The Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast

Jake
  • 5.0 (2)
  • 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. 3d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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?

  5. 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

  6. Jul 14

    The Ultimate Sahara Desert Adventure

    What is it really like to spend four days trekking through the Sahara Desert? In this episode of the Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast, I take you behind the scenes of one of the world's most iconic landscapes and explain why the Sahara is so much more than endless sand dunes. From sleeping beneath some of the darkest skies on Earth to sharing tea with local Berber guides, this isn't about ticking off another destination. It's about slowing down, switching off and experiencing one of the most peaceful places you'll ever visit. Whether you're considering joining one of our Sahara expeditions or you're simply fascinated by desert adventures, this episode covers everything you need to know. In this episode:  Why the Sahara is one of the best first adventure treks  What a typical day in the desert actually looks like  The incredible journey from Marrakech through the Atlas Mountains  Trekking with camels and experienced Berber guides  What the camps, food and accommodation are really like  How hot the Sahara actually gets (and why it might surprise you)  Fitness requirements and who this trip is suitable for  What to pack and what you can leave at home  The magic of sleeping beneath a sky full of stars  Trip costs, what's included and what to budget for If you've ever wondered what it feels like to disconnect from modern life and spend several days crossing one of the world's greatest deserts, this episode is for you. Thinking of joining us? Our Sahara Desert Adventure is an 8 day expedition through southern Morocco, combining spectacular scenery, authentic Berber hospitality and four unforgettable days trekking through the desert. You'll travel from Marrakech across the High Atlas Mountains, hike alongside camel caravans, camp beneath the stars and experience a side of Morocco that few visitors ever see. Find out more about the trip here: www.ultimateadventuretravel.co.uk Or email me directly: jake@ultimateadventuretravel.co.uk 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 Ultimate Sahara Desert Adventure

  7. Jul 7

    The Seven Summits: The Ultimate Mountaineering Challenge Explained

    What does it really take to climb the highest mountain on every continent? In this episode of The Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast, we're exploring one of the most famous challenges in adventure travel: The Seven Summits. From the frozen wilderness of Antarctica to the rainforests of Papua, we travel across all seven continents to discover the mountains that have inspired explorers for decades. We look at what makes each peak unique, why the Seven Summits remain one of the world's greatest adventure goals, and whether it's a challenge that ordinary people can realistically achieve. Along the way, I share stories from my own experiences leading expeditions on Kilimanjaro and Everest Base Camp, explain the famous debate between the Bass and Messner lists, and discuss whether chasing famous summits is really what adventure travel should be about. Whether you're dreaming of climbing your first mountain or simply fascinated by the world's greatest expeditions, this episode is packed with history, inspiration and practical insight. Thinking About Your Own Adventure? If today's episode has inspired you to experience high altitude trekking for yourself, Ultimate Adventure Travel runs small group expeditions to: Mount KilimanjaroEverest Base CampMount ToubkalMachu Picchu & the Inca Trail And more incredible adventures around the world. Previous Episodes You Might Enjoy  The 1996 Everest Disaster  Mallory & Irvine: Did They Reach the Summit?  Hillary & Tenzing: The First Ascent of Everest  Everest Base Camp: Everything Nobody Tells You  The Ultimate Kilimanjaro Prep Call  Touching the Void  Shackleton: The Greatest Survival Story Ever Told 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 Seven Summits: The Ultimate Mountaineering Challenge Explained

  8. Jun 30

    Everything Nobody Tells You About Everest Base Camp

    Most people researching Everest Base Camp hear the same things. "It's tough." "The views are incredible." "Watch out for altitude." But what is it actually like to spend two weeks trekking through the Himalayas? After leading multiple expeditions to Everest Base Camp, I'm sharing the things that rarely make it into the brochures, YouTube videos, or social media posts. From the reality of the Lukla flight and the surprising effects of altitude, to tea house life, yaks, toilets, mountain cafés, and the moments that make people fall in love with Nepal, this is the honest guide I wish every trekker heard before they went. Whether you're planning your own Everest Base Camp adventure or simply fascinated by one of the world's greatest trekking routes, this episode offers practical advice, behind-the-scenes stories, and plenty of insights from someone who's experienced it first-hand. In this episode:  Why the Lukla flight isn't as scary as the internet makes it seem  The surprising truth about Everest Base Camp itself  What altitude really feels like (and why it isn't always altitude sickness)  Why Nepal's porters deserve enormous respect  The reality of tea houses, toilets and showers  How much things actually cost on the trail  Why Ama Dablam often steals the show from Everest  The mental challenges of trekking at altitude  What nobody tells you about the journey back down  The real reason people keep returning to Everest Base Camp Enjoying the podcast? If you found this episode helpful, please consider leaving a review and following The Ultimate Adventure Travel Podcast. It really helps more people discover the show. If you know someone dreaming of trekking to Everest Base Camp, share this episode with them. It could answer questions they didn't even know they had. Thanks for listening, and I'll see you next week 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 Everest Base Camp
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About

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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