Expeditions Unlimited blog
If you have previous experience of high-altitude mountaineering and are considering a very high-altitude expedition, now is the time to sign up. Expeditions Unlimited has confirmed three major expeditions to Nepal in autumn 2026, targeting iconic Himalayan peaks: Ama Dablam (6,812 m), Himlung Himal (7,126 m) and Manaslu (8,163 m). Three distinct objectives, ranging from technical development to major Himalayan expeditions, led by experienced guides. These projects represent magnificent goals in their own right, or form part of a structured progression towards reaching even greater heights. They combine ambition, safety and real-world experience in the field. Places are limited and the dates for our preparation weekends with our expedition leaders have already been set.
Ama Dablam (6,812 m) – Aesthetic appeal and technical challenge
Regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful peaks, Ama Dablam (6,812 m) towers over the Khumbu Valley with its perfectly defined silhouette. Its exposed ridges and technical sections make for a demanding and challenging climb, requiring, in particular, excellent physical fitness. It is a mountaineer’s holy grail, where precision and technical mastery are crucial. This year, our expedition is combined with Lobuche East (6,119 m), allowing for gradual acclimatisation and avoiding the rather gruelling shuttle between base camp (4,600 m) and Camp 1 (5,800 m)
We are returning there following our expedition in November 2025, during which two of our participants reached the summit. An ideal project for progressing towards technical climbs in the Himalayas.
Expedition guaranteed from 14 October to 13 November 2026
Find out all the details about the ascent of Ama Dablam (6,812 metres) and Lobuche East Peak (6,119 metres)
© Clément Inaudi et Clément Gody
Himlung Himal (7,126 m) – The first Himalayan peak over 7,000 metres
Located in a remote region of Nepal, Himlung Himal (7,126 m) offers a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in an unspoilt environment. Its gentle glacial slopes allow for a gradual ascent to the 7,000-metre mark. It is an ideal peak for those wishing to experience the world of major Himalayan expeditions.
The route, which is not particularly technical but demanding in terms of altitude, takes place mainly on glacier with sections of snow and steep slopes, particularly between Camp 3 (6,300 m) and the summit. The gradual acclimatisation, made possible by a structured ascent between camps, makes it an excellent training ground for learning high-altitude expedition strategies.
We are returning there following our expedition in November 2025, during which one of our participants reached the summit. A formative project to reach a new altitude milestone in the supervised and secure conditions of Nepal and to consider, why not, your first 8,000-metre peak.
Expedition confirmed from 14 October to 16 November 2026
Find out all the details about the ascent of Himlung Himal, at 7,126 metres, in Nepal
© Olivier Bourcet
Manaslu (8,163 m) – Your first 8,000-metre peak
As the world’s eighth-highest peak, Manaslu offers a demanding and well-defined introduction to the world of the 8,000-metre peaks. Its standard route, via the north-east ridge, follows mainly glacier terrain with a series of high-altitude camps allowing for gradual acclimatisation. The ascent alternates between long sections of snow, crevassed passages, a few vertical cliffs and slopes that are sometimes steep, particularly above Camp 3, where the effort becomes that of true high-altitude climbing.
The climb to Camp 4 (7,400 m), followed by the final ascent, exposes climbers to challenging conditions: intense cold, wind and extreme oxygen depletion. The final metres, along a summit ridge that is sometimes overhanging, require clear thinking, endurance and precise pacing. Although less technical than some other 8,000-metre peaks, Manaslu remains a demanding expedition, where success depends above all on the ability to acclimatise to the altitude and maintain a steady pace over the long haul.
We are returning there following our expedition in September 2025, during which our participant reached the summit. Our expedition leader in autumn 2026 will be Yorick Vion, a French high-altitude mountain guide specialising in high-altitude expeditions to Everest, Lhotse, Manaslu, Annapurna, etc. We are planning an approach that will allow those who wish to do so to attempt this 8,000-metre peak without the use of supplemental oxygen. A major project for experienced mountaineers wishing to tackle an 8,000-metre peak within a structured framework, with proven logistics and a rigorous ascent strategy.
Expedition confirmed from 31 August to 14 October 2026
Climb of Manaslu (8,163 metres) in Nepal
© Olivier Bourcet
Direct flights to Central Asia without transiting through Middle Eastern hubs
For all our expeditions to the Himalayas this coming autumn, we are prioritising flight routes that avoid hubs in the Middle East. Transport is arranged via alternative routes selected for their operational reliability and smooth logistics. This decision is part of our ongoing commitment to optimising the overall safety of our projects and reducing the risks associated with long or complex connections.
Why choose Expeditions Unlimited
- Supervised by experienced mountain guides
- Proven logistics at very high altitudes
- Tailored pre-event preparation, preparation weekend
- A culture of controlled risk, extensive practical experience in the Himalayas
- Expeditions solutions tailored to your needs, designed to maximise your chances
Places are limited
- Apart from Everest, the short autumn season is ideal for very high altitudes
- Group sizes are deliberately kept small to ensure high-quality supervision
- If you’re planning a project, now is the time to take action
- Flights to Nepal are still affordable at the moment