Trekking grades

Above: Trekking in the high Himalayas, Nepal

All the treks on our website have been graded based on how strenuous they are. This has been done to make it easier for you to choose which trek you think is right for you.

Easy

This is an easy trek, suitable for most people that are either weekend walkers or confident enough to embark on a trek for the stated duration. As long as you are fit and healthy, this trek should present no problems. Altitudes are usually lower than 3,000m, but there may be some steep climbs and descents.

Fair

A trek, where the terrain can vary considerably. Some days can be quite easy walking, but on others the going will be considerably harder. You must have confidence in your ability to be able to complete a day's walk even when the route becomes tough.

Moderate

Walking this kind of trek, can be physically demanding. You should ensure your fitness is appropriate for spending anything up to 8 hours a day walking. Some of those days might involve crossing a pass or a long arduous climb. Trekking experience here is useful, (but not absolutely essential).

Difficult

A serious trek, where we would expect you to have had previous trekking experience. You should be very confident of your trekking ability and be prepared to walk some long days perhaps on a steep climb (or descent). You may also have to walk difficult terrain for a number of days. This is definitely the kind of trek where you are more likely to experience extremes of altitude and/or weather. You may also be required to use an ice axe and crampons for part of this trek.

Strenuous

For a trek of this nature, we should expect you to have had previous trekking experience at altitude, and be very confident of your own physical condition. On some days you might be expected to walk in excess of 10 hours a day and for several days in succession. There may be a particular aspect of this trek that is considered very difficult, like long uphill climbs. You may also be required to use an ice axe and crampons for part of this trek and some climbing experience may be required.

Note: Please note that the grade of treks can vary throughout the year as weather and ground conditions change. These can vary on a day-to-day basis as well as season to season. You should be aware of this and take it into consideration when you choose the level of trek that is suitable for you.

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