Trekking Grades in Nepal

Difficulty Grades:

The term grading is used to rate the difficulty of a trekking trails and trekking peaks. In accord-ance with our experience, we have divided the trekking difficulty scale into four categories: Easy, Moderate, Difficult and Strenuous. The scale is based on two factors: technicality and ge-ography.

Simply stated, Easy trekking is suitable for almost everyone who can walk on flat terrain for a few continuous hours. Moderate treks require some prior experience, but can still be managed comfortably and safely with minimal experience and fitness levels. Difficult and Strenuous treks are meant only for those who have previous experience and a high level of physical fitness.
We encourage clients to refer to this scale, we know that it will help you choose a trek or climb in the Himalaya that is appropriate for your skill and fitness level.

Easy

Particular	Remarks
Previous Experience:	Trekkers who did not have previous experience.
Fitness Level:	Very low.
Type of client:	Trekkers who have an interest in easy walking in the mountains.
Type of trail:	Well maintained paths and passes through ridges.
Technicality:	No technicality.
Altitudes:	2000m(6,500ft) to 4000m (13,000ft).
Altitude gain per day:	300-600m.
Duration:	2-5 days.
Grade examples:	Ghorepani Poonhill, Nagarkot Dhulikhel, Dhampus, Sarangkot, Shivapuri.
Hours trekking per day:	4-5 hours.
Accommodation:	Tea house/lodging.

Moderate

Particular	Remarks
Previous Experience:	Previous hiking or camping experience is preferable.
Fitness Level:	Medium.
Type of client:	Trekkers who want to spend 1-2 weeks in the mountains, and have a moderate level of physical fitness.
Type of trail:	Steep hilly terrain on usually rough trails.
Technicality:	No technicality.
Altitudes:	Up to 5500m (18,044ft) 400-700m of ascension a day.
Altitude gain per day:	400-700m.
Duration:	10-12 days.
Grade examples:	Annapurna Base Camp, Gokyo Lake, Langtang Helambu, Tamang heritage, Panchase.
Hours trekking per day:	6-7 hours.
Accommodation:	Tea house/lodging.

Difficult

Be aware that at this grade there is a siginfigant less amount of oxygen pressure.

Particular	Remarks
Previous Experience:	Previous trekking experience, physical fitness and a positive attitude are essential.
Fitness Level:	Above average.
Type of client:	Trekkers who are looking for a challenging experience physically and technically, and have an above average level of physical fitness.
Type of trail:	Steep hilly terrain on rough trails and occasional high passes. Glacier and snow crossings. Remote environments.
Technicality:	Using fixed ropes, crampons, 1 ice axe.
Altitudes:	Up to 5500m (18,044ft).
Altitude gain per day:	500-800m.
Duration:	12-16 days.
Grade examples:	Annapurna Circuit, Chola pass, Three Pass, Manaslu Circuit, Kanchanjungha Base Camp, and Makalu Base Camp.
Hours trekking per day:	6-8 hours.
Accommodation:	Tea house/camping.

Strenuous

Particular	Remarks
Previous Experience:	Previous climbing experience and a high level of physical fitness.
Fitness Level:	Above average.
Type of client:	Trekkers who are looking for a challenging experience physically and technically, and have a high level of physical fitness.
Type of trail:	Steep hilly terrain on rough trails, high passes, glacier and snow crossings. Remote environments. There is also a greater wilderness feel, isolation and lack of back up.
Technicality:	Using fixed ropes, crampons, 1 ice ax.
Altitudes:	5500m (18,044ft) to 6200m (20,341ft).
Altitude gain per day:	700-1000m.
Duration:	16+ days.
Grade examples:	Dhaulagiri Circuit, Three Pass, Sherpani Col Pass,Amphu Lapcha Pass, Great Himalayan Trail.
Hours trekking per day:	6-8 hours.
Accommodation:	Tea house/camping.