Group size
Our maximum group size is 12 plus leader and trekking crew. We feel a larger group can dominate its surroundings. Certain trips have a smaller max size.

Who comes away with us?
Mostly people in the age range 30-60 years, with a shared passion for the outdoors. There is a fairly consistent 50/50 split between male/female and singles/couples and each year we get around 40% repeat bookings.

Fitness
Most of our holidays are suitable for anyone who is in good health and with a capacity for walking. Remember on the vast majority of our trips you need only carry a light day sack with drink, snack, camera, waterproofs etc. Our tougher trips are graded according to a number of factors including altitude, remoteness, the need on a few trips to carry personal gear as well as the number of hours trekked each day and the nature of the terrain. This should be clear from the day to day itinerary - if not, please ask.


Is 'High Places' for you?
We believe our mountain holidays will be enjoyed by anyone who is in good health, has an enthusiasm for hill walking, different cultures and overseas travel. We are known for having a relaxed and informal style and for recognising the intelligence and experience of our clients - be they a beginner or lifetime mountain walker.

We try not to run whistle-stop tours. Tourist haunts and large hotels are usually avoided. You are never packaged. And remember our maximum size of group is 12 and less for some expedition grade trips.

Which trip?
All our trips, which range from serious mountain climbing or backpacking, to our relaxing South India trips are graded according to difficulty and energy output. Find out more on Trek  Grades and trip inclusions by emailing us.

The range is enormous. Altitude, remoteness, and weather conditions can all be significant factors and it pays to read our detailed trip notes closely with daily walking times, heights etc. Choose a trip to suit you!

Suitability
Bad weather, altitude, unfamiliar cultures and occasional deprivations whilst camping will sometimes make extra demands on you, especially if you are not used to them. We have found that adaptability and a sense of determination matter more than muscle power. Our holidays can be exhilarating for anyone from 16 to 70+ years of age. In reality, if you tremble at the idea of walking 5-7 hours every day for a week, you may have problems on all but our easiest grade. Please read the trip descriptions carefully and contact us if you need more information on the level of fitness or experience required.

Equipment
You will probably have the majority of personal gear required, such as walking boots, waterproofs, sleeping bag etc. Tents and all group trekking equipment are provided. A comprehensive kit list will be sent with your booking confirmation.

Accommodation
In developing countries we generally avoid mainstream tourist hotels and 5 star 'palaces'. Where possible we stay in locally owned and friendly hotels, which convey an atmosphere of the country and its people and contributes to the local economy. These will usually have en-suite facilities and air conditioning where necessary. Off the beaten track we stay in a wide variety of lodges, bunkhouses and hostels. For camping, our tents are usually lightweight 2/3 person size, with max two to each tent. All our prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplements on request and subject to availability.

Meals
In most of the countries we visit, local food is a highlight and we try to pass on our enthusiasm and advice. While away from main towns all meals are provided. In main towns arrangements are usually bed and breakfast only, leaving you free to try the local restaurants and cafes. The trip itinerary states which meals are included. We welcome vegetarians/vegans but warn that in some parts of the world they remain an unknown species and although you will always be well fed, variety cannot be guaranteed! On some trips, vegetarians or those with special diets or allergies (eg gluten free), may be asked to bring some favourite items to supplement what is available locally.

Health
Our trips can take us to remote areas where medical aid may be unavailable. We ensure that our trek leaders are competent in 'wilderness first-aid' and we carry medical kits. We recommend that you get a medical and dental check up before your trip. We may make enquiries about your health if we think it necessary, and we reserve the right to ask for a doctor's endorsement. When travelling we recommend caution, especially with regard to meat, water and general hygiene. High Places has an excellent record of avoiding illness, largely because of our willingness to adapt to each country's eating customs.

Acclimatisation and altitude
All of our high trips are designed to allow for good acclimatisation. For safety, comfort and enjoyment we have planned the days carefully. We will provide you with more detailed information with your invoice, and are always happy to discuss any concerns you may have prior to the trip.

Discounts
As a thank you to our regular clients we are pleased to offer a discount to those who have travelled with us before.

Free Microfleece
We offer a complimentary High Places microfleece with every brochure departure booking. Postage will be charged for addresses outside New Zealand.

Private Treks
Each year we organise a number of special trips for clubs, schools and groups of friends and are always happy to discuss, advise, and offer specialist information. Varying criteria can reduce our brochure prices. General or specific quotations can be provided within a few days.