Pure Exploration

The location was incredible, the access to amazing climbing and hiking areas. Plus easy access to glaciers. Being trusted to use the skills we were taught was very rewarding. The way we were taught skills and then got to keep building on them was very empowering.

The best part was the group of students I got to do this program with. Each person was unique and special and taught me something about friendship, overcoming challenges, appreciating each other's differences, managing stress and fear, the importance of communication, being a good leader, and building confidence to take on new challenges. I definitely couldn't have gotten through as much of the program as I did without their support and friendship. I also would say the level of challenge was excellent and exceeded my expectations, and forced me out of my comfort zone nearly every day and pushed me to grow personally and in my confidence in the outdoors. Also the location of the program in El Chalten, it became like home to us and is truly a trekking and nature lovers paradise.

If you're on the fence about taking the course, do it. It's an incredible experience that will either A) give you a new skillset or B) teach you a lot about yourself. Even if you don't end up working in the industry, the memories and stories you'll have make it worth it.

The highlight of the program for me was definitely the guides, especially the IFMGA-certified guides, who were exceptional. I really appreciated the fast pace and steady progression of the climbing modules, it felt like we were able to learn and advance quickly. The weeks flowed well, and the transition between guides was smooth and seamless.

Getting to learn rock climbing from some of the best climbers in Patagonia, was an invaluable and inspiring experience. Not only did we spend a bunch of time outdoors learning new skills and visiting cool places, we also built a community along the way that really impacted my overall experience in Patagonia.

The location, the best part of this program was getting to spend three months is this amazing town. Our local guides were incredible and I came away from the course with more than just experience, I made amazing friends and got to feel like a part of the El Chaltén community.

The best part of the program for me in particular would be the final expedition. During this time, I realized how much we have all learned individually and as a group to be able to come together and perform the way we did. It solidified that all of our skills (technical and social) came into place

If you are scrolling through the Pure Exploration website and upon just reading about the experience think you’re going to have, makes you excited - then honestly do whatever you need to do and book onto a program. My Pure Exploration experience was one for the books, the people you meet, the in-jokes you'll have, the country culture you get to live and learn about are just some of the things the program offers you. To top if all off with a great support team and gaining real quality outdoor instruction that you can take either into your life or job, I did it and it was one of the best things I've ever done, so why not!

All the climbing, especially around Wānaka. I got to develop and learn skills I’ve been wanting to know for a while like building anchors and setting up climbs for myself and my friends. Spending time in the outdoors and disconnecting with from social media was also a highlight.

Honestly the best way to explore Aotearoa/New Zealand. You learn so much about the local environment and gain new skills along the way. Met a bunch of amazing people that are now friends for life. I had never rock climbed before this program and now have the confidence to climb myself and skills to take friends out climbing. I came into the program looking for a career change and this has opened up so many doors within the industry.

It's really nice to see New Zealand in an other perspective than the tourist eye. Being able to travel around and do some climbing and tramping as a local. Having great connections with people because you are living all your emotions with them and 24/7.

I had only ever been climbing indoors before, this was my first time outdoors and it was amazing, it was definitely a highlight for me. Besides climbing. - Meeting everyone else was amazing! So many different people with a shared “passion” for the outdoors.

I originally did this program because I had no idea of what I could do. I finished school with a degree I came to hate, I started another degree just to try something else. I was unhappy and confused about my future. Then I heard about Pure exploration. I gave it a shot because at this point I just needed to be outside and do some outdoor stuff. Now, with what I learned about myself and the experiences I gained, I have a list of things I want to do to reach my dream job, that is not related to guiding by the way. And I wouldn't know about my dream job if I didn't do the program. Our Nepalese guides are amazing resources and I learned so much from them. I truly hope that all the students or workers who feel stuck or unhappy about their degree or work come to Nepal and try this course.

Pure Exploration was one of the best decisions of my life. Going to Nepal and learning the skills to rock climb, provide outdoor wilderness first aid, participate in a river course and hike and camping all in 3 months was such a whirlwind knowledge and hands-on experience. Meeting the team and all the friends I made along the way was the cultural emersion I was thirsting for. If you are even playing with the idea of doing one of these courses I would say - jump in, do it now

This was one of the best experiences of my life. I was supported through physical and mental challenges by a spectacular team that only wanted me to succeed, and I did that and more. I learnt both technical and soft skills to become an outdoor leader, and learnt so much about myself and how I interact with others so I can better communicate and manage group situations, but as a leader and a participant.

My favourite part of the program was meeting and getting to know others from all over the world and watching them grow and succeed at new skills. I loved seeing people be happy in the outdoors and create great memories together, even in challenging times.

For any adventure seekers interested in honing their skills in the mountains of Nepal I can not recommend this program enough. If you’re a first-time climber, climbed sport for years, have done minimal camping in the backcountry, or are an ultralight long-distance trekking professional this program has everything you need to upskill in any area that interests you.

For me, this is the perfect program to start your career in the outdoors, especially when you are not sure which direction to take. Here you can experience different sports or activities such as climbing, hiking and rafting and see what feels right for you. Also, you have the chance to challenge yourself and experience hard conditions

Loz, Jenny and Ben were fantastic instructors who went above and beyond to not only ensure we had top-tier training, but also had amazing experiences while learning. They were all approachable, knowledgeable and proactive, which made us trust them and have fun at the same time!

The Nepal program was an amazing experience in many ways, definitely challenging and educational at the same time. I personally learned a lot of new hard skills in the areas of climbing and hiking thanks to the great team of guides. I also gained experience in leadership and group management skills which will be very useful in the future.