What are they all about?On a Trailquest Expedition our mission is to get off the beaten track and explore some of the world’s more remote regions often taking in routes where few travellers have been before. The key word being used here is ‘explore’, our expeditions are not road tours, and not about travelling from one destination to another as fast as you can! To us the expedition is about the journey itself, the people you meet, the challenges you are forced to overcome and everything else you experience along the way. Many of our expeditions have genuine research aims and we have worked with universities and individuals carrying out archaeological and geological fieldwork in many remote areas.
What sort Expeditions do we run?We offer places on a range of expeditions to different parts of the world. We have in the past been to destinations such as Ethiopia, Morocco, South Africa, Iceland, India and Finland. We tend to alternate where we go and are always looking for new challenges. Between now and the end of 2025 we currently have planned expeditions to Morocco and India. We are also looking at other destinations.
There are many tour operators advertising their services so why choose Trailquest?The reason we are so successful is the special way we organise our expeditions.
1. All those taking part in our expeditions must have attended at least one Trailquest off road riding course so that we can assess riding skills The Expeditions we run range in difficulty, therefore we are able to offer places to people with varying levels of experience. Our aim is to try and fit people to expeditions that match their capabilities. We find doing this adds to the enjoyment for all involved.
2. Once a team has been put together the team will undergo group training prior to going on the expedition. During the build up to the expedition we always run a Team Training weekends which are a good way for everyone to meet each other and to allow a team dynamic to form. We expect everyone to work together and work as a team whilst on an Expedition. There is nothing worse than turning up at a foreign destination to find you are joining a large group of strangers with wide ranging skill levels and aspirations for the trip.
Trailquest Expedition GuidesOur staff guides will work hard to ensure you are safe at all times. Most are ex military and all have considerable experience of adventure motorcycling in remote areas and experience of working in challenging environments. They will meet you on arrival at the start point of the expedition and be on hand
at all times to ensure your safety and enjoyment.
In addition we have an extensive range of local "fixers" and other contacts in every country where we operate.These people have detailed knowledge of their country and many are employed by major TV and film companies.
Where necessary we liaise closely with the governments of the countries we are operating in.
Medical CoverAll applicants are required to complete a detailed medical questionaire so that we can be sure they are fit for the physical challenges that may be encountered.
We have our own fully qualified NHS consultant doctor who has specialied in Expedition Medicine who will accompany all expeditions. They carry a comprehensive range of medical equipment and treatments including antibiotics and oxygen as required.
Expedition SupportTrailquest always provides appropriate support including vehicles, equipment and staff for all expeditions. This team will handle everything from bike repairs to medical evacuation.
AccommodationAccommodation on our expeditions ranges from wild camping to 5* hotels. Again this entirely depends on where we are going and what sort of expedition it is. The cost in included in the expedition fee.
Who do we take?We are open to anyone who shares our passion for adventure and exploration however ............
All applicants for team places are required to submit an application form and undergo an interview and practical selection process designed to assess their physical fitness, team work, problem solving abilities and general expedition skills. We expect those selected to attend at least one team training weekend prior to the expedition (which is included in the overall cost). This is to ensure the whole team knows each other before we depart. We aim to put like-minded people together into an expedition team, this is crucial to the enjoyment of the overall experience.
What are the Costs/Duration?These differ depending on location and style of Expedition you are on. Price's usually start from around £3,900 - £4500 and the length ranges from 8-15 days.
Fees do not include your international flights to / from the country where the expedition will take place but does include all internal travel ( flights / trains/ taxis) as required.
Testimonials and Track Record
We have been running training and expeditions for over twenty two years. They have been challenging but all have been completed accident free and with all clients having a great experience. We have a massive amount of repeat business with some clients signing up for trips before they even know where they will be going! We have had considerable media coverage. You can read testimonials on this site.
Interested?If you are an individual or a corporate / academic / media organisation and interested in discovering more about our previous expeditions or joining us on one of our upcoming expeditions, please get in contact and let us know your sort of project you are interested in.
If you are planning your own expedition and require assistance or support please contact us.
2025 Expeditions Morocco - March ( fully booked)This expedition will form part of the Legion Project and will involve archaeological fieldwork requiring off road riding, trekking and 4x4 driving. We will be riding KTM890 Adventure and BMW 850GS bikes.
October - South Africa -
(fully booked)A challenging off road adventure visiting four countries in ten days.
Recent Expeditions Completed September 2023Himalayas ( Sach Pass - North West India 2023)The expedition to the Himalayas in NW India began on the 1 September 2023. It was a great success and much enjoyed by all who took part in the challenge,
Film (courtesy of one of our clients) -
Sach Pass ExpeditionWe are already considering future projects in India so please do contact us if you are interested and we will let you have further information.
2024 Expeditions Morocco - February 2024 (completed)This was a mixed 4x4 / adventure motorcycle archaeological expedition to SW Morocco. Continuing the previous work on colonial era forts and fortifications this expedition concentrated on the survey of one important site.
NW India - Ladakh - September 2024 (completed)Ladakh is both the largest and the second least populous union territory of India. The name means “Land of High Places” and much of the territory is at a height of 3500m above sea level. The spectacular scenery and challenging riding make it an fascinating region to explore on a motorcycle and a true adventure is assured for all those taking part in this exciting expedition.
Previous LocationsSince Trailquest began we have organised and led off road motorcycle trips to the following countries - Iceland, Finland, Spain, Morocco, Tunisia, Ethiopia, South Africa, India, Indonesia and Lithuania.
Take a look at our Expeditions Gallery to get an idea of what our expeditions are all about.