Trip Grading

We have graded each trek and climb based on the level of terrain, duration and length of walks and climate. Those graded easy and moderate would be suitable for almost anyone with a love for adventure, while those graded difficult and/or strenuous require a certain amount of experience and physical fitness. Fitness level is important and you should consider carefully which trip is just right for you.

Trekking in Nepal can be very different to hiking in Europe or the US. Whilst the trails are usually easy to follow and you’ll have a guide, you will be starting at far higher altitudes than usual and will feel very different. There’s also the cultural side of the trip to get used to at the same time, and all of this can be very tiring – so make your first trip an enjoyable one by not trying to overdo it!

Easy

Experience is not necessary for taking part in an easy trek. Anyone fit to walk for 3-4 hours a day can manage. These treks are at lower altitude with daily ascents of around 300m on  average during good weather.

Moderate

These treks involve walking 5-6 hours each day over some steep hilly terrain on usually rough trails.  Moderate trails ascend up to 4000m with daily ascents of around 400-500m. You may experience low level of oxygen, so it helps to have previous hiking experience at these altitudes.

Difficult

On these treks, you are likely to walk for 6-7 hours, cross steep hilly terrain, occasional high passes with daily ascent and descent of around 500-800m. Difficult trails ascend up to 5500m. You are likely to be in a remote environment with extreme weather conditions with very basic facilities, and also experience low levels of oxygen. Previous experience and a good level of fitness will help.

Strenuous

This grade involves both trekking and climbing peaks where you will have to walk for 6-8 hours every day on an average at a very high altitude with ascent of around 700-1000m or even longer while climbing. You may have to overcome extreme weather conditions at times, perhaps even for extended periods, so participants are required to have high level of physical fitness along with an optimal level of experience.

One should also be familiar with using climbing gear, if not, the guide can always help with training during rest days at base camp. The climbing guide will teach basic climbing skills and safety procedures.

This should be considered as a guideline only and is designed to give an idea of the nature of the trip. It may differ on the basis of season, region etc.