Amazing experience with Himalaya Alpine Guides. Super professionnal team, listening, and leading us at the top with determination. Ladakh was an amazing trip, we loved nature, People, culture and food. Thanks again!!

I recently returned home from a ski mountaineering expedition to 6,000 m peaks in the Ladakh region of northern India with Luke and Himalaya Alpine Guides. I pretty much had a smile stuck on my face for the entire two weeks. Just thinking about it brings me back to that happy place, cruising up the Markha Valley in awe of the grandeur, slowly climbing higher through the culturally and historically rich local settlements, and finally reaching the snow. Our beautiful horses carried our camp, our local crew, who Luke has worked with for over a decade, took care of every comforting detail, Luke kept us laughing, learning, exploring, climbing, safely moving through the vast wildness of the Himalaya. Phuntsok fed us amazingly delicious and nutritious curries, dahls, warm bread, chai, espresso, and somehow we had fresh fruit and vegetables the whole trip. Luke has a mellow and respectful attitude, with a high value on keeping the fun factor high in every stage of the trip, including planning and training. He’s got a pristine safety record and works diligently to keep it that way. We all know that Luke has the technical skills, strength, and managerial experience to be an exceptional guide. He also has a genuine appreciation for people, from both near and far, and a deep dedication to protecting the places he loves, through environmental activism (recently moving HAG towards carbon neutrality) and education. I sit in gratitude for the experiences I just had, and eagerly await when my turn to return to the Himalaya rolls around again.

Luke was constantly sharing local knowledge, contextual background, local language, and historical insights on our six-day approach. the food was superb, prepared fresh daily by the local cook. the tents and dining tent were ample, in excellent condition, and comfortable. on the approach we covered glacier travel, as well as skills for the technical aspects we might encounter on the mountains. by the time we got to the mountains themselves, everyone in the team had rehearsed and we all felt safe. a safe, comfortable trip to a completely remote zone of outstanding descents, with local insight, great food, and a professional guide. i have no notes.

Luke is a fantastic guide, he takes amazing care of his guided clients and his professional crew. In addition to the adventure of the mountains, he takes time to explore and understand the local culture, and is interested in pursuing an authentic experience. Our trip was once-in-a-lifetime… until I can free some time for the next one.

When I was 18 my mom and I took a trip to the Himalayas and used Luke Smithwick’s guiding services. 10 years later I still have yet to find mountains that compare to the Himalayas not just in magnitude or intensity but in the experiences that these mountains can give you, they can change you if you let it. It’s a place so special not just because of its big mountains but also because of the people that live there, their culture, and the perspective it can give you. Of course it’s a place you wouldn’t ever want to over exploit, a place you would want to keep secret from the world so that flocks of people don’t go and try and change it, westernize it. However, it’s also a place that I urge everyone to go experience because of what it gave me. I understand why luke has spent so much of his time exploring and guiding in these landscapes. I feel very lucky to have been able to see it and be exposed to it through his eyes. You can tell his love for this place exudes through his whole being and it’s unique how he is able to share that love with the people that he guides there.

Did a ski mountaineering trip with Luke to the Karakoram back in June '18 and highly recommend. Luke is an enthusiast and is keen to explore less obvious spots, keeping it to a small group without seeking to become an impersonal commercial operator. He takes safety seriously, with tons of experience from running the safety team in Gulmarg. He had great on the ground knowledge, so always felt in good hands - and had a top time.

Trekked the Karakoram in June with 2 friends along with 2 others. Had an amazing and surreal experience. Luke was absolutely outstanding in all aspects. I always felt informed and safe. High quality tents and authentic food. Best of all, great company and conversation all day, especially at dinner. Highest recommendation….. if you have considered this on your bucket list, Luke is your guide.

Himalaya Alpine Guides toured us through Ladakh India and it was a once in a lifetime trip. Although I’m sure logistics were challenging we never felt that. Luke and his team made it feel easy and streamlined.

Skiing in the Himalayas is an experience like none other. Luke has an extensive background and network in both the local culture and as a professional ski-mountaineering guide. Each trip with Himalayan Mountain Guides is customized and unique. I highly recommend this for exploratory backcountry skiers and mountaineers.