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Most of us enjoy a cold beer after a long day in the mountains, I certainly do. But when I’m heading up to altitude, the alcohol stays firmly off the menu. Not because I’m teetotal or overly strict, but because altitude plays by different rules. Above 3,000 metres your body is already working hard to breathe, hydrate, rest, and acclimatise, and alcohol quietly undermines all of those processes. Over the years, guiding in the Himalaya, Atlas and on Kilimanjaro, I’ve learned a simple rule that never lets me down: stay dry on the way up, celebrate on the way down. In this piece, I explain why that one decision can make your climb safer, easier, and far more enjoyable.

High altitude brings challenge, clarity, and incredible reward, but it also carries risk. Two of the most serious altitude illnesses, High Altitude Cerebral Oedema (HACE) and High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPE), can develop if early signs of altitude sickness are ignored. Drawing on Wilderness Medical Society and UIAA guidance, and firsthand experience above 6,000m, this article explains the science, symptoms, and proven strategies to prevent and treat these rare but life-threatening conditions.

Worried you’ll be too slow on the Everest Base Camp trek? The good news is that slow and steady is exactly the pace you need. In fact, walking too fast is one of the biggest causes of altitude sickness. Here’s how to find a sustainable rhythm and enjoy every step to Base Camp.

Climbing Toubkal in winter is a completely different experience to the busy summer season, quieter, clearer and far more atmospheric. At 4,167m it’s North Africa’s highest mountain, and a perfect introduction to true winter mountaineering. With crisp air, snow-covered ridges and outstanding visibility across the Atlas and even toward the Sahara, it feels more like an Alpine ascent than a high-altitude trek. It’s challenging, yes, but with the right guidance, it’s an achievable and deeply rewarding first 4,000m winter peak.

Climbing is as much a mental challenge as a physical one. Success in the mountains often depends on mindset, not just fitness or technical skill. This blog explores the importance of mental resilience for climbers, from managing fear and staying motivated to pushing through when conditions get tough. Drawing on research into resilience and performance psychology, it shows how simple techniques can strengthen your mental game and help you reach your goals, both on the mountain and beyond.

Dreaming of a Himalayan summit but not ready for a full technical expedition? At 6,476 m, Mera Peak offers the perfect balance. A stunning high-altitude adventure with big mountain views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and more. The trek winds through remote valleys, traditional Sherpa villages and glaciated terrain, building steadily toward a memorable summit day. It’s still a serious undertaking, but with the right preparation, acclimatisation plan and kit, Mera Peak is one of the most rewarding trekking peaks in Nepal.

What makes a mountain trip truly worth it? In this thought-provoking article, our founder Sam Marshall explores the often-overlooked relationship between price, pacing, success, and sustainability, and why choosing the right provider matters far more than you might think.

Water is the simplest piece of mountain kit you carry, and maybe the most important. I learned that the hard way years ago, feeling wiped out halfway up a big hill with an empty bottle and a long way still to go. At altitude, dehydration can turn a good day into a bad one fast, and push you closer to AMS. Here’s what you need to know, and how to get it right.

Embarking on the trek to Everest Base Camp is more than a hike, it’s a life-changing journey through the heart of the Himalaya. From the thrill of the Lukla flight and humming high-wire suspension bridges, to deep forests of rhododendron and the wind-swept moraines above 5,000 m, each day has a story. With detailed distances, altitude changes and vivid trail descriptions, this day-by-day guide gives you a clear roadmap for what to expect, so you can step into the trail prepared, acclimatised and excited.

Trying to choose between Kilimanjaro’s Lemosho Route and Machame Route? Here’s a straight-talking breakdown of how they really compare — from crowds and cost to scenery, acclimatisation, and summit success. No fluff, just honest advice to help you pick the best route for your climb.

Thinking about trekking to Everest Base Camp but not sure if you’re up to it? This guide breaks down how hard the Everest Base Camp trek really is — covering distance, altitude, fitness requirements and mindset — and explains why, with the right preparation, it’s more achievable than you might think.

At 6,476 metres, Mera Peak is Nepal’s highest “trekking peak”, an inviting label that hides a serious challenge. Despite being non-technical, many climbers never reach the summit due to flawed itineraries, rapid altitude gain and underestimated terrain. On our recent expedition every member summited safely; across the valley we witnessed rescued teams, exhausted climbers and early descents. This blog explains why success comes down not to fitness, but to intelligent acclimatisation, smart planning and respect for the mountain. Because although the rope work is minimal, the alpine conditions, long summit days and sustained height make Mera a climb you should prepare for, not one you simply hope to finish.

Choosing the right season for the Everest Base Camp trek is one of the smartest decisions you’ll make. Spring (March–May) brings mild days, blooming rhododendrons, and high energy on the trail, while autumn (late September–November) delivers crisp skies, clear mountain views and quieter paths. If you’re planning your adventure, this guide breaks down the months so you know when to go, and when to wait.

Many trekkers and climbers arrive at high altitude with a bottle of Diamox in hand, hoping it will shortcut the ascent and bypass the headaches of altitude adjustment. But after years guiding expeditions and seeing what really works, I’m convinced there’s a better path: natural acclimatisation. Slower, smarter and far more effective. It’s not about being purist or restrictive, it’s about giving your body the time, rhythm and respect it needs to adapt. In this article I explain why I choose gradual ascent, hydration, rest and preparation over automatic medication, and how that translates into safer, stronger, and more successful climbs.

There’s a sneaky creature lurking in the mountains, not a Yeti, but the APE: Altitude, Pride, and Ego. While altitude sickness messes with your body, the APE messes with your judgment, convincing you to push on when you shouldn’t. The strongest trekkers aren’t the ones who ignore warning signs, they’re the ones who listen, pause, and stay safe.

Looking for the right adventure company for 2025? Monkey Mountaineering offers small-group, expertly led expeditions designed for safety, success and meaningful travel. As a veteran-owned business, we focus on personal service, responsible trekking and strong local partnerships. With flexible start dates, excellent success rates and meticulous planning, you’re never just another number. Here are ten reasons to book your next adventure with Monkey Mountaineering.

Tipping is always a tricky one to get right and you never know if it’s too little or too much do you?

There isn’t a fixed tipping rate for Guides, Porters, Chiefs, Kitchen Helpers and Climbing Sherpa’s however, they will expect to be tipped…

Whether you’re a gym owner, a club coach or just passionate about safe climbing, one simple decision can make a huge difference: inspecting your climbing wall regularly. From protecting your climbers, to managing liability, to spotting wear and tear before it becomes a major issue, proper inspections are foundational to a safe climbing environment. In this post, we break down why inspections matter, what you should focus on, and how a robust program keeps your wall in top shape for years to come.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is never a solo effort, it’s the hard work of your mountain crew of porters, cooks and guides that makes your summit possible. Their pay often falls short of the living wage, and tipping is not just a gesture of thanks, it’s a vital part of how they earn a sustainable income. When you recognise their commitment and the level of service you receive on your trek, rewarding them is both ethical and meaningful. In simple terms: if your crew did their job well, it’s right to tip, and aim to bring you closer to fair pay for all.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a powerful ambition, but making the summit really comes down to smart preparation, careful pacing and respecting the mountain. In this guide you’ll find five essential principles drawn from years of guiding: build your fitness and mindset; choose a route that allows for proper acclimatisation; carry lightweight, insulated gear; hydrate and fuel well; and prioritise rest and recovery every day. Follow these core habits and your journey up Africa’s tallest mountain is not just achievable, it can be both safe and deeply rewarding.

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Getting altitude sickness isn’t a smart move, believe me, I’ve tried it! It plays havoc with your itinerary and has the capacity to totally ruin your trip.

Whether you’re trekking to Everest Base Camp, climbing Kilimanjaro, or looking to do any travel over 2500m then you ought to have a basic understanding of altitude sickness and how it might affect you.

Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain on the African continent, the highest free-standing mountain in the world and one of the coveted seven summits.

Climbing Mera Peak (6,476 m) is within reach, but to stand on the summit and soak in those 360° Himalayan views, you need more than determination alone. This five-point plan guides you through the essential steps: choosing a well-structured itinerary for proper acclimatisation, building the right fitness foundations, selecting appropriately robust kit for alpine terrain, mastering smart acclimatisation behaviours and preparing mentally for the challenge. Follow these key pillars and you’ll give yourself the best possible chance of success on one of Nepal’s premier trekking peaks.