About us > Staff

At Lava Expeditions the people we work with are very important to us.  We have worked with our local guides for many years and we try and work with the same local porters on all our expeditions.  Every expedition we undertake is managed by one of our trusted local guides who have many years of guiding experience and a deep understanding of the mountains in which they operate.  Our Guides who are all trained in first aid at altitude are all bilingual and are very passionate about the jobs they do.

Porters make up the bulk of any expedition.  On different mountains porters go by different names but they are always tough, seldom complain and rarely dress for the occasion.  Many companies take advantage of the mountain porters by making them carry loads that are too heavy and not feeding them properly on the mountain. Many companies do not pay the porters well and many porters do not receive any medical assistance if they require it while in the mountains.  At Lava Expeditions we take the well being of our porters seriously, we supply them with clothing fit for the altitudes in which they operate and they have access to as much food as they need. They carry loads within the limits set down by the local authorities and are paid a fair wage for the job they do.
 
We strive to make the working conditions as best as we can for our staff and also work with projects and charities to help improve the working conditions for all porters and guides on the mountains where we operate.

It is important for clients and staff to have the correct staff to client ratio on any expedition.   The size of group will dictate how many porters and guides are used for the expedition.  Depending on the area being trekked or climbed, porters have a maximum weight they can carry that is set down by the park authorities or the porters union.  We always abide by these rules and our porters will never carry anything heavier.  Having the correct number of guides for an expedition is also important. Everyone moves at their own speed on the mountain and it is common for a group to split, if the group does split during a days trek it is important to have a guide with every segment of the group.

We take the health and safety of our clients and staff very seriously and for this reason we have a set client to staff ratio for all group sizes that works well on every expedition.

Our staff are always happy to answer any questions you may have about their treatment and well being and Lava Expeditions is a member of The International Mountain Explorers Connection.