things to say from all of us… BRAVO & AMAZING! It was really engaging and fun to read. This is the reference we should keep for upcoming work.” — Daniel Mondragón, Global Brand Lead, Nestlé, The Science of Growing Up Happy Book "Recommended reading for Workforce Futurists!" - Andy Spence, Founder, Workforce Futurist “I was impressed with how much you connected to people and the place when you were here. You’ve got a gift for it. Not everybody is like that – comfortable striking up conversations with strangers.” — Marianne Lehnis, Founder, The Green Techpreneur Gold star for reading this far 🤩 Working in travel media? I'd love to connect. Get in touch - nika@nikatalbot.io.

Founder and CEO of True Summit Adventures. Expedition mountaineer, Atlantic rower, and former professional polo player, private banker and Family Office Chief of Staff — turned professional adventurer and luxury travel operator. I’ve climbed extensively across the Himalaya, East Africa and the Americas, rowed the Atlantic in one of the fastest crossings in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, and was on Everest during the ill fated covid season of 2021. I’ve visited close to 100 countries and currently live in Albania, where True Summit offers heli-skiing in the Accursed Mountains. In my earlier career, I took clients from the UK to Argentina to play polo at the country’s leading estancias and alongside its best players — an experience that shaped how I think about access, curation and what high-net-worth clients actually expect from a travel operator. True Summit offers luxury adventures across five verticals — mountains, skiing, safaris, ocean and yacht adventures, and bespoke multi-activity journeys — operating in some of the world’s most remote and extraordinary environments. We run DMCs in Nepal, Tanzania and Ecuador and aim to design experiences that are unavailable through conventional operators. Where mountains are concerned, our guide roster is unlike anything else in the industry. Ed Viesturs was the first American to summit all 14 eight-thousanders — and the first person in history to do so without supplemental oxygen. Kami Rita Sherpa holds the world record for the most Everest summits of any climber alive. Karl Egloff holds fastest known times on multiple Seven Summits including Aconcagua and Kilimanjaro. David Goettler, a North Face athlete, has completed eight ascents of eight-thousanders alpine style without supplemental oxygen — among the most technically demanding achievements in modern mountaineering. I comment on luxury travel, luxury adventure travel, UHNW lifestyle, adventure / endurance sports and mountaineering. I am anti-extractive tourism and believe in giving back to the places we adventure in.