// CAT Summits

The Himalaya from the top down.

Trekking peaks are Nepal’s open secret. Real Himalayan summits above 6,000m — technically achievable with the right preparation, the right guides, and a genuine willingness to push beyond a base camp. Not mountaineering expeditions requiring years of technical experience. Not tourist walks. Something in between — and more rewarding than either.

CAT has been running trekking peak expeditions since 1989, with Sherpa climbing teams who know these routes at a level no Western guiding company can match. Island Peak, Mera Peak, Lobuje East — peaks that sit in the shadow of the world’s highest mountains and offer views that stop even experienced climbers in their tracks.

Every CAT Summit includes a £50 donation to Community Action Nepal, direct and transparent, as part of your booking.

Summit Altitudes — CAT Peaks
Mera Peak
6,476m
Island Peak
6,189m
Lobuje East
6,119m
For reference
4,130m ABC

All CAT Summits are conducted with experienced Sherpa climbing sirdars, ropes, crampons, ice axes and full safety equipment. Minimum 4 climbers per departure.

01
Not a walk. Not an expedition.

Trekking peaks are officially designated Himalayan summits where permits are obtainable without the cost and complexity of full expedition permits. They require basic mountaineering skills — crampons, ice axe, fixed ropes — but not years of technical climbing experience. With the right preparation and the right guides, they are achievable.

02
Skills you will need

Comfort with crampons, ice axe and fixed ropes on steep terrain. These skills must be second nature before you arrive — not something you learn at altitude. We strongly recommend a UK winter skills course (Cairngorms, Snowdonia or similar) before booking. We can advise on suitable courses and providers.

03
Who comes on these trips

Experienced trekkers who have been to altitude before and want more. People who’ve done EBC or Manaslu and are asking what’s next. Those who have done their winter skills course and want to put it to use in the most extraordinary setting on earth. If that sounds like you, you are ready to talk.

// What’s Included on Every CAT Summit

Everything you need to reach the top

🧗
Expert Sherpa Climbing Sirdar

An experienced climbing sirdar who has summited these peaks many times. Not a trekking guide with a climbing permit — a genuine Himalayan climbing specialist.

Full Camping Equipment

High camp tents, cooking equipment, fuel and food for summit camp. All technical equipment — ropes, snow stakes, ice screws — provided and managed by the Sherpa team.

🪜
Technical Equipment

Fixed ropes, ladders where required, and all group technical equipment. You bring your personal gear (crampons, ice axe, harness) — we bring everything else.

📋
All Permits

Nepal Mountaineering Association peak permits, national park fees, restricted area permits where applicable. All arranged by us before departure.

🎒
Full Porterage

Your main bag carried throughout the approach trek. You carry only a climbing pack on summit day. Our porter team is paid fair wages and fully equipped — a CAT principle since 1989.

❤️
£50 CAN Donation

Every CAT Summit booking includes a £50 direct donation to Community Action Nepal. Stated on your booking confirmation. Transparent, direct, meaningful.

The Kangchenjunga Connection
The route Doug Scott pioneered in 1979 is still the route we run today

In 1979, Doug Scott and his team prepared for the third ascent of Kangchenjunga by pioneering a trekking route to its north base camp. That route is now one of the most spectacular remote treks in Nepal — and CAT still runs it. When you trek to Kangchenjunga with us, you follow the footsteps of the man who founded this company.

Learn More →

Add image here
Recommended: Sherpa climbing
team on summit ridge or fixed ropes

// Our Climbing Team

The best Sherpa climbing sirdars in Nepal.

CAT’s ground operation is run by Bhai B. Tamang and his team in Kathmandu — experienced climbing sirdars and Sherpa teams who have been guiding these peaks for decades. These are not guides hired for the season. They are specialists who have summited Island Peak, Mera Peak and Lobuje East more times than they can count, in every season and in every condition.

When you climb with CAT, the person leading you to the summit is the same person who trained the porter team, who knows the approach route intimately, and whose community you pass through on the way up. That connection matters.

All climbing sirdars are licensed by the Nepal Mountaineering Association

Wilderness First Responder trained with altitude emergency protocols

Emergency oxygen carried on all summit attempts above 5,500m

Fair wages, insurance and equipment — a CAT principle since 1989

// Ready to go higher?

The summit is closer than you think

Tell us which peak interests you, when you’re thinking of going, and your climbing background. We’ll give you an honest assessment and build the trip from there.