Faqs

Treks and Climbs

Q1: What are the treks like and where do they go?

We run treks across Australia and the Himalayas, with options for various experience levels.

  • Australian treks are 1-3 days, non-technical, and great for fit beginners. You’ll carry your own pack, camp on the mountain, and take on real alpine conditions.

  • Himalayan treks are longer and at higher altitudes, but still non-technical - perfect for fit hikers ready for a challenge.

  • Himalayan climbs are technical and require either mountaineering experience or a willingness to upskill during the build-up training, with gear like ropes, crampons and ice axes.
Q2: Do I need trekking or climbing experience?

Not at all. Many of our Tribe members are first-timers. We offer both non-technical treks and more advanced climbs, and you’ll be fully prepared with expert-led training before you hit the trail.

Q3: Do I need to buy all my gear straight away?

No. We’ll guide you through exactly what you need and when. You’ll receive a full gear list during training, plus tips on what to invest in, borrow, or test before purchasing.

Q4: How many people in are the trek groups?

Our group sizes are deliberately kept small – 6 to 12 participants for Australian and Himalayan treks, and 6-8 participants for Himalayan climbs – we keep the numbers small so that we can offer personalised support, maintain safety standards, and create strong connection.

Q5: What if the weather is bad during the trek?

We monitor weather closely and make informed decisions prior to and during the trip. Treks may be adjusted for safety, but we aim to complete the experience wherever possible. Activity-specific contingency plans will be discussed during pre-departure briefings.

This is how you earn the summit

Led by ex-military and extreme adventure specialists, our Build-Up Training develops the fitness, skill, and mindset to take you further than you thought possible. With a 98% success rate, this is how you earn the summit.

Book a Discovery Call

Before You Book / General Enquiries

Q1: Can I speak to someone before applying?

Absolutely. Once you register interest, we’ll set up a 1:1 call with a Mountain Tribe Leader to talk through your goals, questions, and which trek is right for you. It’s a relaxed, pressure-free chat to help you decide if this is the right fit.

Q2: How do I know which trek is right for me?

We’ll guide you through that. Every trek has different physical, mental and skill demands. During your onboarding, we’ll recommend options based on your fitness, experience, time capacity to train/upskill and goals - so you feel confident in your choice.

Q3: I want to do this, but I’m nervous. Is that normal?

Yes - and it’s a good sign. These treks are designed to stretch you, not scare you. Feeling nervous means you care. That’s why we train together, support each other, and build confidence as a team.

Q4: Can I bring a friend or partner with me?

Absolutely - many participants join with a friend, sibling or partner. You can even train together. Just make sure they apply too, as each person still needs to go through the assessment and training process.

Q5: What happens after I submit the application form?

After you fill out the form, you’ll receive an email from us prompting you to book a 1:1 interview call with a Tribe Leader. If you decide to proceed, we’ll guide you through  the assessment steps. Once that is done and you’re onboarded the training begins! You will meet the rest of the team at the welcome dinner, and you will be supported every step of the way...all the way to the summit.

This is how you earn the summit

Led by ex-military and extreme adventure specialists, our Build-Up Training develops the fitness, skill, and mindset to take you further than you thought possible. With a 98% success rate, this is how you earn the summit.

Book a Discovery Call

Pricing, Inclusions & Payments

Q1: How much does it cost?

It depends on the trek. Prices vary by destination, trip & build-up training duration, and challenge level. Each trek/climb page includes full pricing with no hidden fees.

Q2: What’s included in the cost?

Every Mountain Tribe adventure includes:

  • Accommodation  
  • Meals during the trek or climb
  • Permits and logistics
  • Guided training program
  • Expert-led coaching and support from start to summit
  • High-end safety measures
  • Pre-departure resources and welcome pack

International flights, personal travel insurance, and individual gear purchases are not included unless otherwise stated.

Q3: Can I pay in instalments?

Yes, you’ve got two options:

  • Pay in full – and receive a 10% discount
  • Pay a deposit – then spread the rest via direct debit:
  • Monthly instalments for Himalayan treks & climbs
  • Fortnightly instalments for Australian treks

You can choose your preferred payment option at booking once you’ve passed your medical assessment.

Q4: Are flights included?

International flights are not included unless specifically stated on the trip page. We’ll provide detailed travel planning guidance, and often coordinate suggested flight routes and arrival dates with the group.

Q5: Are there any hidden costs?

No hidden fees. Everything included and not included is listed clearly on each trip page. You’ll also receive a detailed cost breakdown and payment schedule during onboarding. Everything considered and included – one of the things we pride ourselves on - the Mountain Tribe difference.

This is how you earn the summit

Led by ex-military and extreme adventure specialists, our Build-Up Training develops the fitness, skill, and mindset to take you further than you thought possible. With a 98% success rate, this is how you earn the summit.

Book a Discovery Call

Cancellations & Changes

Q1: What if I need to cancel or defer?

We know that life can change. That’s why we offer flexible options if you need to cancel or move your adventure:

  • Defer: If you give us enough notice, you can transfer your booking to another date.
  • Cancel with partial refund or credit: Depending on how close it is to your trek date, you may be eligible for a partial refund or a credit toward a future adventure.

You’ll receive the full Terms & Conditions before you pay your deposit, so everything’s clear upfront. And if you have questions at any stage, we’re always here to help. We do recommend purchasing travel insurance at the same time you pay the Mountain Tribe deposit, as this may cover you for any non-refundable portion in the event of a claimable cancellation (eg. Injury).

Q2: Are the assessments refundable?

The Fitness Assessment ($150) is part of your trek cost, so it gets deducted from your total once you sign on. The Medical Assessment ($433) is paid directly to our high-altitude doctor and isn’t refundable - but it’s an essential part of making sure you’re set up for success on the mountain.

Q3: Can I transfer my booking to someone else?

In some cases, yes. If the build-up training has not started yet, and you can’t attend but have someone ready to take your place, contact us. Transfers depend on timing and whether the new participant passes their assessments.

This is how you earn the summit

Led by ex-military and extreme adventure specialists, our Build-Up Training develops the fitness, skill, and mindset to take you further than you thought possible. With a 98% success rate, this is how you earn the summit.

Book a Discovery Call

Training & Fitness

Q1: How fit do I need to be?

If you’re reasonably active and up for the challenge, we’ll get you trek-ready with a step-by-step training plan. It’s all about building cardiovascular fitness, muscular endurance, and confidence - with a team that supports you all the way.

Q2: What kind of training is involved?

You’ll be doing a structured formula of cardio, resistance training, mobility, and mindset work. We’ll guide you through weekly workouts, group hikes, classroom-based workshops and tailored support so you feel physically and mentally prepared when it’s time to hit the trail.

Q3: How long does the training go for?

Build-up training programs run for 6-8 weeks for the Australian Summit Treks, and 6-12 months for Himalayan treks and climbs. That gives you plenty of time to build up gradually and feel confident by the time you embark on the trek.

Q4: Is it more strength or cardio focused?

It’s a solid mix of both - plus mobility, mindset and skills training. The amount of cardio you perform on a weekly basis during the build-up training increases in volume as the program progresses. The aim is to gradually build your capacity to trek (and climb) for several hours without a break, and in the case of some of our treks and climbs, you’ll eventually get to the point where you can trek for days on end with minimal rest. The strength training component consists of roughly 2-3 workouts per week.

Q5: Do I have to live in Melbourne to take part?

Yes – the individual assessments and program inductions, as well as all of our group training and team building happens in person. It’s part of what makes the Mountain Tribe experience so powerful. We train as a team, build trust together, and head into the mountains already connected.

Q6: What if I fall behind in training?

That’s what your coaches and teammates are here for. We track your progress and have regular scheduled check-ins. If you need extra support, we’ll adjust your plan to help you stay on track.

Q7: What if I get injured during training?

Minor setbacks happen – our team will work with you and relevant health professionals to modify your plan. For serious or prolonged injuries, it may be necessary to defer to a future trek once you’re back to 100%.

This is how you earn the summit

Led by ex-military and extreme adventure specialists, our Build-Up Training develops the fitness, skill, and mindset to take you further than you thought possible. With a 98% success rate, this is how you earn the summit.

Book a Discovery Call

Safety & Assessments

Q1: How does Mountain Tribe manage safety on treks and climbs?

Safety is a top priority - from training to summit. We keep group sizes small, work with expert guides (with military or outdoor leadership backgrounds), and use world-class emergency protocols. You’ll be supported every step of the way. 

Q2: What’s involved in the Fitness Assessment?

You’ll complete a $150 fitness assessment with our team to check your current health and physical condition and identify what to focus on during training. If you proceed, that cost is deducted from your total trek price.

Q3: What’s included in the Medical Assessment?

A $433 comprehensive high-altitude medical screening (paid directly to the doctor) is required as part of the application process for all Himalayan treks and climbs. The high-altitude medical screening includes resting ECG, full high-altitude health check, medical history screening and a lung function test, to ensure you’re medically healthy to handle the demands of your chosen trek. It’s non-refundable, but essential for your safety and peace of mind. Note, this medical assessment is not required for Australian Summit Treks, however, the assessing coach during your physical assessment may request a standard GP medical screening be conducted prior to joining an Australian Summit Trek.  

Q4: What happens if I’m not approved after the assessments?

If anything shows up during your assessments that needs more time or training, we’ll support you with a plan and help you defer to a future trek when you're ready. Our goal is to get you there - safely and confidently.

Q5: What emergency support is available on Himalayan treks and climbs?

All Himalayan expeditions are enabled with a suite of emergency support systems, including satellite communication, emergency beacons, high-alitude and wilderness first-aid qualified guides, group first-aid kits and evacuation protocols. We also partner with Global Rescue, one fo the world’s leading emergency response organisation. Global Rescue membership is included for all participants on our Himalayan treks and climbs.

Q6: Who are the guides and leaders?

Our trek leaders are experienced professionals – often with military, or outdoor leadership backgrounds. On Himalayan climbs, we also work with local mountaineering guides with deep local knowledge of the mountains and the unique weather conditions.

This is how you earn the summit

Led by ex-military and extreme adventure specialists, our Build-Up Training develops the fitness, skill, and mindset to take you further than you thought possible. With a 98% success rate, this is how you earn the summit.

Book a Discovery Call

Gear & Packing

Q1: What gear do I need to bring?

We provide a detailed packing list and expert advice once you’re signed on. You’ll know what to buy, when to buy it, what to rent, and what to bring in your daypack versus your main bag. Take a look at the specific trip pages for an abbreviated packing list for that trip, so aid with pre-planning. 

Q2: Can I rent gear instead of buying?

Yes, in many cases you can rent gear. We’ll advise you on what’s worth renting vs investing in, and where to get it. For Australian Summit Treks that involve overnight camping, Mountain Tribe provides a lot of the camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat), so you don’t have to go out and buy everything.

Q3: How do I pack for Himalayan Treks and Climbs?

You’ll use a duffel bag (carried by porters) and a daypack. We’ll teach you how to keep it light, what layers to bring, and how to stay organised in changing conditions.

This is how you earn the summit

Led by ex-military and extreme adventure specialists, our Build-Up Training develops the fitness, skill, and mindset to take you further than you thought possible. With a 98% success rate, this is how you earn the summit.

Book a Discovery Call