HOW TO START AN ADVENTURE PROJECT

Got a big idea and want to turn it into an adventure?

You don't need to have everything figured out before you start. Project Base8000 began with a simple idea: trek to the base camps of all 14 of the world's highest mountains.

From that starting point, we worked out what we wanted to achieve, what we'd need and how we were going to make it happen.

Here are six steps to help turn your own adventure idea into a project.

1. Define Your Goal

Start with the big picture.

What do you want to achieve, and why?

Try to describe your adventure in one simple sentence that anyone can understand. A clear goal makes it much easier to work out what needs to happen next.

lone trekker standing in front of a sheer mountain wall

Once you know your goal, define what you need to achieve along the way.

Think about:

  • What are your key objectives?

  • What's important to you — and what's not?

  • What's in and out of scope?

  • How will you know when you've succeeded?

If you're aiming for a record or a particularly significant achievement, check whether there are existing records or recognised standards that apply.

2. Work Out What Success Looks Like

Big adventures rarely happen alone.

Think about the people, skills and resources you'll need, including:

  • Your team and other people who can help

  • Partners, sponsors or organisations you might work with

  • Equipment and technology

  • Money and other resources

You don't need all the answers at this stage. Start with what you know and build from there.

3. Work Out What You’ll Need

trekkng boots drying in the sun amd a washing line with trekking socks and cap

Give your adventure a timeframe.

What needs to happen and by when? Are there particular dates, seasons or other commitments that affect your plans?

Some things will depend on others happening first, so identify the key milestones and work backwards from your ultimate goal.

4. Set a Timeline

a trekker going up steps alongside a fast-flowing rocky river

5. Make a Plan

Now turn the idea into a series of steps.

Start by getting everything out of your head, then organise it into stages or milestones. Decide who will do what and when, and keep track of your progress as you go.

Think about the things that could go wrong and what you can do about them.

And don't forget to think about how you'll document your adventure. Start from day one — keep a journal, take photos and videos, and record the things you learn along the way.

Finally, decide whether you want to promote your project, or just keep it confidential or low profile.

If you promote it, then decide on the following so you can plan what material to collect along the way:

  • when (before / during /after)

  • how e.g. social media, website, newsletters, updates to sponsors, presentations, news media, a film or book, stickers, flyers, a flag etc.

a row of tents at Italian Base Camp near Dhaulagiri with mountains in background and cloudy sky

6. Make it Happen!

This is where the adventure really begins.

Start the project, keep adapting as things change, and don't expect everything to go according to plan. Review your progress, learn from the setbacks and celebrate the milestones along the way.

The original idea might change as you go. That's OK. Sometimes the best adventures are the ones you couldn't have planned from the beginning.

trekking on the Baltoro glacier with Mitre Peak in background

Our Adventure Project

Project Base8000 started with a simple idea and grew into a ten-year adventure through the Himalaya and Karakoram.

We set out to trek to the base camps of all 14 of the world's highest mountains — and completed the project in 2023.

Your adventure doesn't have to be this big. It just needs to be big enough to get you started.

Explore Project Base8000 →

Need adventure inspiration? Explore trekking destinations →

Project Base8000 team at Annapurna Base Camp