The Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast

Jake
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  • Places & Travel

The Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast is the show for people who want more from their travels than just ticking off the sights. Hosted by expedition leader and Ultimate Adventure Travel founder Jake Field, this weekly podcast is your guide to unforgettable group adventures — from Kilimanjaro and the Inca Trail to Everest Base Camp and beyond. Whether you’re preparing for your first big trip or looking to push your limits on your next one, you’ll find expert advice, real stories, and practical tips to help you get adventure-ready — physically, mentally, and logistically. Expect inspiring guests, honest insights, and plenty of motivation to get outside your comfort zone — and into the wild — with a group of like-minded people by your side.

  1. 5d ago

    Lewis and Clark Part Two: Across the Rockies to the Pacific

    Lewis has reached the Continental Divide, expecting to find a river that will carry the expedition towards the Pacific. Instead, he looks out across mountain range after mountain range. The route they were sent to find does not exist. In the second half of the Lewis and Clark story, the Corps of Discovery must find horses, cross the Rocky Mountains before winter and somehow survive as its food begins to disappear. With help from the Shoshone, Sacagawea is unexpectedly reunited with her brother, and an elderly guide called Old Toby leads the expedition into the Bitterroot Mountains. What follows is one of the most desperate sections of the entire journey. The men become cold, exhausted and dangerously hungry, eventually killing their horses for food. After reaching the Pacific, they must then turn around and make the entire journey home. In this episode:  Sacagawea’s extraordinary reunion with her brother  Negotiating with the Shoshone for horses  Following Old Toby into the Bitterroot Mountains  Starvation, snow and eating horses to survive  How the Nez Perce helped save the expedition  Running dangerous rapids towards the Pacific  The Corps finally reaching the ocean  The remarkable vote involving Sacagawea and York  A wet and miserable winter at Fort Clatsop  The difficult journey back across the continent  Lewis and Clark splitting the expedition  The deadly confrontation with the Blackfeet  Lewis being accidentally shot by one of his own men  The Corps returning to St Louis after being presumed dead  What happened to Lewis, Clark, Sacagawea, York and Pomp  Whether the expedition should really be considered a success  The complicated legacy it left behind Lewis and Clark failed to find the water route Thomas Jefferson wanted, but they returned with maps, journals and scientific records from an 8,000-mile expedition across the continent. It remains an extraordinary story of exploration, survival and adaptation, but also one with consequences that cannot be separated from the expansion that followed. If you enjoyed this two-part series, please follow The Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast and leave a rating or review. It only takes a couple of minutes and helps more people discover the show. Ultimate Guide Links;  Get the Free Adventure Travel Starter Pack  Get the Kilimanjaro Guide  Get the Everest Base Camp Guide  Get the Mount Toubkal Guide  Instagram https://www.ultimateadventuretravel.co.uk/

    Lewis and Clark Part Two: Across the Rockies to the Pacific

  2. Sep 1

    Lewis and Clark Part One: 8,000 Miles Into the Unknown

    In 1804, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark set off across an America that remained largely unknown to the government sending them. Their mission was to follow the Missouri River, find a practical route to the Pacific Ocean and return with maps, scientific discoveries and information about the lands and people they encountered. The problem was that nobody knew whether the route they were searching for actually existed. In the first half of this incredible expedition story, we meet the people who formed the Corps of Discovery, including Sacagawea, York and Lewis’s Newfoundland dog, Seaman. We follow the expedition upstream against the Missouri, through dangerous encounters, freezing winters, charging grizzly bears and a near-disastrous capsizing that almost destroyed their records. Then Lewis reaches the Continental Divide and discovers the truth. Instead of the easy river route they expected, he finds mountain range after mountain range stretching towards the horizon. In this episode:  Why Thomas Jefferson commissioned the expedition  The partnership between Meriwether Lewis and William Clark  How the Corps prepared for an expedition into the unknown  The complicated stories of Sacagawea and York  Dragging heavily loaded boats against the Missouri River  The expedition’s first and only death  The vital knowledge provided by Indigenous nations  The confrontation with the Lakota that nearly became violent  Surviving winter at Fort Mandan  Sacagawea’s introduction to the expedition  Encounters with grizzly bears  The capsized boat that nearly destroyed the mission  The month-long struggle around the Great Falls  Lewis’s discovery that the expected water route to the Pacific did not exist Part one ends at Lemhi Pass, with winter approaching, supplies running low and the most dangerous part of the expedition still ahead. Part two continues next week as the Corps searches for horses, enters the Rocky Mountains and attempts to reach the Pacific. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow The Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast and leave a rating or review. It only takes a couple of minutes and makes a huge difference to the podcast. Ultimate Guide Links;  Get the Free Adventure Travel Starter Pack  Get the Kilimanjaro Guide  Get the Everest Base Camp Guide  Get the Mount Toubkal Guide  Instagram https://www.ultimateadventuretravel.co.uk/

    Lewis and Clark Part One: 8,000 Miles Into the Unknown

  3. Aug 25

    The Icefall Doctors: The Team Who Build the Route Up Everest

    Before hundreds of climbers can begin their attempt on Everest, somebody has to find a way through the Khumbu Icefall. That responsibility belongs to the Icefall Doctors, a specialist team of highly experienced Sherpa climbers who establish and maintain the route between Everest Base Camp and Camp One. They carry ladders into the icefall, bridge enormous crevasses, install fixed ropes and repair sections of the route as the glacier moves beneath them. It is highly skilled work in one of the most unpredictable and dangerous places on Everest. In this episode, Jake explores: What the Khumbu Icefall is and why it is constantly movingWho the Icefall Doctors areHow they find a route through the glacierWhat it takes to install ladders across deep crevassesWhy most crossings happen before sunriseHow the route can change overnightWhy Everest climbers must pass through the icefall repeatedlyThe important difference between Sherpa people and mountain portersHow the southern route through the icefall was first exploredThe difficult decisions faced during the 2026 Everest seasonThe imbalance between the people celebrated for climbing Everest and those carrying the greatest exposure to its dangersAlmost every climber attempting Everest from the Nepalese side depends on the work of this small team. Without them, the modern Everest climbing season as we know it would barely be possible. If you enjoyed the episode, please follow or subscribe to The Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast and leave a review. You can also share it with somebody who loves mountaineering, adventure travel or the hidden stories behind Everest. Ultimate Guide Links;  Get the Free Adventure Travel Starter Pack  Get the Kilimanjaro Guide  Get the Everest Base Camp Guide  Get the Mount Toubkal Guide  Instagram https://www.ultimateadventuretravel.co.uk/

    The Icefall Doctors: The Team Who Build the Route Up Everest

  4. Aug 18

    Green Boots: Everest's Most Famous Body Could Finally Be Coming Home

    For almost 30 years, a climber wearing a distinctive pair of green mountaineering boots has been one of the most infamous landmarks on Mount Everest. Known simply as Green Boots, his body has remained high on Everest's Northeast Ridge since the disastrous 1996 climbing season. Thousands of climbers have passed the spot, the rocky shelter became known as "Green Boots Cave", and his story has become part of Everest folklore. But now, that story could be about to change. Indian authorities are looking at an extraordinary operation to recover Green Boots from the Death Zone and finally bring his body home. And in the process, another question has emerged: have we had his identity wrong for nearly 30 years? In this shorter, topical episode of The Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast, Jake explores the real story behind Green Boots, the three Indian climbers who disappeared during the 1996 Everest disaster, and why recovering a body from more than 8,000 metres is far more complicated and dangerous than it might seem. We also look at the controversial death of David Sharp in the same location ten years later, why bodies remain on Everest for decades, and the difficult ethical question surrounding high-altitude recoveries: how much risk should living climbers take to bring the dead home? In this episode: The story behind the famous "Green Boots" of Mount EverestWhat happened to the Indian expedition during the 1996 Everest disasterTsewang Smanla, Tsewang Paljor and Dorje MorupWhy Green Boots was long believed to be Tsewang PaljorWhy Indian authorities now believe the body could be Dorje MorupHow Green Boots became an Everest landmarkDavid Sharp's controversial death on Everest in 2006Why rescuing someone in the Death Zone is so difficultWhy recovering bodies from Everest can be incredibly dangerousPrevious attempts to move Green BootsThe proposed operation to finally bring the body downThe other bodies that remain on Mount EverestThe story of Francys Arsentiev, known as "Sleeping Beauty"Whether climbers who die on Everest should be recovered at allUltimately, this isn't really a story about a pair of green boots. It's about how one of the most famous figures in Everest history gradually became a landmark rather than a person, and how, three decades after three climbers disappeared into a storm, one of them may finally be coming home. 🎧 Listen now to the full episode of The Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast. Want to take on an adventure of your own? Ultimate Adventure Travel runs small-group expeditions around the world, including: 🏔️ Everest Base Camp 🌋 Mount Kilimanjaro 🏜️ The Sahara Desert ⛰️ Mount Toubkal 🇵🇪 Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail Visit the Ultimate Adventure Travel website to explore upcoming expeditions or get in touch directly to discuss your next adventure. Follow The Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast Follow or subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so you don't miss future adventure stories, expedition advice and honest insights from some of the world's greatest trekking destinations. If you enjoyed the episode, please consider leaving a review. It genuinely helps more people discover the podcast. Ultimate Guide Links;  Get the Free Adventure Travel Starter Pack  Get the Kilimanjaro Guide  Get the Everest Base Camp Guide  Get the Mount Toubkal Guide  Instagram https://www.ultimateadventuretravel.co.uk/

    Green Boots: Everest's Most Famous Body Could Finally Be Coming Home

  5. Aug 11

    The Untold Story of Mount Kilimanjaro

    Kilimanjaro is usually discussed as a physical challenge. How fit do you need to be? Which route should you take? What does altitude feel like? And just how difficult is summit night? But Africa’s highest mountain has a story stretching back millions of years. In this episode, Jake explores the complete history of Kilimanjaro, beginning with the volcanic forces that created Shira, Mawenzi and Kibo before following the people, expeditions, empires and conflicts that transformed the mountain into a global symbol of adventure. You will discover how Chagga communities lived and farmed on Kilimanjaro’s slopes long before European explorers arrived, why European geographers refused to believe there could be snow near the equator and the truth behind the persistent story that Queen Victoria gave Kilimanjaro away as a birthday present. Jake also examines the first recorded ascent by Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller, the overlooked contribution of Kilimanjaro’s African guides and porters and the role the mountain played during the First World War. The story then continues through British colonial rule, Tanganyikan independence and the moment Kaiser Wilhelm Peak was renamed Uhuru Peak, meaning Freedom Peak. Finally, Jake looks at how Kilimanjaro became one of the world’s great trekking mountains and explains the history and character of its major routes, including Marangu, Machame, Umbwe, Rongai, Shira, Lemosho and the Northern Circuit. In this episode:  How the East African Rift created Kilimanjaro  Why Kilimanjaro consists of three volcanic centres  The difference between Shira, Mawenzi and Kibo  Whether Kilimanjaro is extinct or dormant  Why the mountain’s glaciers are disappearing  The history and traditions of the Chagga people  Kilimanjaro’s relationship with Maasai communities  Why nobody knows exactly what “Kilimanjaro” means  The local stories surrounding Kibo and Mawenzi  Why Europeans initially refused to believe the summit had snow  The truth about Queen Victoria supposedly giving away Kilimanjaro  Hans Meyer’s dangerous attempts to reach the summit  The disputed story of local guide Yohani Kinyala Lauwo  How African guides and porters made the first recorded ascent possible  Kilimanjaro’s role in the First World War  The Battle of Kilimanjaro and the East African Campaign  How the mountain passed from German to British control  Why the summit was renamed Uhuru Peak  The meaning of the Uhuru Torch  How Kilimanjaro National Park was established  Where Kilimanjaro’s modern trekking routes came from  The history of Marangu, Machame, Lemosho and the other major routes  The realities faced by modern guides and porters  Why reaching the summit is always a team achievement Whether you have already stood at Uhuru Peak, are preparing to climb Kilimanjaro or simply want to understand one of the world’s greatest adventure mountains, this episode reveals the extraordinary history beneath every step. To learn more about climbing Kilimanjaro with Ultimate Adventure Travel, visit: www.ultimateadventuretravel.co.uk If you enjoyed the episode, follow The Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast and share it with somebody who dreams of climbing Kilimanjaro. Ultimate Guide Links;  Get the Free Adventure Travel Starter Pack  Get the Kilimanjaro Guide  Get the Everest Base Camp Guide  Get the Mount Toubkal Guide  Instagram https://www.ultimateadventuretravel.co.uk/

    The Untold Story of Mount Kilimanjaro

  6. Aug 4

    Everything Nobody Tells You About India’s Golden Triangle

    India does not gently introduce itself. The traffic, the noise, the food, the colours and the crowds all arrive at once. But beneath the apparent chaos is one of the most fascinating and rewarding journeys you can experience. In this episode, I take you through India’s famous Golden Triangle, connecting Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Drawing on my experience of leading a group through India earlier this year, I share the practical realities, unexpected moments and important details that ordinary travel guides often leave out. We explore the chaotic lanes and hidden history of Old Delhi, uncover the stories and myths surrounding the Taj Mahal, and discover why Jaipur is not quite as pink as its nickname suggests. I also cover the realities of travelling through India, including road crossings, food safety, haggling, common tourist scams, cultural etiquette, air quality, tipping, what to wear and how to experience India respectfully. In this episode:  What India’s Golden Triangle actually is  Why Delhi needs time to make sense  The real difference between Old Delhi and New Delhi  How India’s horns and traffic really work  Common scams to recognise before travelling  The honest truth about Agra  Surprising details hidden within the Taj Mahal  The myths surrounding Shah Jahan and the Taj Mahal’s construction  Why visiting at sunrise does not guarantee an empty monument  Fatehpur Sikri and the story of India’s former imperial capital  Why Jaipur is not actually bright pink  Amber Fort, Jantar Mantar and Jaipur’s extraordinary history  The ethical concerns surrounding elephant rides  How to haggle without being rude  What to eat and how to reduce your risk of an upset stomach  Cash, tipping, clothing and cultural etiquette  Advice for solo travellers and women visiting India  The biggest mistakes first-time visitors make  Whether the Golden Triangle is the right adventure for you The Golden Triangle cannot show you the whole of India, but it provides an unforgettable first chapter. It is ideal for curious travellers who want history, culture, food and adventure without needing to climb a mountain or sleep in a tent. Ultimate Adventure Travel runs a fully organised Golden Triangle experience, taking care of the accommodation, transport, local guides and practical details while giving you the time and support to experience India properly. Find out more or contact Jake: Ultimate Adventure Travel If you enjoyed this episode, follow the Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast, leave a review and share it with somebody who has always wanted to visit India. Ultimate Guide Links;  Get the Free Adventure Travel Starter Pack  Get the Kilimanjaro Guide  Get the Everest Base Camp Guide  Get the Mount Toubkal Guide  Instagram https://www.ultimateadventuretravel.co.uk/

    Everything Nobody Tells You About India’s Golden Triangle

  7. Jul 28

    Sir Ranulph Fiennes: The Ultimate Adventurer?

    What makes someone the greatest explorer of all time? Is it standing on the summit of Everest? Reaching the North Pole? Surviving against impossible odds? In this episode of The Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast, we're diving into the remarkable life of Sir Ranulph Fiennes, a man widely regarded as the world's greatest living explorer. From losing his father before he was born to becoming the first person to circumnavigate the globe via both poles using only surface transport, Fiennes has built a career around tackling challenges that most people considered impossible. We'll explore his early life, military career, record-breaking expeditions, his historic Transglobe Expedition, climbing Everest at the age of 65 after major heart surgery, running seven marathons on seven continents in seven days, and the famous frostbite story that has become part of exploration folklore. But this episode isn't just about extraordinary achievements. It's about resilience, preparation, leadership, and why stepping outside your comfort zone might be the greatest adventure of all. Whether you're dreaming of trekking to Everest Base Camp, climbing Kilimanjaro, crossing the Sahara Desert, or simply looking for inspiration to take on your own challenge, Sir Ranulph Fiennes' story proves that age, setbacks and fear don't have to define what you're capable of. In this episode: Who is Sir Ranulph Fiennes?His childhood and early influencesMilitary life and the skills that shaped an explorerThe incredible Transglobe ExpeditionWhy crossing the polar regions is so brutally difficultEverest after heart surgerySeven marathons on seven continents in seven daysThe truth behind the famous frostbite storyWhy many consider him the greatest explorer of the modern eraThe lessons every adventurer can learn from his extraordinary lifeIf you've enjoyed this episode, don't forget to follow the podcast, leave a rating and share it with someone who loves adventure. Thinking about your own adventure? If Sir Ranulph Fiennes has inspired you to push your own limits, we'd love to help. At Ultimate Adventure Travel, we specialise in expertly guided small-group adventures including: 🏔️ Everest Base Camp ⛰️ Mount Kilimanjaro 🏜️ Sahara Desert Treks 🥾 Mount Toubkal 🌎 And many more unforgettable adventures. Visit www.ultimateadventuretravel.co.uk to discover upcoming departures and start planning your next challenge. Ultimate Guide Links;  Get the Free Adventure Travel Starter Pack  Get the Kilimanjaro Guide  Get the Everest Base Camp Guide  Get the Mount Toubkal Guide  Instagram https://www.ultimateadventuretravel.co.uk/

    Sir Ranulph Fiennes: The Ultimate Adventurer?

  8. Jul 21

    Everything Nobody Tells You About Machu Picchu

    Think you know what to expect from Machu Picchu? Think again. In this episode, I share everything I wish more people knew before visiting one of the world's most iconic destinations. From altitude and weather to permits, crowds and the reality of hiking the Inca Trail, these are the things that rarely make it into guidebooks but can completely change your experience. Having led multiple trips to Peru and spoken with countless local guides and trekkers, I'm sharing the practical advice, insider tips and common mistakes that will help you get the very best from your adventure. Whether you're planning to hike the Inca Trail, tackle the Salkantay Trek or simply visit Machu Picchu by train, this episode will help you prepare properly. In this episode:  Why Machu Picchu isn't actually the hardest part of the trip  The surprising truth about altitude in Peru  Why Cusco catches more people out than Machu Picchu  The weather nobody prepares you for  The permit and ticket mistakes that can ruin your visit  Why your Instagram expectations might need adjusting  What the Inca Trail camps are really like  The incredible work of Peru's porters and local guides  The fascinating history and engineering behind Machu Picchu  Common myths about the "Lost City of the Incas"  Practical packing advice and trekking tips  Answers to the questions I'm asked most about visiting Peru If Machu Picchu has been sitting on your bucket list for years, this episode will help you avoid the common mistakes and make the most of one of the greatest adventures on Earth. Thinking about joining me in Peru? I lead small group adventures to Peru every year, including the iconic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Find out more:  https://www.ultimateadventuretravel.co.uk/international/p/inca-trail Ultimate Guide Links;  Get the Free Adventure Travel Starter Pack  Get the Kilimanjaro Guide  Get the Everest Base Camp Guide  Get the Mount Toubkal Guide  Instagram https://www.ultimateadventuretravel.co.uk/

    Everything Nobody Tells You About Machu Picchu
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The Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast is the show for people who want more from their travels than just ticking off the sights. Hosted by expedition leader and Ultimate Adventure Travel founder Jake Field, this weekly podcast is your guide to unforgettable group adventures — from Kilimanjaro and the Inca Trail to Everest Base Camp and beyond. Whether you’re preparing for your first big trip or looking to push your limits on your next one, you’ll find expert advice, real stories, and practical tips to help you get adventure-ready — physically, mentally, and logistically. Expect inspiring guests, honest insights, and plenty of motivation to get outside your comfort zone — and into the wild — with a group of like-minded people by your side.

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