Choosing Your Guide for Mont Blanc, the Matterhorn & Mt Elbrus: A Checklist for Middle Eastern Climbers
Your ability to crush a 15km trek through the Hajar Mountains in 40°C heat doesn’t mean you’re ready for the technical ice of an Alpine ridge. It’s a…
Best Treks in the World: An Expedition Leader’s Definitive 2026 Guide
Most “top ten” lists you find online are written by people who have never actually slept in a tent at sub-zero temperatures or managed a team through…
Choosing the Best Mountaineering Guide in Dubai for Africa’s Iconic Peaks: Kilimanjaro to Mt Stanley (2026)
Last August, I spoke with a climber in Dubai who had spent 180 days training for the cold in 40-degree heat, only to realize he had no idea if his…
Climb Denali: An Honest Guide to Summiting North America’s Highest Peak (2026)
In May 2024, a seasoned climber stood at 7,200 feet on the Kahiltna Glacier and realized that their 60 pound training pack was only half the battle….
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro: The Definitive Guide from an Expedition Leader
What if I told you that being the fittest person in your group is often the very reason you might not reach the summit? On my last 22 expeditions,…
Spring vs Autumn: Best Time for Everest Base Camp
Everest Base Camp is one of the most famous trekking places in the world. Every year, thousands of people travel to Nepal to walk through beautiful villages, cross high suspension bridges, see snowy peaks, and experience the adventure of reaching this legendary destination. Many trekkers dream about standing at the base of Mount Everest, taking […]
Lessons Only the Mountains Can Teach After Years of Climbing
When people ask me (Caroline Leon) what the mountains have taught me in all these years of climbing, they expect answers about courage, strength, or grit. And yes, the mountains taught me all of that. But they also taught lessons that are quieter, slower, and far less obvious. These are the kind of lessons that […]
3 Things I’ve Learnt From Climbing the World’s Highest Mountains
People often ask me what the mountains have taught me. They expect answers about strength, resilience, or courage. And YES, the mountains taught me all those things but I (Caroline Leon) also learnt some very quiet, less obvious, deeper, and far less glamorous lessons. After nearly losing my life in a climbing accident in 2015, […]
The Beauty and Struggle of High-Altitude Treks: What Every Trekker Should Know
High-altitude trekking looks beautiful from the outside. You see snowy peaks, blue skies, and wide open views. But it’s not always easy. You experience thinner air up in the mountains, which makes you feel tired quickly. Your mind feels exhausted. Still, people keep going back to the mountains again and again. Some love seeing the […]
Everything You Need to Know About Mount Elbrus in 2026
Mount Elbrus may be known as the highest point in Europe, but for me it has always been something more than a statistic on a map. I have climbed many peaks over the years, yet Elbrus has a different way of testing you and asking questions you did not know you needed to answer. From […]
