There is a grading system to classify the difficulty of trekking trails. There are four categories: easy, medium, difficult and hard-. The challenge increases technically and geographically as you move up through the scale. Easy treks can be suitable for all people while difficult and difficult treks are only for those with prior experience. The reason we have categories is to help our customers choose the right Himalayan trek for their level.
Easy:
This is for the trekkers who do not have previous experience, or are not looking for a difficult physical challenge. These treks usually vary from 2 to 5 days and can reach up to an altitude of 3000m. These treks are usually on well maintained paths and passes. They typically involve walking up to 5 hours a day. Easy trekking is always located around 2000m (6500ft) to 4000m (13000ft). These trek’s allow for very scenic vista points including excellent locations to view sunrise’s over the Himalayan range. Recommend trekking at this grade includes: Ghorepani Poonhill, Namo Buddha Phulchoki, Damphus Sarangkot, Kathmandu Shivapuri, Panchase Hill, Annapurna Royal etc.
Moderate:
Moderate grade trekking is suitable for those trekkers who have time and want to spend between 1 to 2 weeks in mountain areas. Clients are encouraged to have a good level of physical fitness and adequate physical training ahead of time is necessary. This grade is recommended for any trekker looking for something a little more challenging than just a simple walk. These trekking areas are mostly base camp treks, which will include panoramic views of the Himalaya. Some trekking trails at this grade include: Annapurna Base Camp, Gokyo Lake trek, Langtang Helambu trek, Tamang Heritage trails, Rolwaling valley trek, Pikey peak trek, Numbur cheese circuit, Khopra Ridge, Dudh Kunda trek are the selected trekking trails at this grade.
Difficulty:
We recommend to our clients that you have previous easy and moderate trekking experience. We also encourage clients to have a high level of physical fitness and knowledge about trekking systems that includes proper clothing systems, proper body care etc. Difficult treks include walking through rough trails for 6-7 hours each day and crossing high passes. There are difficult treks that include trekking to advanced base camps as high as 5200m/17000ft. In the difficult trekking grade you may also experience glacier crossings on snow/ice. You will be facing high altitude air and continuous walking over huge stretches of Himalayan valleys. Annapurna Circuit, Chola pass, Three Passes, Manaslu circuit, Kanchenjunga Base camp trek, and Makalu base camp, Renjo La pass, Khongma La Pass are all in the difficult grade of trek.
Challenging:
Above 5000m to 6200m peaks, high passes are included in this grade. The biggest difference between difficult and challenging is that the terrain is greater in height and length. There is often greater exposure with some technical sections requiring a ‘steady head’ and occasional use of rope for safeguarding. There is also a greater feeling of remoteness, isolation and lack of rescue assisstance. These are genuine expeditions where climbing skills, experience and fitness are necessary. Dhaulagiri Circuit trek, Three Pass trek, Amphu Lapcha pass, Mesokanto La Pass and some great Himalayan trail are all in the difficult grade of trek.
