David Hamilton is the founder and owner of High Adventure.  After graduating from Glasgow University in 1984 he enjoyed a short career in bookselling and publishing before becoming a full time mountaineering leader and expedition organiser in 1987. David has led more than 100 groups on trekking, ski touring and mountaineering expeditions to most of the world's great mountain ranges.  His main area of specialisation is the Karakoram Himalaya, a region on which he is an acknowledged expert.  He has also led numerous projects in the European Alps, Greece, Turkey, Iran, Scandinavia, Russian Caucasus, Greenland, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Ecuador, Argentina, Chile, Antarctica, Nepal, India, Mongolia & China.  In the Karakoram Himalaya David has led many innovative projects including first ascents of virgin peaks and the opening of new trekking and skiing routes through some of the most remote parts of the range.  He is one of the UK's leading high altitude guides and has led expeditions to Masherbrum 7821m, Muztagh Ata 7564m (five times), Tirich Mir 7708m, Chogolisa 7668m & Spantik 7027m (six times).  In the 8000m arena David has led twentyone expeditions, eighteen of which were successful: Everest 8848m (thirteen times), Hidden Peak 8068m, Gasherbrum II 8035m (five times), Broad Peak 8047m & Shishapangma 8012m.

In the Southern Hemisphere summer (November - February) David works in Antarctica as a guide for Adventure Network International.

Throughout the year David leads expedition projects across the globe for one of the world's premier guiding companies, UK based Jagged Globe.

David has contributed mountain photographs and articles to several leading specialist publications and writes an annual report on Karakoram climbs for the London based 'Alpine Journal'. He is a member of the Alpine Club and the Alpine Ski Club.

David leads the majority of High Adventure projects personally. His extensive experience and attention to detail ensure a high level of customer satisfaction on these expeditions and explains why many clients return year after year to climb with him.


All photographs used on this site were taken by David Hamilton.