Trekking Grade

Nepal, being a mountainous country, is more appropriate to think in terms of hour(s) spent walking, rather than the miles covered; this is what we use in our grading system. A typical day's walk lasts from five to seven hours and involves a number of ascents and descents.

Grade: Easy

Easy Grade involves trekking to altitudes around 3500m or less; it is relatively easy walking around 5 hrs/ 15 km per day, with the occasional longer walk. These treks can be enjoyed by anyone who lives a reasonably active life.

Grade: Moderate Easy

Moderate Easy Grade involves some longer walks to altitudes around 4000m or less; walking around 6 hrs/ 20 km a day. Some previous hill-walking experience is desirable. Moderate Easy may be described as mild to moderate.

Grade: Moderate

Moderate Grade involves moderate trekking to altitudes of 2000m to 4000m for up to 6hrs/ 25 km per day, sometimes including excursions or pass crossing up to 5000m.

Grade: Moderate Hard

Moderate Hard Grade involves strenuous trekking to altitudes predominantly above 3500m with excursions and pass crossing of between 5000m and 6000m.

Grade: Hard

Hard Grade requires a high level of fitness and experience. There will be ice axes, crampons, and in some cases, ropes used. Climbs however are non-technical. The altitude would be predominantly above 4000m with quite a few nights above 5000m. Some climbing experience and elementary knowledge of the use of crampons and ice axe are essential.