Each trek has been given a grade based on the level of difficulty likely to be encountered. To an extent this grading system is subjective and clearly conditions will vary year to year but it should give you an idea of what to expect. Please contact us if you have any question about the grading levels.
Gentle
Up to 6 hours walking per day on a good trail between villages while carrying a light day pack. There will be a reasonable amount of ascent and descent throughout the day. This grade would be suitable for most people taking regular exercise and in good health.
Moderate
Up to 7 hours walking per day with an occasional more challenging day. You will be travelling through a more remote area and at higher altitudes often over 4,000m. There are likely to be several steep hills often with exposed trails. This grade would be suitable for most hill walkers.
Strenuous
These are physically challenging treks with several long days. It is likely that the itinerary will involve crossing a Himalayan pass; climbing to a summit of a trekking peak or travelling at extreme altitude. This grade would be suitable for a hill walker with a high level of fitness. Previous Himalayan trekking experience at altitude would be beneficial but not essential as long as you are well prepared for the trek.
Mountaineering
If the trek is classified as "Mountaineering" then you should have basic mountaineering experience as we may have to use ice axe, crampons and ropes to achieve our objective. If you do not have these skills then you could consider joining our Chamonix skills weekend organised by Mountain Tracks [external link]