Ben Walker

Ben Walker

Ben lives in the Lake District, having worked in outdoor pursuits and the adventure travel industry since 2004. He has worked as a tour leader and professional mountain leader, and leads a variety of expeditions, trekking and cycling holidays.

Ben was based in Thailand and Borneo for 4 years, leading trekking and cycling tours throughout SE Asia. After returning to the UK he continued to lead treks and expeditions in Africa, South America, and extensively in the Himalayas.

It was whilst cycling from Bangkok to Delhi in 2006, he crossed Tibet and Nepal by bicycle. He fell in love with the Himalayas and has since been back most years. Having led multiple trips to Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and India; Kanchenjunga Circuit and Upper Dolpo to Jomsom GHT remain his firm favourites.

Getting to know Ben Walker

Kanchenjunga Circuit and Upper Dolpo to Jomsom GHT because of their varied topography and incredible colours. I haven’t been to the Karakoram yet, but am leading a K2 Base Camp trip later this summer, so this may change!

Finding a snow leopard foot print on Kanchenjunga Circuit, shortly after seeing a huge herd (or flock?) of blue sheep; a true life-affirming WOW moment.

Really focus on your personal fitness, gradually building up to an expedition. The more you put in, the more you will enjoy your trip. Give yourself 6 months to a year to get ready for a big-trip and keep it as your training focus to aim for. Do plenty of training, carrying a rucksack, and as much hill-walking and cross-training as possible. 

My love for the mountains started in the scouts and then progressed whilst at school, to complete all three Ten Tors events on Dartmoor. I deliberately went to  Plymouth University, to be closer to Dartmoor, where I could go rock climbing on weekends. After a short career in the Merchant Navy, (deciding seafaring really wasn’t for me), I became an outdoor pursuits instructor and gradually got into organising adventure races and charity challenges, and leading cycling and trekking holidays. Having been a tour leader in SE Asia, I decided to make a career of the travel industry and returned to the UK. The Lake District was always somewhere I went on holiday, so I'm lucky enough to live & work there now, in one of the most beautiful places in England.

Since you’re recently able to get an online 5 year visa for India, I can definitely see more trips in that direction. Chadar/Zanskar certainly appeals.

I would love to walk the Pacific Crest Trail, given the time off in the summer, which is always the busiest time of the leader-calendar.

I tend to eat more rice based veggie curries & dhal when I start a trip; then more international food when I’m back in Kathmandu, just because you have so many great options. I love good coffee so regularly stop in at Himalayan Java. I like Roadhouse Cafe and Ktoo Steak House, and have been known to join Ade for a beer in Sam’s Bar….

Upcoming leader trips

Trip Name Dates Trip Leader Price
K2 Base Camp & Concordia 13 Jul - 02 Aug 2025

Ben Walker

US$4,095
K2 Base Camp & Gondogoro La 13 Jul - 02 Aug 2025

Ben Walker

US$4,195