18 Dec 2025
Tags: Adventure Travel, Travel, New, new for 2026, New Trips, KE Adventure Travel, Walking Holidays, trekking holidays, Culture, Wildlife, mountaineering
KE Adventure Travel is excited to announce a new collection of adventures for 2026, ranging from leisurely tropical journeys in southern India, to remote treks in the Central Tien Shan Mountains in Kazakhstan in search of the elusive snow leopard. The new itineraries are designed to go beyond visiting a destination, offering travellers' experiences that respect local culture, support local communities and preserve heritage. They include some brand-new walking trails such as the Great Northern Inca Trail in Peru which is 70km long, from Chavín de Huántar to Huánuco Pampa, crossing high Andean passes and visiting rarely seen Inca sites.
KE has always been renowned for taking travellers to wild and remote destinations and with the leisure adventure market continuing to grow into 2026, they are looking to expand their worldwide leisurely self-guided range of holidays, which has seen an annual growth of 30% YOY for the past three years. Popular destinations for 2026 bookings so far include Vietnam, Thailand, Armenia, Croatia, Iceland, South Africa, Ghana, Italy and Norway.
These new offerings are designed to provide truly exceptional adventures, allowing travellers to explore the world on their terms with unrivalled access to some of the most inspiring destinations on Earth.
Take a look below at some of KE’s exciting NEW holidays for 2026.
NEW in Europe
AUSTRIA - Walking Trails of Innsbruck and the Stubai Alps
This brand new walking holiday is an ideal introduction to alpine hiking in the Stubai Alps, home to some of Austria’s largest glaciers. Discover magical viewpoints walking on a variety of paths from Innsbruck’s busy streets to mountain trails. With public transport and cable cars included, walkers reach superb alpine terrain with ease. Along the way, travellers visit the Maria Waldrast monastery, a place of pilgrimage for many, as well as explore Innsbruck’s old town and enjoy authentic Tyrolean specialities, with optional detours for those seeking a little extra adventure.
Trip Code: ADW
View Trip details HERE.
GEORGIA - Mount Kazbek Climb
Mount Kazbek is a brand-new 5,000m peak for KE and ideal for beginner and experienced climbers alike as no technical skills are required. This striking dormant volcano (5,054m) which is in the Kazbegi region, straddles Georgia and Russia and is the third highest peak in Georgia. Classed as one of the most accessible climbs over 5,000m, travellers begin in Tbilisi and journey into the Greater Caucasus, trekking past waterfalls and remote valleys with nights in mountain huts beneath glaciers and jagged peaks. The summit push involves glacial travel, roped sections and a steep final ascent, rewarding climbers with sweeping views of Ushba, Mount Elbrus and the high Caucasus.
Trip Code: KAZ
View Trip details HERE.
ITALY - Dolomites Snowshoe – hut to hut on the ‘Alta Via’
This new snowshoe adventure has added a more difficult, exciting and challenging trip to KE’s winter snowshoe collection. Experience the legendary Alta Via on snowshoes in Italy's Dolomites, a rare five-day hut-to-hut wilderness adventure beneath the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Led by expert local mountain guides, this point-to-point journey trades crowded ski resorts for silent, snow-draped trails and authentic rifugio hospitality (as well as spa hotels at the beginning and end of the trip). It’s perfect for adventurers seeking snowshoeing with more adventure and challenge.
Trip Code: AVS
View Trip details HERE.
NORWAY - Norway: Fjords, Mountains & Oslo
This brand new trip in southern Norway, includes journeys on local trains including the famous Flam Railway and Bergen-Olso line, considered to be one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world. The walks follow well-marked trails and include panoramic viewpoints above the King of the Fjords, the Sognefjord and the summit of Sjebergsnuten (1,166m) with its sweeping views across the surrounding mountains and valleys. Plus there is time to explore Bergen and Olso.
Trip Code: SNO
View Trip details HERE.
SWITZERLAND – Switzerland’s Wildstrubel Circuit
A brand new trekking adventure that tackles Switzerland's Wildstrubel massif on a challenging 100km alpine circuit that few attempt. This week-long self-guided trek crosses two dramatic passes, Gemmi (2,268m) and Rawil (2,429m) and follows a spectacular stretch of the Via Alpina through the Bernese Oberland. Walk the exhilarating Bisse du Ro from Lac du Tseuzier to Crans-Montana and witness contrasts between the Swiss Valais and Bernese Oberland.
Trip Code: SGWC
View Trip details HERE.
SWITZERLAND – Via Alpina Trekking – Linthal to Meiringen
Not many UK operators offer this route so KE is delighted to add this to its collection. Rivalling the Tour du Mont Blanc, Switzerland’s Via Alpina offers an unforgettable alpine adventure. Hike stages 5 to 9 from Linthal to Meiringen in a one-week holiday, traversing the Glarus Alps to the breathtaking Bernese Oberland through Switzerland’s wildest terrain. With seamless logistics and only your day pack to carry, experience one of Europe’s classic long-distance treks across magnificent alpine terrain. It can be combined with KE’s Via Alpina Trek from Meiringen to Lenk for an incredible two-week point-to-point adventure.
Trip Code: SGLM
View Trip details HERE.
SPAIN, FRANCE - Girona Road Cycling – Costa Brava to the Pyrenees
No other cycling tour operators offer this week of road cycling from Girona (known as the ‘City of a Thousand Sieges’), which has become a world-renowned destination for road cycling, favoured by cyclists for its quiet roads, dramatic climbs and year-round riding climate. This brand-new itinerary offers an immersive ride that goes beyond the handlebars with local guides leading the way. Starting in medieval Girona, the route sweeps through serene coastal roads, woodlands and into the high drama of the eastern Pyrenees. Cyclists will enjoy challenging iconic ascents to riding through sleepy villages, crossing into France on an old smuggler’s trail and returning via the Col d’Ares (1,513m).
Trip Code: GPMB
View Trip details HERE.
SWEDEN - West Sweden Kayaking Family Adventure
This is a unique to KE family kayaking adventure along Sweden’s spectacular Bohuslän archipelago. Stay in historic waterside accommodation, paddle past rocky skerries to camp under the stars on a remote island and learn kayaking skills with expert instructors. Explore Gullmarn Fjord over 3 days with mountain biking, bouldering and evening yoga, all set against breathtaking coastal scenery.
Trip Code: FSE
View Trip details HERE.
NEW in Asia
JAPAN - Cycling Okinawa’s Ryukyu Kingdom
Okinawa is one of Japan’s least-explored areas by international travellers, making it ripe for discovery. Exclusive to KE, this cycling adventure uncovers the islands’ Ryukyu heritage, layered post-war history and distinctive culture through a privately guided tour and time to explore independently. Set to a slower rural pace, the trip weaves white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and authentic cultural encounters into a refreshing alternative to Japan’s high-energy cities.
Trip Code: SGOK
View Trip details: HERE.
INDIA – Karnataka and Kerala Discovery
Experience Southern India at a pace that lets curiosity lead the way. From boat and jeep safaris in Kabini’s wildlife-rich jungles, to an overnight houseboat cruise on serene backwaters, this adventure blends nature, history and culture. Explore prehistoric caves, wander plantations, witness the trance of Theyyam dances and discover Mysore’s highlights - all curated through KE’s 40-year partnership with local hosts, including the award-winning Neeleshwar Hermitage.
Trip Code: KER
View Trip details HERE.
KAZAKHSTAN – Celestial Mountains Snow Leopard Trek
Go in search of the Snow Leopard on this unique camping trek into the heart of Kazakhstan’s Central Tien Shan Mountains. This rare expedition style adventure, crosses six high mountain passes, camps by crystal-clear alpine lakes and wildflower-filled meadows beneath snow-capped peaks including Khan Tengri. Encounter nomadic life and search for the elusive snow leopard in one of the world’s most untouched wildernesses, with a local team we’ve worked with for over 25 years.
Trip Code: SLK
View Trip details HERE.
NEPAL - Nepal Discovery - Family Adventure
This new action-packed family holiday gets underneath the skin of Nepal. Raft on the beautiful Seti river and camp on its banks, trek for three days on mountain trails and overnight in a homestay and look out for rhinos, elephants and tigers in the Chitwan jungle. From the bustling city to the snow-drapped mountains, no other tour operator combines this breath of authentic Nepal experience with family-friendly expertise KE has honed over 40 years in the Himalayas.
Trip Code: FND
View Trip details HERE.
PAKISTAN - Nanga Parbat, Fairy Meadows and the Rupal Face
For the first time in over 40 years of Karakoram expeditions, KE brings travellers to Nanga Parbat - one of the most spectacular mountains on earth. Nanga Parbat has a fearsome reputation amongst mountaineers, but its basecamp areas on the north and south sides are below 4,000 metres and therefore accessible. Explore Gilgit, Karimabad and the famously picturesque Hunza Valley and trek into the pristine and rarely-visited valley above the Rupal villages. It’s a perfect trekking adventure for those seeking dramatic Himalayan scenery without long or strenuous trekking.
Trip Code: NPA
View Trip details HERE.
NEW in the Americas
GUATEMALA - Guatemala Multi Activity Explorer
This brand-new immersive journey takes travellers beyond the usual sights: kayak and hike Lake Atitlán, climb Volcán San Pedro and spend a day at Semuc Champey, one of Guatemala's most breathtaking natural wonders. Explore indigenous markets, trek cloud forests in search of the quetzal, cook traditional dishes and visit Tikal’s ancient Maya ruins. With all major activities included, this trip is ideal for travellers seeking a balance of culture, nature, and adventure.
Trip Code: MAG
View Trip details HERE.
MEXICO - Mexico Mayan Explorer 'Day of the Dead' Special
An immersive adventure with a KE twist that journeys through Mexico celebrating the country’s traditions, history and natural landscapes and also visits sustainable community tourism projects. Respectfully partake in the ‘Day of the Dead’ celebrations in Oaxaca, including candlelit processions, vibrant altars, marigolds and music. Visit archaeological sites like Teotihuacán and Palenque, eat meals in restaurants that serve recipes passed from founding families and engage with Mayan and Zapotec communities, supporting sustainable, community-led tourism.
Trip Code: MDD
View Trip details HERE.
PERU - Llama Trekking on the Great Northern Inca Trail
After years of exploration and mapping, The Great Northern Inca Trail (70km) is a brand-new Inca route to discover one of the world’s most extraordinary ancient road systems, with most of its sections remaining virtually unknown to travellers. From Chavín de Huántar to Huánuco Pampa, cross high Andean passes and visit rarely seen Inca sites, this route gives travellers the chance to walk in the footsteps of history while helping to preserve and revive the Inca legacy. Through regenerative tourism and local collaboration, each step supports the conservation of cultural heritage and the empowerment of Andean communities.
Trip Code: GIT
View Trip details HERE.
NEW in AUSTRALASIA
NEW ZEALAND - Walking New Zealand - South Island Explorer
Exclusive to KE, this new South Island itinerary combines scenic hikes and striking landscapes on three of the country’s Great Walks: Paparoa, Kepler and Routeburn tracks. Hike to Sealy Tarns beneath Mt Cook and stay at the remote Rex Simpson Hut above Lake Tekapo for world-class stargazing. Beyond the tourist trails, meet Māori storytellers, learn about pounamu (greenstone), enjoy a Christchurch food safari and share a home-cooked meal with locals. An adventure that goes well beyond the usual tourist route.
Trip Code: NZS
View Trip details HERE.
NEW in the ARCTIC
ARCTIC – ECLIPSE DEPARTURE - Arctic Highlights, Svalbard, Greenland & Iceland
KE has introduced a special departure so that travellers can experience the partial or full solar eclipse while in a stunning Greenland Fjord, one of the planet’s least visited regions. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure combines the spectacle with deep Arctic exploration, Zodiac excursions, opportunities for rare Arctic wildlife sightings and expert-led exploration. On eclipse day, travellers will visit Ittoqqortoormiit, the region’s only permanent settlement, before returning to water to witness the eclipse from the ship.
Trip Code: PAHE
View Trip details: HERE.
NEW in Africa
RWANDA - Rwanda Rising - Gravel Bikes and Gorillas
KE’s first-ever Rwanda cycling expedition delivers an unmatched, under-the-skin experience of this remarkable nation in the heart of Africa. Follow in the tyre tracks of the world’s finest on a lap of the 2025 UCI World Championships course on partially closed roads, just a few months after the main event. Ride through remote villages and lively school communities in a country with an infectious love of cycling, then swap the saddle for “active recovery” days in two premier national parks - walking rainforest trails in search of silverbacks, colobus monkeys and other jungle wildlife. No other cycling itinerary pairs together world-class gravel riding with such immersive and deeply rewarding rest days.
Trip Code: PXGG
View Trip details HERE.
SOUTH AFRICA - The Western Cape Epic
Explore South Africa's Western Cape on this innovative 886km point-to-point gravel cycling adventure with no transfers. Combining the celebrated Cross Cape Ride with the legendary Karoo Crossing, you will conquer the three iconic mountain passes of Swartberg, Rooiberg, and Franschhoek on historic 1860s gravel roads, each offering spectacular panoramic views. The journey concludes with wine tasting in Stellenbosch and a relaxing night in Cape Town.
Trip Code: PXKC
View Trip details HERE.
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KE Adventure Travel offers 350 active adventures in over 90 countries, creating expertly guided small group and self-guided adventures worldwide. Best known for its pioneering itineraries, KE creates unforgettable adventures for active travellers. Based in Keswick in the Lake District, KE is passionate about creating unique travel experiences for their customers. Established in 1984, KE Adventure Travel is a member of ABTA (W4341), AITO (5075) and holds an ATOL license (2808). www.keadventure.com.
For all PR enquiries please contact Ella Pattinson at ella@keadventure.com for any further information or images.