KE is delighted to announce the launch of 5 brand new one-off adventures as part of its exclusive Pioneer Collection. These unique expedition style holidays offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations all over the world. They are perfect for pure adventurers who seek the unknown, the final wilderness and the remotest challenges. Nothing is too rough and rugged or extreme for Pioneer trips, or too bold and ambitious.

Each unique trip is crafted by the highly experienced team at KE, along with the local guides.

The 5 brand new trips for 2024 and 2025 include; Trekking in Sierra Leone to the peak of Mount Bintumani (1,945m), cross-country skiing on brand new undiscovered routes in the Tian Shan mountains in Krygyzstan, climbing the two highest peaks in Papua New Guinea, Mount Wilhelm (4,509m) and Mount Giluwe (4,363m) also one of the world's volcanic seven summits, a wilderness adventure perfect for wildlife lovers and photographers in the Falklands and an Indian adventure combining the biggest and most colourful religious gathering on Earth, the Kumbh Mela, with a sightseeing tour of the highlights.

Due to the popularity of one of our previous Pioneer trips; Lake Khuvsgul Dog Sled Adventure, KE has decided to re-run this Pioneer expedition with two new dates in 2024. Already nearly half full, there are very limited places. This adventure was so popular when it was first launched and the feedback was incredible.

More information about the new 5 Pioneer adventures. 

ULTIMATE SIERRA LEONE – EXPLORE THE UNEXPLORED.

This is a unique opportunity to visit and explore this once unsettled destination. Sierra Leone is a country that is fast re-establishing itself as a tourist destination and this one-off mixed discovery and walking adventure, combines all the best bits. The trekking is remote, taking you to the heights of Mount Bintumani, the highest point in West Africa (1,945m) where you'll camp overnight in a remote and little trekked area. You'll also climb Sugar Loaf mountain which overlooks the capital city of Freetown, as well as Albitaya, a peak in the Wara Wara mountains. This trip immerses you into the local culture. You'll meet the villagers and chiefs at Rogbonko village, visit the chimpanzees at Tacagama Chimpanzee Sanctuary and uncover Sierra Leone's fascinating history with visits to the once fortified British slave islands of Bunce and Tasso. No-one else offers a trip like this to Sierra Leone, it's exclusive and a true once-in-a-lifetime experience.

GROUP SIZE: 4-16
GRADE: 4
DATES: 29 NOV 2024
DAYS: 14
PRICE: £3,695 
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INDIA - AGRA, VARANASI AND THE KUMBH MELA AT PRAYAGRAJ – THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH

The Maha Kumbh Mela is celebrated every twelve years in the north Indian city of Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad). Timed according to the relative astrological positions of Jupiter, the sun and the moon, the festival is marked for many by a ritual dip in the waters at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Sarasvati rivers. The devout believe that bathing in this place and at this time cleanses them of their sins. This sensational holiday includes 3 nights and 2 full days at the Kumbh Mela where there are sideshows, fairs, street vendors, storytellers, sadhus and holy men. You will also visit Agra and the Taj Mahal, spend time in Delhi, take the express train to Varanasi and enjoy a day of sightseeing in Lucknow. An unimaginable, fascinating tour that only KE can offer! 

GROUP SIZE: 4-12
GRADE: 1
DATES: 7 JAN 2025
DAYS: 13
PRICE: £2,795
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SKI NOMAD: YURT TO YURT SKI TOURING IN KYRGYZSTAN – SKI IN UNTOUCHED TERRITORY

Until now, Krygyzstan's fledging winter sports industry has been confined to fairly extreme backcountry downhill skiing – aided by helicopters and snow cats taking skiers to the tops of peaks for hair-raising descents. To date a multi-day ski tour linking up these ski and yurt camps has never been attempted as a continuous journey. Working closely with local guides and communities KE has designed a route that is suitable for a wide range of intrepid travellers with basic ski touring experience. Using Karakol ski base for the first few days to acclimatise to the conditions and undergo some basic ski tour training, this trip heads off into the remote and snowy foothills of the Terskey Alatau. Skiing from yurt to yurt, the next 6 days will be spent choosing the most suitable routes over snowy passes and through untouched forest. Conditions and food at the camps will be homely but basic and staying in these traditional nomadic yurts will be an incredible way to experience this wilderness and the old ways of the nomadic people who call these mountains home. During the ski tour, there is the option of trying out one of the traditional Kyrgyz saunas to warm up after a day in the snow.

GROUP SIZE: 4-8
GRADE: 8
DATES: 3 MARCH 2024
DAYS: 15
PRICE: £3,995

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MOUNTAINS AND VOLCANOES OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA – TWIN PEAKS AND TRIBAL ENCOUNTERS

Carefully selected to showcase an exceptional variety of landscapes and environments, this extraordinary pioneering expedition conquers the two highest peaks of Papua New Guinea; Mount Wilhelm (4,509m) and Mount Giluwe (4,363m), also one of the Volcanic Seven Summits and the highest volcano on the Australasian continent. Our exclusive trekking route feels as though you are almost cut off from civilisation, while still being in the safe hands of the expert leader. There will be a day spent with the local Melpa people the main tribe residing around the volcano. Allowing travellers to experience their fascinating culture and witness their daily way of life, forging a deeper connection with the local community. The Melpa women will also present their Sing Sing performance in traditional bilas. This is not just any unique multi-summit trekking expedition, it's a one-off opportunity to discover the remote side of Papua New Guinea and gain an insight into the local way of life.

GROUP SIZE: 6-12
GRADE: 7
DATES: 12 OCT 2024
DAYS: 16
PRICE: £6,995

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FALKLAND WILDLIFE AND WILDERNESS ADVENTURE – ADVENTURE THROUGH A LENS

The Falkland Islands, an archipelago known for its rugged isolation and breath taking landscapes, beckons the pioneering traveller seeking a truly extraordinary escape. This one-off eight day pioneering adventure to this remote outpost means, that from the moment you set foot on these windswept isles, you'll be immersed in a world of pristine wilderness and have the chance to witness some of the planet's most captivating creatures in their natural habitat. An expedition led by award-winning photographer and wildlife guide, Andrew Pollard starts in the capital city of Stanley. From here the journey takes you to explore the islands by plane, catamaran and 4x4 jeep, visiting various penguin colonies including the Rockhopper, Magellanic, King and Gentoo penguin. Imagine elephant seals basking in the sunlight and sea lions amongst the tussac grass staring straight into the lens of your camera. This pioneering adventure offers you this and much more.

GROUP SIZE: 4-6
GRADE: 1
THE DATE: 1 FEB 2025
DAYS: 8
PRICE: £3,995

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View all the new Pioneer trips HERE and view our full digital Pioneer brochure HERE.

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KE Adventure Travel offers 400 active adventures in 90 countries, creating expertly guided small group adventures worldwide and self-guided walking and cycling holidays in Europe. Best known for its pioneering itineraries and challenging trips with an edge, KE also provides a range of easier holidays, creating unforgettable adventures for active travellers of all abilities. Based in Keswick in the Lake District, KE is passionate about creating unique travel experiences for their customers. Established in 1984, KE Adventure Travel is a member of ABTA (W4341), AITO (5075) and holds an ATOL license (2808). www.keadventure.com.

Please contact PR Manager Tavienne Lane at tav@keadventure.com for any further information or images.