Mountain Climbing and Trekking Guide Craig Van Hoy will guide you on an unforgettable adventure travel experience!

Go Trek is a Pacific Northwest travel outfitter owned and operated by veteran mountaineer, mountain climbing and trekking guide Craig Van Hoy. Celebrating 30 years of trekking and mountain climbing guide experience and 25th year since founding GoTrek, Craig has dedicated his entire life to exploring the remote corners of the world through trekking and climbing.

Go Trek specializes in two styles of trips:

1. 1. Trekking – non-technical hikes that do not entail the use of any specialized equipment but require solid physical condition
2. 2. Mountain Climbs – trips that involve the use of specialized equipment such as ropes, carabiners and ice axes.

Go Trek offers a variety of challenging, intriguing domestic climbing and trekking trips. For more information about our Pacific Northwest mountain climbing trips please visit our NW Mountain Guides website.

Our remarkable international guided mountain climbing and trekking adventures include the Seven Summits of the World! Our international trekking and mountain climbing adventures include:

• Africa: Kilimanjaro Trekking and Mountain Climbing

  In Ernest Hemingway’s “The Snows of Kilimanjaro”, the main character finally takes a deep look inside himself and his accomplishments. Our guests say that this trip is the most inspiring two weeks they ever have spent in their lives. This is a terrific chance to come and experience it for you. Mt. Kilimanjaro, at 19,340 feet, is the highest peak in Africa and the tallest “free standing” mountain on earth. The peak is not part of a mountain range, rising majestically from an intriguing plateau just minutes from the town of Arusha and its efficient airport. Experience an active, challenging, non-technical and safe trek to the top of the world’s most famous peaks. Then, reward your accomplishment by kicking back and relaxing on a luxury photo-safari to some of the most biologically diverse and active areas on Earth. This all encompassing trip should be on everyone’s “Bucket List.”

  All skill levels of trekkers, from beginning to experienced, are welcome on our non-technical guided climb to the summit of this magnificent peak. Go Trek is celebrating its 20th year leading trips to Africa and our itinerary is unsurpassed. Our wonderful local African staff allows you to more fully enjoy the trip because you need only carry a light pack while a professional aide sets up camp and does the dishes. We fly in and out of Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania, giving you more time to enjoy the trip and more comfort along the way. This route avoids the long bus ride from Nairobi to Arusha as well as the problems and expense of crossing from Kenya into Tanzania. The bottom line: our itinerary gives you more rest (it's a long way!), more time to prepare for the climb and more time on safari following our incomparable experience on the mountain.

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• Antarctica: Mt. Vinson Mountain Climbing

  Feel the same climate and atmosphere that pushed the legendary Ernest Shackleton to his heroics in the famous Nimrod and Discovery expeditions as you pull sleds across the ice en route to climbing Mt. Vinson (16,067 feet), the highest point of Antarctica and one of the Seven Summits of the World.

  The climb of Mt. Vinson is rather straightforward yet requires some technical glacier travel experience. Go Trek’s Craig Van Hoy requires previous glacier travel experience and preferably extensive winter camping experience as well. An ascent of Mt. Vinson can be done in as little as one week but our itinerary includes plenty of time for acclimatization, rest, and most importantly weather delays. The cold, dry Antarctic climate is like nothing else you’ll experience.

  Go Trek jumps into Antarctica from Punta Arenas, Chile, the southernmost city on Earth and a historical haven for famous explorers, pirates and gold-crazed Europeans heading for the California Gold Rush. Overlooking the Straits of Magellan, Punta Arenas Situated astride one of the world's historic trade routes, its prosperity has risen and fallen with that trade. Punta Arenas enjoyed its first great boom during the California Gold Rush, when it served as a haven for great clipper ships.

  Come and take part in an unforgettable experience! It is a climb like none other . . .

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• Argentina: Aconcagua Mountain Climbing

  The majestic Cerro Aconcagua, or “The Sentinel of Stone” in Argentina, is the highest peak (22,841 ft.) in the Western Hemisphere. Go Trek has been safely leading participants to the summit since 1984. We have one of the best success rates on Aconcagua, climbing the mountain "expedition style," which allows team members the time they need to acclimatize. One of the unique features of our guided climb is that we ascend the Vacas and Relinchos Valleys, a variation that allows you to avoid the crowds and have a much more enjoyable experience. Upon reaching the summit, we traverse the mountain and descend via the normal route.
  In addition to world-class climbing, participants on this trip will have the chance to discover the vibrant city of Mendoza, the gateway to burgeoning Argentinean wine country. A walking tour takes you to the dynamic "Plaza de la Independencia" the cultural epicenter of Mendoza and the popular Sarmiento walkway, one of the city's main arteries with its centric cafes and open air restaurants. We exit the trip via Santiago, allowing for extra days so that you can head to the beach for a day or two of sun and sand, or simply return home early.

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• Belize Trekking

  A fascinating region and the heart of the ancient Mayan civilization that can be traced to 900 A.D., Belize is unique and unusual and a stimulation destination for the adventuresome trekker. While the Belize Barrier Reef stretches 165 miles from the Yucatan Peninsula to the Bay of Honduras, Belize is much more than a water-sports destination. Formerly known as British Honduras, Belize boasts a legendary cultural landscape highlighted by more 600 archaeological sites plus the largest remaining tracts of undisturbed rainforests in all of Central America where abundant wildlife continues to flourish. In fact, 36 percent of the country has been dedicated to marine reserves, parks and wildlife sanctuaries. While no technical climbing experience is required, trip members should be in sound physical condition and bring with them and genuine thirst for the exotic!

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• Bolivia: Illimani Mountain Climbing

  An adventure to Bolivia starts high and fast- with landing at the world’s highest commercial airport in La Paz (13,000 ft.). Our objective for this trip will be reaching the summit of two peaks: Huayna Potosi (19,980 feet) and Illimani (21,200 feet). This terrific, versatile adventure will not be spent solely on the trail. We’ll have plenty of time to sample the towns and villages of this bold and captivating country. Craig Van Hoy has been leading Bolivian climbs since 1984 and combines fluency in Spanish with knowledge of the country, its history and topography. Previous mountaineering experience is required for this trip but there is sufficient time built in to refresh our rope travel skills upon arrival in Bolivia. To ensure proper acclimatization, we will first set our sights on Huayna Potosi, which on requires the use of fixed rope lines and running belays on summit day. After the climb, we’ll return to La Paz to rest, relax and celebrate before attempting our second objective, Illimani.

  The climb of Illimani requires solid mountaineering skills and the use of running belays and fixed rope lines. We’ll work as a team to climb methodically and safely as we make our way up the mountain. The thrilling summit ridge of Illimani makes the tough effort worthwhile, offering an airy knife edge final ramp to the true summit. Whew!

  Like all Go Trek trips, Craig Van Hoy builds in ample opportunity to experience the must-sees of Bolivian culture, including the bustling city life of La Paz and Lake Titicaca.

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• Ecuador Mountain Climbing and Trekking

  A trip to the lively city of Quito, Ecuador and the nearby peaks of Chimborazo (20,68 ft.), Cotopaxi (19,341 ft.), and Cayambe (18,956 ft.) make for the perfect blend of cultural sightseeing and adventure travel. Plus, you can wrap up your experience with a fascinating optional side trip to the legendary Galapagos Islands or river cruise up the Amazon and is surrounding jungle. We start our adventure in Quito, one of the most beautiful cities in all of South America. Situated 9,350 feet above sea level, Quito has retained its colonial charm, the old centre in particular filled with white washed houses with red tiled roofs and a plethora of lovely churches and monuments. The 16th century Monastery of San Francisco is the oldest church in Ecuador and amongst the first Spanish colonial style churches to be built in South America. Other highlights include the market at Otavalo, a stay at the hacienda near Pasochoa, experiences participants can enjoy with additional pre and post climb nights in this truly captivating city. Go Trek has superb local support staff to ensure flawless logistics not only in Quito, but also in all of Ecuador. For example, each of the climbing peaks has huts or “refugios” for us to base from before going for the summit. The climbing in Ecuador can be great next step after climbing one of the Pacific Northwest volcanoes and serve as a great stepping stone before attempting mountains like Aconcagua and Mt. McKinley. Some climbing experience is required for the Ecuador ascents.

• Indonesia: Carstensz Pyramid Mountain Climbing

  One of the world’s Seven Summits, the climb to 16,023-foot Carstensz Pyramid is just one portion of your adventure on New Guinea, the huge Indonesian island just south of the Equator. The re-named Western Papua region, known as Irian Jaya since 1973, is famous for its tropical spices and is laced with intriguing culture and history. It was first claimed by the Dutch who hoped to add it to its Spice Island Empire. Its colorful and inquisitive indigenous people, who lived separate and independent of the outside world for centuries, began consistent interaction with the West in the 1970s. The Carstensz Pyramid, named after Jan Carstensz, a Dutch explorer who was the first European to see the mountain, is called Puncak Jaya (“Victory Peak”) by the Indonesians. It is the tallest peak in Oceanic continent. The climb contains several rocky sections and some scrambling is required. Participants should anticipate a true sense of a remote environment, and have previous climbing experience. Background in rock climbing in preferred.

• Mexico: Pico de Orizaba Mountain Climbing

  Everybody speaks of Mexico’s white-sand beaches and year-round soothing ocean water, but its mountain peaks are truly an underestimated treasure of our beautiful and diverse neighbor to the south. And, there is simply no other guide service that can offer a better trip to the Mexican Volcanoes than Go Trek. Climb to the summit of North America’s third highest peak, El Pico de Orizaba (18,880 feet) and North America’s seventh highest peak, Iztaccihuatl (“Ixta”) with the best in the business, Craig Van Hoy and his team. Not only does this veteran contingent speak fluent Spanish but it also offers a flawless itinerary, crafted from more than 20 years of experience in the region. It’s easy relatively easy on the business schedule. Take a Monday through Friday off from work, and use this trip as the perfect winter adventure. You’ll enjoy the sights and sounds of Mexico City and Puebla, along with the warm, friendly people of the villages in the mountains. A previous glacier mountaineering trip (perhaps Mt. Rainier or Mt. Hood) is required. However, the climbing is very straightforward and safe. Many people use this trip as an intermediate stepping stone from a Pacific Northwest Volcano climb to the higher peaks like Aconcagua or Mt. McKinley.

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• Nepal: Everest Trekking and Mountain Climbing

  Base Camp of Mt. Everest

  This is it . . . Follow in the footsteps of the mountaineering legends, and experience the thrill of climbing amongst the giant peaks of the Himalayas. Journey with us to the Base Camp of Mt. Everest, a cultural and spiritual journey like no other. Our targeted area, Solu Khumbu, is home to the Sherpa people and is designated and protected as Sagarmartha National Park for its unique features and special topography. The crown jewel is Mt. Everest at 29,028 feet, is known by the Nepalese as Sagarmartha, meaning "mother goddess of the world".

  Go Trek has been going to Nepal for more than 20 years. The company’s lead guide, Craig Van Hoy, is one of a very few international mountaineers to speak Nepali – the primary language of Nepal - adding to the trip’s enjoyment, comfort, convenience and safety. We’ll begin and end the trip in Kathmandu, a cultural symphony of sights and sounds and a culinary adventure in itself. Once on the trail, Craig utilizes a gracious, accommodating contingent of Sherpa hosts that invite our trip members in to their homes for a rest and tea. Each day is filled with vistas of jagged peaks and hanging glaciers, a photographer’s dream. This exhilarating trek requires no technical mountaineering experience. Our itinerary allows for thorough acclimatization before we continue to the next rung of our mountain journey. As on all our treks in Nepal, dependable, veteran porters or yaks carry all your gear. Typically, your individual day pack often includes items such as a camera, jacket, hat, gloves and a water bottle.

  Island Peak Extension Option: Looking for that challenging technical alternative? Seeking an exciting climbing option with an unforgettable view of the entire South Side of Mt. Everest? Join Craig Van Hoy for a bonus, three-day option climb on Island Peak (Nepal). Our base camp will be just above the village of Chukung. Early the next day, we’ll set out for the glacier via steep slopes that could be covered in snow or mountain g grass. Then, we’ll rope up and grab our ice axes and crampons. The ascent of the glacier and along the final summit ridge is spectacular in every way. A fixed line is often used on the final portion to reach the summit. We’ll be staring at Ama Dablam, Makalu and the Lhotse Face next to Mt. Everest as we plant our feet on the final summit crest a few miles from Tibet. Basic mountaineering experience IS REQUIRED for the Island Peak Extension Option.

   

  Climb To The Summit of Mt. Everest
  with Craig Van Hoy

  What’s it like to be at the highest point on the face of the Earth? Have you climbed other peaks and now seek the ultimate? Here’s a chance to get the proper attention and support all the way to the top. Mt. Everest (29,028 feet) is known by the Nepalese as Sagarmartha, meaning "Mother Goddess of the World.” Craig Van Hoy successfully reached the summit in 2004 and has participated in several other Mt. Everest climbing expeditions, including a personal summit attempt without the use of supplemental oxygen. Through Craig’s outstanding Nepal trekking partners, he has built an Everest summit climbing itinerary that is efficient, safe, and puts you in position for the best possible chance for a successful summit.

  This trip is for experienced climbers only. Craig personally interviews each potential client to ensure they are matching their skills, experience, and desires with such a physically and mentally committing expedition.

  Why climb Mt. Everest with Craig? It’s all about personal attention. No big groups, no rigid itineraries. Craig purposefully keeps the itinerary flexible to adapt to the rapidly changing conditions on the mountain. He hand selects his Sherpa climbing partners to support the trip and will only take a small group of summit climb clients on any given expedition.

  Take the trip of a lifetime. Take the time to call or email Craig about this outstanding adventure.

   

  Kangchenjunga

  This is the mountain that put Craig Van Hoy literally “on the map” and it is very special to Craig every year he returns. In 1989, Craig reached the summit of the world’s third highest mountain, Kangchenjunga (catch-chewn-chung-ga, 28,169 feet), as part of the first all-American team to complete a successful attempt. This team included a notable “Who’s Who” of American mountaineering including Lou Whittaker and Ed Viesturs. To mark that unforgettable event, Craig recently announced that Go Trek would lead a “20-Year Reunion” journey back to the 16,500-foot base camp. Don’t miss the chance to join Craig as he recounts the expedition and journey that launched his legendary formal career in mountaineering. Let Craig, along with his Nepali partners, take you in to this pristine wilderness area where there are no crowds and the views are stunning. A special feature of this adventure has all team members following the river valley trail leading to the remote, high villages on Pangpema, and eventually base camp. This slow, gradual ascent allows for exploration of culture, color and local traditions. On most treks in Nepal, trekkers cut across the "grain" of the great Himalayan range, crisscrossing from ridgelines to river valleys for days to reach the highlands. This is a special place, a special route and an emotional journey for Craig every time he returns. Don’t miss as chance to join him on this historic occasion.

   

  Annapurna Region Trekking

  The Annapurna region receives more than 50,000 trekkers every year. It is rich in its topographical variety and vistas from the rolling hills of Marshyangdi to the Himalayan interior, providing the complete trekking experience. The Annapurna range dominates the skyline and includes the unique fishtail shaped peak of Mt. Machhapuchhare (22,943 feet), which can be viewed from Pokhara, the second largest city of Nepal. The region covers an area inhabited by a wide diversity of people, and stretches to the north of the main Himalayan range onto the high Tibetan Plateau.

   

  Dhaulagiri Area Trekking

  Dhaulagiri (White Mountain), separated from the Annapurna region by Kali Gandaki Gorge (deepest in the world), includes 15 peaks that rise above 23,000 feet. The trekking in this area is relatively strenuous and needs some mountaineering knowledge. Magdi Glacier, Dhaulagiri Base camp (15,584 feet), French Pass (17,585 feet) (highest point of the trek) including the several peaks such as Putali Himal and Tukuche Peak gives you an excellent view of Dhaulagiri range. A hidden snow valley (after crossing French pass) gives you a heavenly test of white world. The Dhampus Pass between Tukuche peak and Thapa peak is another haven in the trip.

   

  All Nepal Treks have a Three-Day Trip Extension Option:Chitwan National Park Jungle Trek Extension

  The Royal Chitwan National Park is an area of approximately 385 square miles located 110 miles southwest of Kathmandu near to the Indian border in the Terai, or jungle area, of Nepal. The Park was formed in 1973 as an animal sanctuary for the rapidly declining species of rhino and tiger. Today, it offers one of the finest wildlife experiences in Asia.

  The Park now contains an estimated 400 Indian one-horned rhinoceros, 80 Royal Bengal tigers, plus another 50 species of mammals and 400 different types of bird. A short trip to Chitwan is the perfect way to cap a trip to the mountains as it is both relaxing and stimulating. We offer a three-day, all-inclusive trip (the only extra is the bar bill!) to a luxurious jungle lodge within the National Park. This includes all jungle activities such as elephant safari, traditional dug-out canoe ride, nature walk, and bird-watching, as well as giving you the chance to lounge around the pool or relax in one of the many hammocks slung between the trees.

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• Peru: Machu Picchu Trekking

  If there is an international trek that best exemplifies an inspiring cultural experience and the spiritual power of an ancient people, Machu Picchu would fit the bill. The legendary site of early Incan creativity and structural design site is our destination, highlighted by elaborate stone chambers, terraced hillsides, brilliant temples and the Intihuatana stone which served as the center of a primitive yet extremely efficient astronomical observatory. Perched on a plateau at approximately 8,200 feet in the Andes, the ancient city of Machu Picchu was rediscovered in 1911 by Yale archaeologist Hiram Bingham. Discover for yourself the legends and myths of one of the world’s most fascinating locales. Participants are encouraged to prepare for the altitude and approximately 4-6 hours a day on the trail. This unforgettable adventure begins in Cuzco, Peru and is one of the jewels of our Spring calendar.

• Russia: Mt. Elbrus Mountain Climbing

  Here’s a terrific opportunity to take in some captivating historical sites and also climb to the highest point in Europe, Russia’s Mt. Elbrus (18,510 feet) - one of the famed Seven Summits of the World. Mt. Elbrus is part of the remote and provocative Caucasus Range of eastern Europe and much of our ascent consists of non-technical snow climbing. Gently angled snow climbing requires the use of ice axe and crampons to make the climb efficient and safe. Craig also has built a fantastic cultural itinerary before and after the climb allowing you to experience the cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg. Highlights of the city visits include Moscow’s Kremlin and Red Square, and St. Petersburg’s St. Isaac’s Cathedral and the Hermitage Museum.

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• Southeast Asia Trekking

  Southeast Asia no longer is regarded as only a technical rock climbing destination. Its tropical mountains offer an experience found nowhere else in the world. While the view from top of many of the world’s mountains is genuinely awe inspiring, few can rival the uncanny sense of harmony from atop a Southeast Asian peak. Perhaps the feeling can be attributed to the many jungle canopies that line the mountain trails or the sight of giant hornbills taking flight. And, it’s all about variety. For example, Thailand and Malaysia alone have more than 30 mountains that exceed 6,900 feet. Southeast Asia is made up of over 20,000 islands and covers a gigantic area within the tropics where active volcanoes, dense rainforests and large mountains reside. With this comes amazing opportunities for climbing and trekking in an unmatched cultural experience. Advanced mountaineering experience is not required for this invigorating provocative experience.

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• Rock & Ice Climbing: Seminars

  We offer Rock & Ice climbing programs on a private custom basis.

Every GoTrek guided trekking and mountain climbing trip is impressive and unique. Craig integrates the adventure portion (trekking - climbing) of the trip with cultural experiences that immerse all participants in the local cities and villages. He has personally researched and built each and every GoTrek itinerary and painstakingly revised them each year to ensure safety and success.

Craig purposefully keeps each GoTrek trip limited to small groups which enhances every adventure and allows for customization.

Van Hoy personally organizes each and every GoTrek trip, eliminating the need to ask ”Who’s my mountain guide?“ The answer is always in the company name . . . ”GoTrek with Craig Van Hoy.“

Please feel free to call Craig Van Hoy to further discuss each and every guided climbing and trekking trip we offer: 503-698-1118 or email him at info @ gotrek.com.

Ready to Go Trekking or Climbing?

If you are ready to get going and want to speed the process along, complete the steps below.

• Step 1: Complete & submit the Online Contact Form below
• Step 2: Download & complete the Medical Information Form
• Step 3: Download & complete the Release of Liability Waiver
• Step 4: Reserve your space. Mail the Medical Information Form, Release of Liability Waiver, Online Reservation E-mail Confirmation and Trip Deposit to:

  GoTrek & Expeditions
  19215 SE 34th Street, Suite #106-103
  Camas, WA 98607 USA