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About Us

An experienced leader accompanies every one of our holidays, chosen for the individual skills and abilities they can bring to the smooth operation of your holiday. Leaders may be Local Leaders or on specialist tours and some of the more demanding treks into remote regions, Mountain Kingdoms Appointed Leaders.
Between them our Appointed Leaders have led hundreds of mountain treks and tours and have travelled to all parts of the globe.

We are justifiably proud of our panel of leaders. Collectively they represent an enormous fund of knowledge. See below for details of each of our leaders.

If you would like details of our Bhutan holidays and Bhutan tours simply follow the link.

Albin, Kevin Kevin was a police officer for twenty five exciting years which certainly left him with a few tales to tell. He took a change in career to work in the outdoors, initially working with Princes Trust Volunteers. He went on to lead a number of expeditions from Belize to Borneo and from mountain summit to jungle basin. He is an International Mountain Leader and also holds the Winter Mountain Leader Award. In 2008 he spent six weeks in Thailand before heading out to Venezuela in the summer.
Anderson, Dr Ross Ross gained his degree in medicine in ‘99 and when not in the operating theatre he spends as much time in the mountains or travelling as possible. He has trekked and worked around Nepal and achieved a diploma in altitude medicine in 2003. Since then he has spent more time in the Himalayas and on ascents of Mt. Kilimanjaro. He has also travelled and trekked around China and in the Swedish arctic, enjoys ski-mountaineering, competing in ultra-distance races and mountain marathons.
Baber, Rod Rod holds an unusual world record – he has climbed the highest points in each of Europe's 47 countries. He also holds the world record for climbing more of the world's highest points than any other person! This includes the summit of Mt Aconcagua in Argentina at the age of 24. His passion for travel has carried him through over 60 countries around the world, including 4 major trips to the Himalaya, and now he owns and runs a climbing centre/aerial adventure facility in Cirencester.
Barnes, Tim Tim is an experienced trekker and adventure cyclist, whose travels have taken him to some of the most remote parts of the world, including Central Asia, the Himalayas, Africa and the Andes. Something of a Silk Road aficionado he has cycled through Tajikistan’s Pamir Mountains, around the Kyrgyz Tien Shan and down the Karakoram Highway. He believes two feet are just as good as two wheels for getting to wild places and has trekked extensively in Ladakh, Zanskar and Ethiopia. When not traveling he can normally be found flying gliders over the Cotswolds and when all the other options are exhausted, he earns his living as an independent Management Consultant.
Bathgate, David David Bathgate’s first experiences of Southeast Asia began at home – in the U.S. state of California. Whilst teaching cultural anthropology at university, he and his students involved themselves with resettlement of Indochinese refugees, particularly Lowland Lao and tribal Hmong and Mien from the mountains of northern Laos. But it wasn’t until years later that he finally trod their lands himself. Living a spell in far north Queensland, Australia, David forged a regular “commuter route” to that least developed, former French colony in Southeast Asia. And from there, he placed many a visa stamp from Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam in his passport, too.
Berry, Seraphina Seraphina Berry is Company Secretary and deals with reservations and insurance. She is a keen trekker and outdoor enthusiast, and has trekked several times in Bhutan, Ladakh, Northern India, spent six months in China and Tibet, and climbed Stok Kangri and Kilimanjaro.
Berry, Steve Born in Shillong, just south of the Bhutanese border, Steve has returned to the Himalaya many times as leader of numerous treks and expeditions. These include the first British ascent of Nun Kun in Kashmir and attempts on Cho Oyu in Nepal and Gangkar Punsum in Bhutan. In 1992 he made the first official British ascent of the highest peak in Mongolia. His book 'The Thunder Dragon Kingdom', is an account of Britain's first climbing expedition to Bhutan's highest peak, (available from our office, £15.00 incl. postage).
Bond, Barry Barry, an ex client is an enthusiastic fellwalker and experienced Himalayan trekker who has recently migrated to being one of our trek leaders. His travels have taken him to some of the less well known spots of the Indian and Nepalese Himalayas. He was a member of the H.K. 2000 Nanda Devi expedition and has been fortunate enough to visit remote and restricted areas in Northern Sikkim, Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh. In 2003 he was part of a large expedition team led by Hugh Thompson (H.K. trek leader and writer) to find and document the lost city of Llactapacta in the Peruvian Vilcabamba.
Brien, Kirsty Born and bred in North Yorkshire, Kirsty travelled on her first expedition to the Norwegian Arctic to climb and sea kayak at the age of 17, since then there has been no looking back! She has led trips and expeditions to Tanzania, Mongolia, Peru, Ecuador, Jordan, Namibia, Morocco, Iceland and across Europe. She has also travelled to trek and climb in the Rockies, Andes, Himalaya, Atlas and in the European ranges. When home Kirsty likes nothing more than hitting the surf or galloping across the North Yorkshire Moors. She is also aiming to climb the highest summit of every country in Europe and has so far succeeded in summiting 12 of them! (quite a few to go!!) She holds her International Mountain Leader Award.
Brightman, Chris Before joining Mountain Kingdoms, Chris organised and led mountaineering expeditions to Bolivia & Chile, Kenya & Tanzania, Nepal, Sabah, Mexico and Venezuela with World Challenge Expeditions. He has led treks for us to Nepal (Rolwaling Valley), Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan (Celestial Mountains), Ladakh (Nubra Valley and Quest to Ladakh), Yunnan (Kawa Karpo Pilgrimage) and Bhutan (Old Smugglers’ Route). Chris is a Fellow and Honorary Secretary of the Royal Geographical Society South West Region.
Burditt, Paul Paul is Himalayan Kingdoms’ Bolivian expert having spent over 5 months living in Bolivia researching itineraries and trekking routes. Paul has trekked widely in the Himalayas and Andes – including Nepal, Pakistan, Ladakh, Peru and Ecuador. Despite the breadth of his travels he remains particularly captivated by the Bolivian Andes – not least because they are some of the world’s least trekked mountains, but also because of his keen interest in the rich indigenous and colonial culture of this wild country.
Cannings, Frank Frank is an experienced mountaineer, pioneering rock climber and enthusiastic walker whose track record includes difficult Alpine ascents, Mount Kenya, Mount Kilimanjaro, mountains in Northern India and parts of The Appalachian Trail. In 1972 he attempted first ascents of then unclimbed Diamond Couloir on Mount Kenya and Great Breach Wall on Kilimanjaro. He summited both mountains by other routes, including the 4th ascent of Kilimanjaro’s Heim Glacier approaching via the then obscure Umbwe Route. Frank first trekked in Himachal, Lahaul and Spiti in 1979 and attempted Menthosa (6443m) reaching 6000m in a 2-man alpine-style ascent. He also undertook an early exploration of the Koa Rong range.
Coxan, Ian Ian is based in the Peak District, is a qualified Mountain Instructor and has been instructing and guiding in the mountains for over 20 years. He is self-employed as a full time trek and expedition leader. His enthusiasm for the mountains and the mountain environment is boundless and he actively shares this passion with fellow trekkers. In 1997 he was the leader for the first successful official British ascent of Gorichen East 6222m in Arunachal Pradesh. Before joining Himalayan Kingdoms, Ian had wide ranging experience of organising and leading successful trekking and mountaineering expeditions to: India, Nepal, Jordan, Morocco, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Kenya and Tanzania. Ian has previously been employed as a field guide in Antarctica, spending two summers and a winter “down south”.
Croome, Ruth Ruth's passion for mountains and the great outdoors has taken her from the English Lake District to the GR20 in Corsica to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. She has led treks in Nepal (Everest Base Camp), Pakistan (Concordia and K2), Peru (Cordillera Huayhuash) and Bolivia (Cordillera Real), and organised wild flower mountain walks in the Italian Dolomites. She has been trained in Wilderness First Aid and Summer Mountain Leader. In between travels abroad and lecturing at the national travel shows, Ruth's other passions are running (to date 14 marathons including the Everest Marathon), cycling and mountaineering. Her photographs are published in brochures and travel guides.
Daarja, Enkhbold Enkbold was born and brought up in Mongolia and was a professional cyclist before coming to live in the UK in 1995. He now does the marketing and ground operations for Mountain Kingdoms' local agent in Mongolia.
Darjaa, Catherine Catherine is the operations manager for the local Mongolian agents we use for this trek and has lived and worked around the world. She worked for the UN in Bhutan for three years and Mongolia for two years, during which time she travelled extensively around Asia. She speaks Mongolian.
Dickinson, Matt Matt, a film-maker and author, who specialises in the wild places and the indigenous people of the world, made a successful ascent of Mount Everest's notorious North side in the 1996 pre-monsoon season. together with Alan Hinkes, Britain's foremost high-altitude mountaineer. Matt became the first Briton to film on the summit and return alive, all the more remarkable in an Everest climbing season which claimed a record number of lives. His experiences were graphically recounted in his best-selling book, The Death Zone, and later used as background for his acclaimed first novel, High Risk.
Dimmock, Ray Ray, who has been climbing, mountaineering and backpacking for 50-plus years, has trekked extensively in Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal as well as India, Europe, New Zealand, the Andes and Morocco. He lives at the foot of Snowdon and works as a patrol warden for the National Park.
Dr Chris Darby Chris is a hospital doctor and has an interest in high altitude medicine. He has considerable climbing and walking experience in the UK and the Alps. In 1997 he led a trek to Gokyo in the Khumbu region of Nepal and in 1999 led a trek to the other side of Everest in Tibet. He has led for us in Nepal and Tibet. Since then he has led for us in the Annapurna region, Karakoram K2 Gondogoro La and Sikkim Goecha La. In 2005 Chris summited Huascaran Norte in Peru at 6664 metres. In the autumn 2006 he spoke to the leaders educational forum on high altitude sickness. In 2007 he will lead our first trip to Mera Peak.
Eames, John John is well known in the mountain travel industry having led many expeditions to trekking peaks throughout the Himalaya and spends the winter working as a telemark ski instructor.
Economides, Stef Stef lives in a secluded part of the Peak District National Park and is a freelance outdoor instructor and trekking guide. He holds the International and Winter Mountain Leader Awards and is a keen climber, mountaineer and trekker. He simply loves being in the mountains and has lead treks to many ranges across the globe including places as far-flung as Nepal, Ecuador, India and Tanzania. In his spare time, he can be found either working on his cottage, trying to improve his Spanish or maybe struggling up a climb at his local crag.
Edwards, John John has spent 36 years on the Indian subcontinent, during which time he has gained an extensive and in-depth geographic, historical and cultural knowledge of the region and its people. John first arrived in Nepal in 1971, where he joined the Tiger Mountain team, working from 'the ground roots up' until becoming Managing Director of the Nepal Companies; and 20 years later, in 1991, he moved to India where he took over Tiger Mountain India, first established in 1976. During this time, John has been responsible for designing and building many of the Group's wildlife Lodges and Camps. He has also led numerous Treks in the Nepal and Indian Himalayas; River running Expeditions; Camel Safaris; Fishing camps; and Special Interest Tours to India's north-eastern States, where he has been invited by several State Governments to advise on the development of Tourism.
Findlay, Steve Steve led our very first trek back in the Spring of 1988 to Sikkim! Steve is an avid rock climber and mountaineer, though he has a keen interest in botany, and is something of an expert on orchids. He was a member of the 1984 Bristol expedition to Cho Oyu, and the 1986 expedition to Gangkar Punsum in Bhutan. He has also led expeditions to Aconcagua, Mt Elbrus, Kan Tengi, Kilimanjaro and Mt Kenya, Mera Peak and has climbed extensively in the Alps.
Ford, Mike Mike has been a regular visitor to the Himalaya since his first visit 25 years ago, when he crossed the Zoji La from Kashmir into Ladakh. He has worked in northern India, Tibet and Nepal as both trek leader and travel writer and once led a four month expedition over the Greater Himalaya to raise money for primary health care projects in northern India. Mike is a keen photographer, winning a national travel photo competition with a shot taken in central Uzbekistan and has given many slideshows and lectures at major travel events. He currently writes for Rough Guides and is a student of Tibetan art and philosophy. His favourite breakfast is aloo paratha, washed down with copious amounts of chai and a magnificent Himalayan vista.
Franklin, Paul Paul has worked as a wildlife biologist and expedition leader for over 20 years. His trek leading experience covers routes in the Andes, Himalaya and Kilimanjaro. This year's adventures have included trekking in Patagonia, mountain biking in Bolivia, an ascent of Chimborazo and white water kayaking in Ecuador. Paul has also driven expedition vehicles from Kathmandu to London and the length of South America. A keen photographer, his wildlife and travel images are regularly published. He loves the unrivalled mountain scenery of the Himalaya, the warm nature of its people and their Buddhist philosphy.
Gibbons, Bob Along with with Siân Pritchard-Jones, Bob has been travelling overland, leading treks and exploring as many unusual destinations as possible since the mid seventies. Bob has driven overland trucks across Asia, Africa and South America, as well as driving tour buses around India, and he met Siân,in Kashmir in 1983. For some years they have also been engaged in writing guidebooks mainly about the Himalayan region and following two overland trips in 2003 and 2004 they wrote the Bradt Africa Overland guidebook. In 2008 Siân and Bob will be our Overland Consultants for our trips to Africa.
Goodwin, Stephen STEPHEN is a freelance journalist and editor of the Alpine Journal, the oldest mountaineering journal in the world. He turned freelance in 1999 after 13 years as a staff journalist on The Independent, mainly covering politics at Westminster. Settled in Cumbria’s Eden Valley, he now specialises in travel, mountaineering, environment and just a dash of politics. A climber and ski-mountaineer, in 1998 he reached the south summit of Everest, filing an award-winning diary to The Independent. He is writing a guide to the mountains of Austria and has also developed a bruising fascination with the remoter ranges of Turkey. He still writes mainly for The Independent and its sister paper The Independent on Sunday, and also for several magazines including Climber and Geographical.
Harbert, Steve Steve is Mountain Kingdoms' General Manager and has nearly twenty years' experience of leading and organising trekking trips worldwide: from day walks in the mountains of Europe to treks in the Himalayas, Africa, North and South America. After first forays in the Welsh hills and then family trips to the Alps, Steve knew that he'd found his true passion and thereafter the stamp albums and Airfix kits never stood a chance. Mountaineering trips were always the holiday of choice and after studying in Outdoor Education Steve's career has combined training, leading and operating in adventure travel ever since. In the last twelve months Steve's travels have taken him to the mountains of Canada and Egypt and the deserts of Jordan and Morocco.
Harper, Majorie Anne 'M.A.' (as she likes to be known) is a European Mountain Leader and teaches kayaking and sailing. Her mountain experience includes climbing all the Scottish Munroes, plus the Matterhorn, Mt Kenya and Mt Elbrus, and a first ascent of a mountain in the Kulu Himalaya. She has also walked across Scotland seven times on the TGO Challenge, and trekked in Patagonia, Ecuador and Bolivia. She has led for several companies during 20 years, taking groups to the Pamirs, Caucasus, Greece, Morocco, Europe and Tibet.
Hibbert, Frank A native of Sheffield, Frank has been active in the hills for more years than he cares to remember and has personal climbing and trekking experience in the Andes Alps and Pyrenees. A qualified International Mountain Leader, he has lead trekking groups in the Alps, Malaysia and most South American countries. When not on the hill, his interests are listening to old blues records, eating pasta, and searching for the perfect latte.
Hoyland, Graham Graham, a BBC TV producer, is the great nephew of Howard Somervell, who lent his camera to George Mallory on his ill-fated Everest expedition in 1924. Graham has been to Everest on six previous occasions to search for his uncle's camera, which could hold the secret of Mallory's summit attempt. His expedition to the North Face in 1999 found George Mallory's body- but not the camera. He has filmed on Everest for the BBC in 1990, 1999, 2000 and 2001 and became the 15th Briton to summit in 1993. In 2010 Graham embarks on a huge adventure - climbing the Seven Summits and sailing across the Seven Seas to get to them. Visit his website: www.sevenseassevensummits.com
Hutchinson, Rupert Rupert has always had a passion for wild places; since his first trip to Nepal in 2001, Rupert has travelled extensively seeking out new adventures. He is a freelance outdoor educator having led trekking, climbing and educational school expeditions to Pakistan, Tibet, Morocco, Siberia and Nepal. Rupert is also a facilitator for youth leadership, environmental education and Forest Schools programmes. He is a keen skier, rock climber, photographer and ecologist. Rupert holds the International Mountain Leader and Winter Mountain Leader awards.
Jackson, Kim Kim was 18 when she enjoyed her first taste of independent travel, and found work on a walnut farm in Grenoble. Since that first experience there has never been a moment without planning or thinking about her next adventure! From America to Africa, and China to Nepal, Kim has travelled extensively, either independently or leading groups. At the age of 39 she gave up her family business and went back to college to study to work in the outdoors. Now a qualified climbing, kayaking and mountain bike instructor, Kim also holds the IML (International Mountain Leader), but would like to push the qualifications further!! "It’s just a matter of time-whether I can fit it all in!"
Jenkins, Andrew Andy started out in metallurgy, but soon realised that his passion actually lay in mountainous, wild places. He is a qualified Winter Mountain Leader and BASI ski instructor. He has led numerous treks to Morocco, and has also led groups around Egypt, Costa Rica, India and Chile. In 2008 he led two groups to the top of Kilimanjaro (and back!), and has also summited Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn. He is a keen ski tourer, enjoying heading out into the remote snowy places of the Himalaya, Colorado, Scotland and the Alps. When back in the UK, he enjoys running and going to music festivals, and has recently decided to return to school to study A level French.
Johnson, Ralph Ralph, an ex-trekker turned trek leader, is a retired teacher and one-time chief examiner in outdoor education. He has been a keen mountaineer and caver all his life, has summited numerous European peaks including Elbrus and has even been spotted in the Andes, Himalaya and Africa.
Johnson, Sally Sally is an experienced trekker who has travelled extensively around the world on several occasions including a year in South America and 3 months in India A marketer by trade, Sally has managed to combine her career with her love of trekking and has led several trips in the Himalayan regions, where Nepal remains her true love.
Jones, Cory Cory is a qualified IML and has worked leading trekking holidays and wildlife tours in the UK and further afield for over 10 years. He is a trained ecologist specialising in freshwater systems, but has a passion for bird watching, which began when he was a boy. Cory has travelled widely in the Himalayas making the second ascent of an isolated peak in Pakistan in 1998. He has undertaken remote treks in Central Asia, Africa and South America. Although Cory enjoys being in the mountains he has spent up to 6 months at a time living in the rainforest supporting biodiversity studies. He has recently worked in the UK, Uzbekistan and Iran helping to set up environmental education centres. Previously Cory has managed outdoors centres in the UK and worked for Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the UK Wildlife Trusts. Now he runs a consultancy based in the Lake District (www.cory-jones.com). Now he runs First Aid Academy, specialising in delivering Outdoor First Aid training (www.firstaidacademy.co.uk).
Jordans, Bart Bart is of Dutch nationality, and has been exploring and guiding treks and trekking peaks in the Himalaya, Karakoram, Hindu Kush and the European Alps since the beginning of the 1980s. He has led more than 80 trips in that period. From 1999 he lived with his family for 4½ years in Bhutan and is the author of the guidebook 'Bhutan: A Trekker's Guide' published by Cicerone. Since 1994 and during the time he lived there he trekked and researched many of the trekking routes in the kingdom and successfully traversed Lunana no less than four times. He has now returned to Copenhagen, where he lives with his family, having also just spent two years living in Vietnam.
Kelly, Ned Your trek leader is 'Ned' Kelly who has led dozens of treks for us over the years, throughout the Himalaya. For many years he was a producer/director for the Natural History Unit of the BBC. Besides this is he is a mountaineer who, as a younger man, filmed on two expeditions to the south west face of Everest including Chris Bonington's successful attempt in 1975. Over the space of 35 years he has accumulated a fund of knowledge of the fauna, terrain and peoples ranging across the Himalaya. In the year 2000 he led our longest ever trek, The Complete Lunana Snowman, which took 29 days traversing most of the northern border of Bhutan.
Lawty, Sue Sue is one of Britain's finest young textile artists and her work has been exhibited and acclaimed in the United States, Canada and many venues in the UK. She is a tutor and visiting lecturer and has travelled on 'weaving journeys' to Morocco, America, Ghana, Jordan, Australia, India, Poland and of course Bhutan. She is also an accomplished climber and trekker, and was born in 1954.
Limburn, Jude Jude brings her years of commercial experience in the travel industry to manage Himalayan Kingdoms Marketing Department. Having lived and worked all over the world, her permanently ‘itchy feet’ mean that Jude is never happier than when planning her next overseas venture. Recent treks with Himalayan Kingdoms include K2 and the Gondogoro La and Minya Konka in China. Her first and true love however remains the mountains and people of Nepal where she returns as often as work will permit.
Mankelow, Seb A keen trekker, free-heel skier, climber (now infrequent) and amateur naturalist, Seb has expeditioned and travelled in the mountains of North America, East Africa, The Kyrgyz Republic, the Karakoram, and at various points along the Himalayan chain. He has recently moved with his family to British Columbia, Canada, exchanging the bustle of SE England for the forest, lakes and rivers of the Cariboo region. His favourite place on earth however continues to be the Zanskar region of Ladakh. Since 1994, Seb has returned almost annually to this area where he has undertaken academic research, trekked off-the-beaten-track, and made several traverses of the frozen Zanskar River. Pursuing his passion for this corner of the world, Seb also has a Masters Degree in South Asian Area Studies from the School of Oriental and African Studies, London.
Martin, Stuart Stuart is a GP in Norfolk. His introduction to the Himalaya came when, as an Army doctor, he spent time with the Gurkhas in Eastern Nepal. Since then he has returned many times, both as trek leader and client. His other favourite destination is Antarctica, which he has visited with expeditions on two occasions.
Mason, Kim A qualified Mountain Leader, Kim is based in Edinburgh and her enthusiasm for the outdoors began whilst she was a child. She enjoys ski-mountaineering, hiking and climbing in all parts of the world. Places visited include the Nepalese Himalayas, the Alps, the Canadian Rockies, Morocco, the Sierra Nevada in the USA, Mount McKinley in Alaska, Peru, Malaysia and Bolivia.
Masson, Bonny Bonny has climbed rock, ice and alpine routes since 1970 but is perhaps best known as one of the UK's leading women rockclimbers, who pushed standards and changed expectations during the 80's. She has many new routes and first ascents to her name in the UK. She holds the ISIA international ski teacher's qualification, which includes off-piste safety and mountain first aid modules. From 1988, she has led between 2 to 5 treks and peaks in the Greater Ranges every year. Countries visited include Nepal, Pakistan, Sikkim, Ladakh, Mongolia and most recently, Tibet, where she led successful ascent of a 7045m peak with clients
McAulay, Harry Harry is currently a teacher, having previously been a building services engineer and prior to that a Royal Marines Officer. He has led more treks for us than anyone else and is one of the most popular characters on our team. Also best man at Steve Berry’s wedding.
McNeil, Stuart Stuart McNeil – Qualified International Mountain Leader and Winter ML. With a career that started in the European Alps over 20 years ago, Stuart has led expeditions for us since 1995 including Island and Mera Peaks, Rolwaling summits, Langtang Climber, Everest North Col, Aconcagua, Elbrus and Kilimanjaro. He was the support group leader for the 1st British Mount Everest Expedition in 1994. He also instructs cross country skiing in Norway, Switzerland and Austria.
Mears, Richard Richard has over twenty years hill walking experience and holds the Mountain Leader (summer) Award. He is a Mountaineering Instructor and Expedition Supervisor for the Scout Association and has traveled extensively across the Himalayas and Indian sub-continent. Richard is the Human Resources Manager for the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority and his other hobbies include scuba diving, photography and military history.
Miller, Alastair Dr Alastair is a consultant physician in the Tropical and Infectious Disease Unit at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital and an Honorary Fellow at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. He previously spent 20 years in the Royal Naval Medical Service, including time with the Royal Marines. While in the Navy he climbed extensively in the Alps and the Himalaya and has been to 8,000 metres on the North Face of Everest and to the top of Mount Kenya, Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount McKinley. Alastair, who is also a keen ski mountaineer and rock climber, has led treks for Himalayan Kingdoms in Sikkim, Ladakh, Bhutan and Nepal. He usually shares the leadership/medicine with his wife, Angie, a qualified nurse.
Morgan, Niki Niki is Operations Manager for Mountain Kingdoms, and her passions are rock climbing, running and travel. A few years ago she took part in the Everest Marathon, and most weekends she is to be found half way up some cliff or other. She has now led treks for us to Bhutan, Zanskar, Sikkim, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Nepal as well as doing the recces for Patagonia, our ‘trekking peak’ treks in Nepal (Mera Peak in 2006 and Island Peak in 2007, both of which she summited), and our Mont Blanc Summit trek in 2008.
Moyan, Daniel Daniel Moylan is an experienced traveller, particularly in South East Asia and Europe. He has always had a zest for new places and experiences and has a gift for imparting his enthusiasm to others. Throughout his life, he has taken part in all the adventurous opportunities that have come his way. Now making time to create his own adventures, he is currently leading a vehicle expedition around the world. He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society. Together with a small group of volunteers, he masterminded and took to completion a vehicle based overland expedition - the “Lone Wolf Transglobal Expedition” -travelling around the world via a route of 29 countries, including Europe and the Middle East, Asia, China, south east Asia, the USA, Central and South America, Africa and Spain.
Newnham, Lindy Lindy holds a Mountain Leader Award (summer). She is an experienced hill walker and leads groups in the Brecon Beacons, Snowdonia and further afield. She has led treks in Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela, Nepal and Mongolia and has also travelled in Morocco and Ladakh, summitting Mount Toubkal and Stok Kangri. Lindy is a full time teacher of Spanish and French. Her hobbies include photography, environmental issues and responsible travel, and an interest in other cultures and natural history.
O'Neale, Kevin Kevin O'Neale qualified as a British Mountain Guide in 1992. This is an International guiding qualification which allows holders to work legally as a guide in the European Alpine countries. It is the highest internationally recognised qualification for instruction and guiding in rock and ice climbing, mountaineering and off-piste skiing and ski touring - the coveted IFMGA/UIAGM carnet. It is recognised throughout the mountain world as your guarantee of their professional training and competence in all aspects of mountaineering and client care. Kevin is also a member of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors and passed the Mountain Instructors Certificate - M.I.C. in 1989. He has been an instructor and mountain guide in the UK since 1978, having worked in North Wales, the Lake District, the Swiss & French Alps, as well as the Highlands of Scotland, and the Indian and Nepal Himalaya since then. Guiding from Chamonix for the Summer seasons 1990 to 1993, he has based himself in Saas Grund and the Swiss Alps from 1994 to the present.
O'Neale, Winky Winky has been hill-walking, mountaineering and climbing since 1972, progressing from the UK to the Alps and then to the Himalaya and Africa. She is a highly qualified mountain and trek leader and has taken part in expeditions to Singu Chuli in the Annapurna Sanctuary, Mount Kenya, and Mount Ararat in Turkey. In 1993 Winky made the first British female ascent of Baljuri (5,950m) and Panwali Dwar (6,500m) in Gangotri, India.
Perry, Mark Mark is an inveterate climber and trekker and has led expeditions to Europe, Africa, Asia and South America over a period of 20 years. He has led treks for Himalayan Kingdoms in Ladakh, Nepal and Tibet.
Pfisterer, Gary American Gary, who has taken part in many expeditions throughout the world since he started climbing in 1988, walked hand-in-hand to the summit of Everest in 1993 with his late wife, Ginette Harrison. It was the start of their many Himalayan climbs together. They jointly climbed the world's third, sixth, ninth and thirteenth highest mountains and on a number of occasions Gary unselfishly gave up his own summit bids in support of Ginette. He narrowly escaped the avalanche, which tragically killed his wife while the pair were attempting Dhaulagiri in 1999.
Pickford, David David Pickford is a leading outdoor photographer and writer, and the editor-in-chief of the adventure sports website www.planetfear.com. David is also one the UK’s most accomplished climbers, with an impressive portfolio of first ascents from Britain and Europe to the mountains of Arabia, Central Asia, North Africa, and the Far East. In 2003, David took the unconventional career move of riding a dilapidated, two-stroke Russian motorcycle across most of East Asia (from Vietnam to Indonesia, via China). It was on this expedition that he made a firm commitment to take the office outdoors. Today, David combines a busy photography schedule with wide-ranging journalism for traditional and new media. He covers climbing, mountaineering, and adventure sports, along with other environmental and political topics worldwide. Between a busy schedule of global projects, David still finds time for pioneering new climbs on British cliffs. His longer expeditions often involve adventure motorcycling and climbing, the most recent of which was a three month journey around the Indian subcontinent on an Enfield Bullet.
Pritchard-Jones, Siân Siân, along with her husband Bob Gibbons, has been travelling overland, leading treks and exploring as many unusual destinations as possible since the mid seventies. Since meeting Bob in Kashmir in 1983, they have led treks in the Himalayas, the Sahara and the Alps. In 1999 they drove a bus overland to Kathmandu with some ‘much more mature’ clients. For some years Sian & Bob have also been engaged in writing guidebooks. Following two overland trips in 2003 and 2004 they wrote the Bradt Africa Overland guidebook and they continue to venture overland whenever possible. In 2008 Siân and Bob will be our Overland Consultants for our trips to Africa.
Reynolds, Kev Kev is a Freelance Author, Photojournalist and Lecturer. He is an Author of 43 books more than 30 of which are Guide books for walkers and trekkers. Kev began climbing at age 16 and in the past 45 years has climbed, trekked and walked in the Pyrenees, European Alps, Corsica, Tatra, Norway, the Russian Caucasus, Eastern Turkey, Peru and has done at least 13 treks in Nepal. He is the First Honorary Member of the British Association of European Mountain Leaders. His Guide books include Annapurna, Everest, Manaslu, Langtang and Kangchenjunga but he is particularly well known for his expertise in the Alps.
Roine, Roope Roope Roine (IML, MIA) is a mountaineer with 20 years experience of walking and climbing around the world. Born and raised in arctic Finland, he works as a mountaineering instructor in Scandinavia. He has lead treks and climbing trips in Nepal, South America, and Greenland and spent two years working at the National Mountaineering Centre (Plas-y-Brenin) North-Wales. When not in the mountains he spends his time in a sea kayak. Other passions include photography and he loves Scottish winter climbing and walking.
Rutland, Mike Mike, who has known Bhutan since the early Seventies when he was Tutor to the present King, has an encyclopaedic knowledge about its fascinating history and culture. He founded the UK-based Bhutan Society, which is dedicated to increasing knowledge about the kingdom and raising funds for worthwhile projects, including schools and village schemes.
Sainsbury, Ann Ann, one of our operations managers, first travelled overland to Nepal in 1977 to escape a proper job in London. Since then she has trekked in the Himalaya almost every year, as well as leading treks to places as far apart as the Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru, the Pindos Mountains, Greece, and the Verdon Gorge, Provence, with 12 ascents of Kilimanjaro thrown in for good measure.
Seymour-Williams, Beetle Beetle has lived and worked around the world, including a spell running tiger safaris in India’s Kanha National Park. She has travelled extensively, including 8 months in China and Tibet, and undertaken several treks and climbs in Nepal. She has also led three treks for us in Bhutan and two in Sikkim.
Shipton, John John was born in Yunnan when his famous explorer father, Eric, was Consul General in the capital, Kunming. Like his father, John has the travel bug and has trekked, very often plant hunting, in many parts of the Himalaya and other wild places around the world. He now runs a bulb nursery in west Wales.
Spear, David David is widely travelled in the Himalaya, and in particular Nepal which he first visited at the end of the overland “Hippy Trail”, back in 1978. He has subsequently travelled in Tibet, Bhutan, and parts of China. He has also explored remote parts of Peru, where he found the Copper Mines his explorer ancestor worked, over 100 years ago. In Venezuela he took part in the first ascent of Nanoy Tepui after climbing Mount Roraima, described by the author Conan Doyle as “The Land that Time Forgot”. Kenya and Tanzania have provided stunning wildlife, and the ascent of Kilimanjaro. A Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, his ultimate aim is to be an astronaut!
Thompson, Joy Joy, a volunteer warden with Brecon Beacons National Park, is an experienced and enthusiastic trekker and trek leader. Her back-country travels include Alaska, Papua New Guinea, Peru and Borneo as well as many trips to the Himalayas. She has led treks for Himalayan Kingdoms to Nepal, Tibet, Sikkim and Bhutan.
Thomson, Hugh Hugh Thomson is Britain's foremost modern explorer of lost Inca settlements. The author of two acclaimed books: The White Rock: An Exploration of the Inca Heartland (Phoenix) and Cochineal Red: Travels Through Ancient Peru, Hugh co-led the Anglo-American expedition which discovered the lost Inca site of Cota Coca in 2002, making headlines around the world. In May 2003 he returned to Peru, using thermal imaging technology to photograph the cloud forest from the air and successfully find another site buried beneath the vegetation.
Turner, John John's love of the mountains started way back on a school expedition climbing virgin peaks in the Chinese Pamirs, and continued through numerous summers spent climbing in the Alps. An experienced trek leader, John has led numerous treks in Morocco, the Himalaya and the Alps. His real passion is for the Himalaya where climbing expeditions have seen him scaling various peaks in Kazakhstan, and taking in a close up view of Everest from the top of Ama Dablam (6,950m) in Nepal. When not climbing mountains John, an LRPS photographer, indulges his second favourite pastime photography from his Cotswold home which he shares with his wife, Mountain Kingdoms' Marketing Manager, Jude.
Viggers, Moira Moira has trekked and climbed all along the Himalaya. When not leading treks she is, among other things, a climbing instructor and fiddle player, and is one of our most popular trek leaders. She has been taking treks for Himalayan Kingdoms for many years now.
Wall, Ian Ian is a retired teacher now living in Kathmandu. He has over forty years experience of working in the mountains ranging from being an instructor at Plas-y-Brenin and working in outdoor education centres to guiding and leading treks in Nepal, Africa, the Alps and Scandinavia. He is an experienced climber and mountaineer and was at one time the training officer for one of the busiest mountain rescue teams in the UK.
Webster, Steve Steve travelled to Nepal in the early 1980s to work with the famous Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge. He spent five years in the jungles of Nepal, managing several lodges and camps and studying wildlife, and he trekked extensively in Nepal while working as Director of Sales for Nepal’s first established trekking company. Today Steve oversees the running of the Himalayan Children's Foundation in Kathmandu, which educates underprivileged and orphaned children from remote mountain districts. Steve lives in Kathmandu with his two children and regularly leads treks in Nepal and Bhutan. He speaks fluent Nepali
Welsh, Tony Tony was our Operations Manager for a few years in the 1990s, and thus has an in-depth knowledge of the business. Since leaving he has continued to lead treks for us regularly, and maintains close contact with us as his home is only a few miles from our office! Tony is an excellent organiser, is hard working, a very keen sportsman and a popular leader, so we still value his friendship and involvement as one of our best leaders. As well as travelling independently through Asia, Tony has led numerous treks for us in Bhutan, Tibet Sikkim, Ladakh, Zanskar and Nepal.
Windsor, Jeremy Jeremy is an anaesthetist at University College Hospital and a researcher at the Centre for Altitude, Space and Extreme Environment Medicine at University College London. Much of his research is focused upon the way high altitude impacts upon the human body. He has been part of two medical research expeditions to the North West Ridge of Cho Oyu (2005) and the South East Ridge of Mt Everest (2007). His interest in mountains and mountaineering goes back 20 years and he has climbed in the UK and overseas, with trips to Argentina, Kenya and Nepal as a medical student and climbing or trekking in Greenland, North America, Africa, South America and Asia as an expedition doctor, guide or team member.
Woodhead, Cathy Cathy has trekked in Nepal, Tibet, Turkey, Peru, Ecuador and elsewhere. She has been a rock climber most of her life and now combines climbing and trekking trips with her new publishing company. She is a qualified mountain leader and first-aider.
Yost, John John Yost, a co-founder and former president of Sobek Expeditions, is one of the pioneers of modern adventure travel. He has been active in the field since 1969, has led trips to over 50 countries on all 7 continents, spoken and written about adventure and ecotourism conferences throughout the world, and generally indulged his fascination with exotic travel at every level of the business. A specialist in whitewater rafting, he has explored many of the world's great rivers.