Join us for the K2 Base Camp Trek this summer! Only a few spots left…
Join us for the K2 Base Camp Trek this summer! Only a few spots left…
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
TOTAL DISTANCE: 101km
MAX ALTITUDE: 3300 meters
TOUR DURATION: 14 days
LODGING: Mix of camping, local guesthouses
GROUP SIZE: 12 people Max
Home to some of the best mountain landscapes, fairytale villages, and culinary experiences to be found anywhere in the world, Georgia is packed full of all of the details we look for when choosing a new Epic destination.
This unique journey through Georgia takes you from one breathtaking scene to another. In addition to exploring the hiking trails of Georgia’s most iconic mountain areas in Svaneti and Kazbegi, we will get you off the beaten path Epic style to discover another side of this fascinating country
You will encounter ancient monasteries and remote villages, camp in lush green river valleys, take in views of towering peaks, eat delicious food, and learn about the ancient wine traditions of the country that claims to be the root of all wine production in the world!
This 14-day Georgia itinerary is designed for those looking for an active holiday that combines challenging trekking with all the beautiful culture and history this small but mighty nation has to offer.
This is the Georgia of your adventure dreams.
Dates | Places | Deposit | Full |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 7th - 20th, 2024 | $800 | $2999 (Early bird price!) |
Whether you’re just curious about this trip or are ready to make a deposit, we’re here for you.
To submit an inquiry or make a trip deposit, please fill out and submit the form below.
Welcome to Georgia!
The team assembles on day one in Kutaisi —the 2nd largest city in Georgia.
Kutaisi Airport is well connected to the rest of Europe and has budget-friendly flights from European hubs like Vienna, Prague, Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Memmingen, Brussels, Warsaw, Berlin, and Frankfurt, starting at a mere €100 for a round trip.
Following our first team meeting and introductions, we set out to see the city’s treasures, from the ancient marvel that is the 11th-century Bagrati Cathedral to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the enchanting Gelati Monastery.
Kutaisi’s old town, with its lively riverside streets, sets the perfect stage for a day of exploration before you embark on the epic trails of Svaneti.
We will be staying in a cozy, top-rated hotel nestled in the beating heart of Kutaisi. Tonight, we have our first team feast where we will discuss more details about the journey ahead.
Post breakfast, we embark on our mountain-bound journey, settled in a private minivan. The anticipated drive spans approximately 4-4.5 hours, navigating through the twists and turns of the Enguri river gorge.
The route unfolds amidst towering cliffs above and below, with the banks adorned in primeval coniferous woods.
A brief pause in our journey brings us to the awe-inspiring Enguri dam—a testament to Soviet engineering prowess. Holding the rank of the world’s 7th largest dam, it fulfills up to 40% of Georgia’s electricity needs.
As we draw near Mestia, the prominent village of Svaneti, the colossal twin tower of Mount Ushba unveils itself, gracefully ascending two vertical kilometers above the valley floor. This majestic peak, simultaneously captivating and treacherous, is renowned among climbers as the ‘Matterhorn of the Caucasus’ or ‘the Disaster Mountain,’ while locals affectionately refer to it as the ‘Coven of Witches.’
Steering into the adjacent valley, we conclude our day’s journey at a family-operated guesthouse nestled in the shadow of Mt. Ushba.
Today our journey kicks off as we traverse through the forest, tracing the upstream path of the resonant Dolra river. After a couple of hours on the trail, we cross the river via a wooden bridge, greeted warmly by the border guards stationed in their wooden huts, occasionally offering a smile and, if we’re lucky, a delectable traditional cheese flatbread—khachapuri!
Our route leads us straight to the base of Georgia’s loftiest waterfall—the awe-inspiring Shdugra.
Standing at the precipice, we witness masses of water cascading over a sheer 100-meter descent. While many trekkers opt to turn back at this point, we choose the more challenging path, ascending for a few additional hours until we conquer the summit of the waterfall, standing alongside the thunderous stream as it plunges into the abyss below.
Pressing onward, we reach the impromptu memorial dedicated to climbers who lost their lives attempting Mt. Ushba. Positioned a few hundred meters beyond, a beautiful viewpoint unfolds, revealing the reverse side of the mountain, complete with the Ushba glacier, the formidable icefall, and the ridgeline of the normal climbing route.
As our descent brings us back to the border guards’ huts, there is an option for a leisurely horseback ride (no prior experience required!) lasting about 1.5 hours, saving our legs the strain of covering the remaining 6km and 300 vertical meters.
Total hiking distance: 12km (6 with horses)
Total vertical ascent: 1000m
We say our goodbyes to the guesthouse owner and family and head off for our journey to Mestia, the focal point of Svaneti.
Nestled in the most meticulously preserved segment of the town, our new guesthouse boasts narrow cobbled streets and a remarkable spectacle of over 25 medieval Svan towers.
Following a mandatory coffee and cake break at the town’s premier cafe, a robust 4×4 minivan propels us an impressive 1,300 vertical meters skyward along a nerve-racking dirt track. Our destination? The renowned Koruldi lakes, situated on a grassy plateau at 2,750m above sea level, offering an expansive 360-degree panorama of the Svaneti range.
The trek extends further, encompassing an additional 600 vertical meters. In a span of 2-2.5 hours, a blend of trekking and straightforward scrambling guides us to the narrow Koruldi ridge, presenting an uninterrupted view of the towering Mount Ushba and the Chalaadi glacier sprawling beneath—a sunset scene that rivals the most picturesque sites in the Alps.
As we conclude the day’s adventures, we gather at a restaurant steeped in Svan family legacy, generations deep. Here, the culinary offerings provide a refined take on traditional Svan cuisine, featuring millet flatbread and kubdari—a delectable rendition of the classic juicy meat pie.
Total hiking distance: 6km
Total vertical ascent: 600m
Via a chairlift and subsequent gondola ski lift, we effortlessly traverse from Mestia’s town center to the elevated Zuruldi ridge at 2,300m. Ascending roughly 900m above the valley floor, an awe-inspiring vista unfolds, showcasing the iconic two-horned Mount Ushba. At the valley’s terminus, the imposing white pyramid of Mt Tetnuldi commands attention, surpassing the height of Mont Blanc by a 50 meters. On the distant horizon, the towering summits of the Great Caucasus come into view, reaching an elevation of 5,000m, create a majestic backdrop.
Below us, the countless Svan towers of Mestia shrink to minuscule proportions.
Further along the valley, Mestia’s airstrip comes into view. If we are lucky, we might catch a glimpse of a turboprop plane from Tbilisi gracefully navigating through the deep valley.
Following the scenic ridge trail for a few hours, we descend into the enchanting Tsvirmi village, home to a 10th-century church.
We meet up with our van again and drive for under an hour, carries us along the resounding Enguri river to Iprari village, perched on an airy ledge above the rushing waters. Along the way, a brief stop introduces us to an 11th-century Svan church and a medieval dining hall in Khe village. Our accommodation for the night awaits in a guesthouse, where a hearty dinner prepares us for tomorrow’s upcoming trekking adventure.
Total hiking distance: 10km
Total vertical ascent: 300m, 770m down
With our tents and sleeping bags are entrusted to the porters or pack horses, set to reach tonight’s campsite via a dirt track at the valley bottom, we set off for the day.
As we ascend beyond the woods and enter the alpine zone, the grassy ridge narrows, unveiling a striking ice face before us.
This marks the renowned ‘Bezengi wall’—the loftiest segment of the Caucasus mountains, dividing Georgia and Russia, adorned with several 5,000m summits. Our journey ascends the Chkhunderi ridge, tracing a faint trail through the woods once frequented by local shepherds, now seemingly forgotten.
Trekking along the airy ridge, we draw as close as possible to the massive wall before descending a steep grassy slope to a cozy wild campsite by a stream, separated from the glacier bedrock. Our porters, already at camp, await us with the tents, paving the way for a tasty dinner prepared on portable stoves.
Total hiking distance: 12km
Total vertical ascent: 1450m up, 1080m down
Today, we have an early morning breakfast and pack up the4 camp. Our porters prepare to transport our tents to the subsequent campsite.
Today is going to be an epic hike!
Navigating the Khalde glacier demands cautious steps, resembling more a scattered heap with intermittent patches of ice and pools of meltwater. Although we do not need crampons , the absence of a defined trail requires careful navigation (from your expert guides of course!), with only a handful of viable crossing points on the glacier.
Returning to the grassy trail, our trek continues towards Karetti pass, a saddle nestled in the neighboring ridge extending from the Bezengi wall. Upon reaching the saddle, we follow the ridge until we arrive at Lagem pass.
Descending from there involves a steep but well-trodden trail leading to Engiri valley, where we establish camp next to a summer café.
Our porters await us, with the tents all set up with the prospect of a well-deserved beer!
Connecting Karetti and Lagem pass, this stretch emerges as one of the most untamed yet astonishing segments of our Georgia trekking adventure in Svaneti.
Total hiking distance: 15km
Total vertical ascent: 1100m up & 1200m down
Following the exertion of the past two days, today’s trek carries a more relaxed pace and a shorter overall distance to cover.
Our route, maintaining a steady elevation gain, brings us closer to the majestic Mt Shkhara at 5,193m—the pinnacle of Georgia’s mountainscape. Traversing a grassy moraine ridge, we stand beneath a mountain face of Himalayan proportions, adorned with glaciers of staggering magnitude—a wonderful highlight of our trek through Georgia.
Returning to our camp, we hike alongside our porters, tracing the valley’s curve to the right, heading toward the source of the Enguri River.
Our tents find a picturesque camp site by Nuamquam lake, arguably the most enchanting in Svaneti.
Following dinner, we bask in the captivating display of sunset hues playing upon the hanging glaciers, witnessing the gradual emergence of stars in the night sky.
Total hiking distance: 6km
Total vertical ascent: 700m
Post breakfast, our tents are disassembled, with the porters transporting them down to the village. Our ascent takes us along Vakhushti ridge, attaining an elevation peak of 3,153m. Subsequently, we trek downhill, distancing ourselves from the imposing Shkhara wall, reveling in breathtaking vistas on either side of the expansive ridge.
Come afternoon, our descent leads us to the beautiful village of Ushguli, nestled within a confined valley defined by steep slopes.
Total hiking distance: 10km
Total vertical ascent: 700m up & 950m down
Following three nights spent in tents, it is time for the luxury of a comfy bed and hot showers! Ushguli, comprising four hamlet-sized villages—Murkmeli, Chazhashi, Chvibiani, and Zhibiani—unveils its charm.
Our family-operated guesthouseis built in an authentic 12th-century structure nestled in the heart of Chazhashi—the sole facet of Ushguli designated as a UNESCO cultural heritage site. This elevated settlement, perched at 2,200m above sea level, holds the distinction of being one of Europe’s highest permanent abodes.
Amidst a well-earned rest day in Ushguli, we explore the 9th-century Lamaria church, adorned with impeccably preserved frescoes. A visit to the local museum reveals ancient crosses, icons, and wine goblets, while the ascent of a Svan tower lets us gain some views and cool perspectives of the village.
As night descends, we commemorate the conclusion of our week-long trek through Svaneti with the savory indulgence of piping hot traditional meat pies and maybe a glass of local wine or three.
Departing from the warm hospitality of Svaneti, our journey unfolds along a picturesque
Venturing along a winding road for approximately 40 minutes, we reach the elevated Juta settlement, standing proudly at 2,200m and rivaling Ushguli as one of Europe’s loftiest habitations. Our subsequent trek unfolds amidst the breathtaking Choukhi range, evoking the scenic allure reminiscent of the Italian Dolomites. Conditions permitting, we engage in a captivating scramble on a peak, offering unparalleled vistas of the majestic Mt. Kazbegi at 5,047m.
Covering a distance of 13km, our trek encompasses an ascent and descent of 1170m each, presenting both the challenge and reward of this invigorating adventure.
route across Zagar pass, culminating in a little over 4 hours as we arrive in Kutaisi.
Following our lunch break within the city, we change vehicles and start the drive along a modern highway bound for Kazbegi, nestled in the northernmost reaches of Georgia.
This leg of the journey extends for an additional 5-6 hours as the team takes in the diverse Georgian landscapes along the way.
Venturing along a winding road for approximately 40 minutes, we reach the elevated Juta settlement, standing proudly at 2,200m and rivaling Ushguli as one of Europe’s loftiest habitations.
Our subsequent trek unfolds amidst the breathtaking Choukhi range, evoking the scenic allure reminiscent of the Italian Dolomites. Conditions permitting, we engage in a captivating scramble on a peak, offering unparalleled vistas of the majestic Mt. Kazbegi at 5,047m.
Total hiking distance: 13km
Total vertical ascent: 1170m up and down
Within a brief 30-minute drive from Kazbegi, the renowned 14th-century Gergeti Trinity Church emerges, perched atop a rocky outcrop above the village. Against the backdrop of the majestic dormant stratovolcano, Kazbek at 5,047m, the location unfolds in jaw-dropping splendor.
This spot serves as an exemplar of how ancient Georgian architects seamlessly integrated their structures into the natural landscape. Historically, this elevated church provided sanctuary during numerous invasions, standing sentinel high above the valley.
Continuing our trek, we traverse along the rim of a profound canyon, progressing towards the periphery of the colossal Gergeti glacier at approximately 3,300m.
Following the route frequently taken by Kazbek climbers bound for the base camp adjacent to Bethlemi hut, also known as the meteo station, situated at 3,800m.
The gradual acclimatization to altitude gained over the preceding week of trekking in the Svanetian mountains renders this juncture an opportune starting point for those contemplating their inaugural ascent of a 5,000m peak—specifically, the option to ascend Kazbek, presented as an additional 5-day extension.
Descending to Kazbegi village, we conclude our trekking odyssey in Georgia with a celebratory dinner at one of the village’s upscale restaurants, offering panoramic mountain views and exquisite Georgian cuisine.
Subsequently, a private minivan conveys us to the capital of Tbilisi in under 3 hours, where we spend the night at a hotel.
Total hiking distance: 12km
Total vertical ascent: 960m up and down
The final day where we say goodbye to one another and the amazing country that has hosted us. Transfers from the hotel to Tbilisi International Airport will be arranged.
Mount Kazbek, known as Mqinvartsveri in Georgian, is a dormant stratovolcano that was seen erupting by ancient Greeks. Expectedly, this is the place where Prometheus was enchained, as the legend has it!
Kazbek is an excellent choice of your first 5,000m peak. It is not on the ‘7 Summits’ list and thus spared from the hordes of eager mountaineers queueing on the nearby Mt. Elbrus.
What’s more, the final day of our trekking itinerary neatly gets you right into Kazbek’s lower basecamp! From there, it takes 5 extra days to reach the summit and return to Tbilisi. By that time you will have already gained some altitude acclimatization which considerably increases your summit chances.
Pack horses carry your climbing gear, making the approach hike truly enjoyable. The climbing route, graded at PD, entails roped glacier walking and scaling a 100m long 35-40 degrees icy section just before the summit. Depending on the conditions, we may use a fixed rope on this section.
Climbing Kazbek is suitable for a reasonably fit and healthy person without previous experience at altitude. You do not need any technical experience either: the guide ensures the safety of the participants during the climb. What’s more, a comprehensive course on safe glacier travel is provided prior to the climb. On the summit day, we maintain 1:3 guide-to-client ratio. It is possible to rent crampons, ice axe and down jacket in Kazbegi village.
Interested in climbing Kazbek to conclude your trekking trip in Georgia? Please reach out to us for details on costs and availability.
Guiding & organization services, including an English-speaking professional mountain guide on the trek.
All accommodation including guesthouses on the trek (twin rooms whenever available) and 3-4 star hotel in Kutaisi.
Premium quality freeze-dried rations cooked by the guide during the camping days.
All local transfers by private minibuses and 4×4s SUVs. Transfer of gear between campsites.
A day of guided horse riding (optional, if you don’t like horses).
Chairlift and museum in Mestia.
International flights to/from Kutaisi (preferred) or Tbilisi.
Snacks e.g. power bars on the trek. You can bring your own or shop locally.
Dinners at guesthouses on the trek and also all eating out a la carte in cities: about €150-200 total. Wine and spirits. Souvenirs.
Travel and trekking insurance that covers medical treatment, hospitalization and repatriation. We will require your insurance details prior to the trip.
Single accommodation.
Rental of trekking poles, sleeping bag, trekking mat, and other trekking gear, if needed.
The national language of Georgia is Georgian. If you want to learn a few phrases in advance of coming to the country, it will only help you!
Outside of Tiblisi, not much english is spoken, though each year this is changing for the better.
The weather in Georgia can vary depending on where you are in the country. Tbilisi in the heart of summer can feel sweltering and humid, whereas the mountain areas feel crisp and cool.
Georgian cuisine is known for its rich flavors, diverse ingredients, and unique culinary techniques. Long story short – it is damn tasty stuff!
The food in Georgia reflects the country’s cultural heritage and history, combining influences from the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. Georgian meals are often characterized by the generous use of herbs, spices, and a variety of fresh, local produce.
Typical Foods for Breakfast:
Khachapuri: A quintessential Georgian dish, khachapuri is a type of cheese-filled bread. There are different regional variations, but the most famous ones include Adjarian khachapuri (boat-shaped and filled with cheese, butter, and a raw egg) and Imeretian khachapuri (circular and filled with cheese).
Nadughi: A type of Georgian cottage cheese, often served with honey or jam for breakfast.
Matsoni: A traditional Georgian yogurt that is often consumed with honey and walnuts.
Typical Foods for Lunch:
Khinkali: These are Georgian dumplings filled with minced meat (usually beef or pork) mixed with onions and spices. They are traditionally eaten by hand, and the juice inside is often sipped before consuming the dumpling.
Mtsvadi (Shashlik): Grilled skewers of marinated meat, typically served with vegetables and sometimes accompanied by a spicy tomato sauce called adjika.
Lobio: A dish made from kidney beans, often cooked with herbs, spices, and onions. There are various types of lobio, including red bean lobio and white bean lobio.
Typical Foods for Dinner:
Satsivi: A rich, walnut-based sauce typically served with chicken or turkey. The sauce is flavored with garlic, coriander, and other spices.
Chakapuli: A traditional Georgian stew made with lamb or beef, tarragon, and other herbs. It is a spring dish often enjoyed during the celebration of Easter.
Ajapsandali: A vegetarian stew made with eggplants, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and various spices.
Five Most Popular Georgian Foods:
Khachapuri: This cheese-filled bread is a staple of Georgian cuisine and is loved both locally and internationally.
Khinkali: Georgian dumplings are not only delicious but also a fun and social eating experience.
Pkhali: A dish made from finely chopped vegetables, walnuts, and herbs, typically served cold. It can be made with various vegetables such as spinach, beetroot, or beans.
Satsivi: This flavorful walnut sauce, often served with poultry, is a staple in Georgian festive cuisine.
Tkemali Sauce: A sour plum sauce that is used as a condiment for various dishes, particularly with grilled meats.
Chat with us now!
Chat with us now!
Adventure Guide
Hailing from the Toronto region of Eastern Canada, with a background as a former standout athlete (hockey of course) and a love of mountain adventure, Clark is a welcomed addition to the Epic team.
In addition to being a keen photographer and adventurer, Clark brings his brilliant sense of humor, leadership skills, and positive attitude to everything he puts his mind to.
When he is not leading trips, he is working on taking over the hard apple cider game in Canada as a skilled craft brewer.
Meet him during : K2 Base Camp Trek
Adventure Guide
Noemi grew up in the mountains of German-Speaking Switzerland where she naturally developed a deep love and respect for mountain environments.
She is a talented photographer, aspiring climber, and speaks at least 5 languages fluently including Arabic (and probably a few more that we don’t know about), which she taught herself in a matter of months by watching YouTube videos.
Noemi has spent the last several years traveling, hiking, and photographing her way around many different countries in the Middle East, South and Central Asia, and Europe, and we could not be more stoked to welcome her to the Epic team!
Meet her during : Discover the Celestial Mountains | Island Peak Climbing Expedition
Adventure Guide
As our man on the ground in Mongolia, there is not much this legend can’t do. As a native the Bayan-Ölgii province of the Western Mongolia Altai, Syerik has been working as a guide and tourism entrepreneur…
for the past several years and is one of the rising stars in Mongolia adventure travel industry.
He is currently building a beautiful Ger (Yurt) camp near his hometown where he will host Epic Mongolia team members on our trip as well as other travelers from around the world!
“
He is the perfect guide for your trip to Mongolia. Serik did an amazing job giving us a well rounded experience in the Altai NP region and down in the Gobi…
The food was fantastic and Serik gave us many opportunities to learn about the Kazakh culture in that region including traditional meals. (I can’t recommend enjoying the milk tea enough!)
– Coastal
Head of canine operations
Choriza started off life as a care-free vagabond on the streets of Madeira Island without any place to call home. From the moment we met her, we knew this dog was just different, and it was pretty much love at first sight.
She gave up the dog street life in favor of joining her new dad Chris to become a full-time member of the Epic family towards the end of 2022.
These days she can be found listening in on the fringes of important Epic business meetings while half-asleep on the couch. She is a keen hiker, lover of mud, rare steak, and might just be the sweetest little dog we have ever seen.
Adventure Guide
An experienced trek leader and
IFMGA aspirant ski guide, avid alpine climber, devoted adventure photographer.
Organized and guided trekking expeditions, climbs and ski tours in Tajikistan’s Pamirs, Patagonia, Peru, Morocco, Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, Georgian and Russian Caucasus and Kamchatka.
A full member and meets the organiser of the British Alpine Club. Visited over 40 countries, lived in the UK for four years. Certified first-aider.
“
We joined Andrew on a fantastic trip to the Fann Mountains in Tajikistan, pure nature and magnificent scenery! Andrey was super prepared and led us safely up and down numerous passes and through some rough and icy cold rivers. Thank you for a very memorable trip, your planning and prep was excellent!
– Monika Steinlechner
Meet him during : Trekking in the Fann Mountains
Adventure Guide
Our man in Nepal, Sandip is what we like to call a “Swiss Army Knife”. There is not much Sandip can’t do when it comes to helping Epic to run our expeditions smoothly in Nepal.
His tireless work ethic, passion for all things trekking in the Himalayas, and smart decision-making mean that Sandip is a truly invaluable member of our team.
Sandip is passionate about showing visitors to his country an amazing time, and he goes above and beyond to make sure that happens.
His company Himalayan Masters is Epic’s trusted partner in Nepal and one of the country’s top new tour agencies.
“
We really enjoyed the entire journey, and I would like to say that Sandip is truly professional. He guided us and he is a hardworking person, providing us with the best service and taking care of each one of us. Plus, he is super funny! The kind of professionnal you always want to find on your path for your explorations!
– Alexandra Ruth
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Our flagship Pakistani adventure tour. Road trip with some hiking and cultural immersion.
A trekking-style tour that features some very remote locations, inlcuding a K2 viewpoint.
Adventure Guide
João has born in the mountains of Madeira Islands in Portugal. Nature lover, writer, musician, guide, for him, a day without contact with outdoor vibes is a nightmare.
With a degree in Cultural Studies in Portugal and a Master of Arts in Global Cultures and Creativity in the U.K.
João found out what really matters in life can be found on the trails, and in the contact with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
Guiding, crazy trekking missions, and sharing observations about the natural world, – these are some of João’s passions.
After trekking to K2 Base Camp and exploring all over Northern Pakistan, he fell in love with the country and the local people. His experiences resulted in his desire to share these feelings with the world.
João is one of the most experienced guides at Epic and his skillset and positive mindset in the mountains is second to none
When not in Pakistan, João is guiding and exploring in the Madeira Islands trails – discovering some of the hidden treasures on his Portuguese Island.
“
João I can not thank you enough for the off the beaten paths and views you keep giving. Definitely one of the most challenging and amazing hikes we did 1200m meters all the way up to Fanal forest and circling back to the hidden village. Wow!
– Jeffery
Meet him during : Lost World of Europe | Discover the Hunza Valley | K2 Base Camp Trek
Adventure Guide
Sohail is the newest addition to the Epic team and we are beyond stoked to have him on board. As a veteran of the Karakoram and a native of Karimabad in Hunza, there is not much Sohail can’t do in the mountains.
Besides having the ability to speak more languages than we can count, Sohail has explored every corner of Gilgit Baltistan and logs more trekking miles
in a year than most people will do in a lifetime. As of the summer of 2022, Sohail has summited Gasherbrum 1, Gasherbrum 2, and K2 – three of Pakistan’s five 8000-meter peaks. Sohail guides several trips including our annual bespoke expeditions but specializes in Hunza Valley tours.
“
Chris and Sohail, and the team at Epic are FANTASTIC! Highly recommend anyone to do a tour with ‘Epic’. They have the perfect balance of fun, excitement and wild adventures, tied in with being super professional and ensuring your safety/health in a foreign environment. Don’t waste a moment and book a tour with these guys as the value for money is UNREAL!
– Borgan
Meet him during : Discover the Hunza Valley
Adventure Guide
Pedro’s been traveling all around the globe since 2009. His keen interests in documentary photography, rural life, and local people from different ethnic groups have been the focus of many of his professional projects.
Since 2012, he has developed his passion for travel and awesome shared experiences into a full-time adventure photography tour leader position.
Pedro has found himself continuously going back to the Middle East, with his likely favorite destination being Iran. Pedro lead his 11th tour in Iran with Epic in spring 2020
When Pedro’s not traveling the world with Epic Expeditions, you’ll find him based in the western south of Portugal planning he’s next adventure missions, logistics and working out his photos in local exhibitions.
“
I loved the combination of hiking, camping around breathtaking scenery mixed with the cultural aspects. The guide (Pedro) is knowledgeable and work very hard to make the trip as memorable as possible. All in all an epic adventure with some extremely epic individuals! Go for it, you won’t regret it!
– Coastal
Adventure Admin / Marketing
After fleeing from the corporate fashion world in Paris towards the start of 2020, Diane has been working as a web developer and graphic designer remotely from various bases across the globe
She brings all of her incredible design and organizational power to Epic Expeditions and is responsible for many of the beautiful behind-the-scenes design elements.
Diane has been to Iran and to Pakistan twice including all over Gilgit Baltistan and KPK.
Head of Operations | Guide
A veteran of Pakistan travel, Ralph is an experienced guide, photographer and writer who specializes in documenting remote locations.
Not one to simply go where everyone else does, he insists on exploring new and lesser-known areas.
Together with Epic Expeditions, he shows people parts of Pakistan that most other operators don’t even know about. He is particularly fond of the village of Barah, which he believes will become just as famous as Hunza one day.
“
Just got back from EBT’s Trekking Amongst Giants 15 day tour. The experience was first class. Ralph, our head guide, ensured that the entire trip ran smoothly and relatively on time (a bonus for anyone travelling in Pakistan). We had so many unforgettable days on the tour and the trekking was well-planned, safe but also a rewarding challenge.
– Calvin
“
Traveling to a non-tourist destination can be a little intimidating but EBT takes all of the worry and trepidation away. From the pre-trip call to meeting the wonderful staff in person you can tell that you are dealing with a company that has a passion for what they do each and every day. Ralph, Zahid, and Khan were supportive, kind, and always willing to go the extra mile to make sure that everyone on the trip was getting what they wanted out of the experience.
– Katrina
Meet him during : Trekking Amongst Giants | Discover the Celestial Mountains | K2 Base Camp Trek
Founder | Adventure Guide | Director
Since he started exploring the world, Chris has been seeking out every shade of adventure in various parts of the globe and had visited more than 70 countries along the way.
Over the last 10 years, Chris has logged more than 7000 trail miles across five continents and climbed multiple 6000 + 7000 meter peaks in Pakistan and Nepal.
A few years back, a distant dream and a deep passion for the mountains and the people of Pakistan led Chris to co-found Epic Expeditions at a time when foreign adventure tourism in Pakistan was almost nonexistent. Since then, Chris has guided more than 20 expeditions to various parts of Northern Pakistan.
Chris believes in using photography and powerful adventure experiences to dismantle negative stereotypes regarding what mainstream media considers “dangerous” countries while facilitating unique and meaningful memories in the mountains for countless people from around the globe.
For him, an ideal start to the day begins with a steaming cup of good coffee, the beam of a headlamp, alpine boots, and a camera in hand.
He lives in Madeira Island when not leading expeditions in far-flung lands.
Chris also works as a writer and photographer on his blog Off the Atlas – an adventure travel blog all about Pakistan.
Read this interview our staff did with Chris to learn more about him!
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Chris believes in Pakistan and its people, and he believes in the value of journeys shared with others and family cultivated on the road. Honesty and integrity are at the heart of what he does, and this really shines through in his work as a guide. He also makes great coffee – whether at 5am in an empty guesthouse or half way up a Himalayan peak.”
– Will De Villers
“
Pakistan is a magical country! Had 3 of the best weeks of my life thanks to Epic Backpacking Tours with owner, and one of our awesome guides, Chris. From detailed itinerary, preparation with an equipment list, and visa assistance. To amazing food, great porters, helpful guides, and great accommodations. Epic really hit home run after home run. […]
Their desire for adventure and amazing trip is just as high as yours. Bring a good pound of coffee for the trip. French press coffee every morning and no average tin coffee, plus you’ll be in your guides good books.
– Clark Tyler
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