Trek
& Tour Grades
Trek Grade 1 - Easy
Experience is not necessary at this level: anyone who is in good
health and fit enough to enjoy a good weekend hill walk can manage
this trek. However, walking always involves some exertion: trails
are seldom flat, and you must still expect to have a reasonable
amount of ascent and descent.
Days are generally short in duration (3-5 hours)
Altitude is less than 3000m
Trek Grade 2 - Moderate
Most people who enjoy a weekend in the hills or mountains at home
are capable of undertaking a trek at this level: you need to be
in good health and reasonably fit, and taking regular exercise.
Days generally involve 4-6 hours walking – it may include
the occasional longer or more difficult day.
Altitude is around 3000m
Trek Grade 3 – Strenuous
For any trek at this level, fitness is most important and you may
have to improve yours before departure. Previous trekking experience
is desirable but not essential if you are confident of your physical
condition. Altitude, climate and remoteness play a part in the grading.
Walking days are usually between 5 and 7 hours although there may
be some longer days for pass-crossing or similar.
Altitude of around 4000m.
Trek Grade 4 – Tough
At
this level we recommend previous experience of trekking, preferably
at altitude, and you need complete confidence in your physical condition
and your ability to trek for many days without a break and be able
to cope with difficult underfoot terrain such as scree, snow or
difficult paths on steep mountainsides. Extremes of altitude and
weather may also be encountered, and on some treks it may be necessary
to use ice axe and crampons.
Stamina is very important, as walking days can be from 6 to 9 hours.
Altitudes of over 5000m
Trek Grade 5 – Very Tough
All the factors of a grade 4 trek plus extra factors of significant
difficulty - tricky river crossings, very high or difficult passes,
glaciers, or trekking peaks where basic climbing skills may be required.
Often some special equipment such as ice axe and crampons will be
needed and if so we require you to have experience of them.
While normally walking for 7 to 9 hours a day, you should be prepared
for up to 12 hours on some climbs.
Altitudes of over 6000m
Trip Grading
Easy – relaxed sightseeing with private
transport to sights.
Moderate – Whilst no strenuous
activity is involved conditions will be harsher than you are used
to. Accommodations on some days will be extremely basic with shared
‘pit’ variety toilets and no washing facilities. Food
will be sometimes be basic, with little variety available. Driving
days can be long, dusty and bumpy and you may feel some effects
of altitude.
Challenging – All the aspects
of a moderate trip, but sustained over a longer period of time.
The koras (circumambulation) of Mount Kailash and/or Lake Manasarovar
are challenging due to the altitude, but generally achievable by
anyone in good health. |