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Trip Grades
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A:
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(Easy) (Walking
tours & easy hiking) |
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B:
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(Moderate) (Easier
trekking) |
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C:
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(Strenuous) (Base
Camp Trekking & passes) |
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D:
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(Tough) (Adventure
passes but not trekking peak) |
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E:
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(Very Tough)
(Adventure passes with trekking peaks) |
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F:
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(Mountaineering &
Expeditions) (Except trekking peaks) |
A: (Easy) (Walking tours &
easy hiking)
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 an "A" grade. Usually, A grade treks are short in
duration and at lower altitudes up to about 3000m from sea level; often they are
optional, giving a chance of a rest day. However, walking always involves some
exertion: trails are seldom flat, and you must still expect to have a reasonable
amount of ascent and descent. You would normally walk for 4 to 5 hours during
the day.
B: (Moderate) (Easier trekking)
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 you will
almost certainly be taking regular exercise. A trek could be graded "B" either
as a fairly easy medium-duration walk, or as a harder, shorter walk. Some
walking at higher altitude up to 4500m. and the occasional longer or more
difficult day may be involved, but generally conditions underfoot will be fair.
A walking day would normally be between 5 to 8 hours long and no experience is
necessary.
C: (Strenuous) (Base Camp Trekking & passes)
For any trek at this level,
fitness is most important and you may have to improve yours before departure.
Most "C" grade treks are equivalent to extended walking in mountainous terrain
at home, but usually at significantly higher altitudes up to 5500m; climate and
remoteness can also play a part. Walking days are usually between 6 to 8 hours
although there may be some longer days for pass-crossing or similar. Previous
trekking experience is desirable but not essential if you are confident of your
physical condition.
D: (Tough) (Adventure passes with circuit but
not trekking peak)
At this level we recommend
previous experience of trekking, preferably at altitude upto 5600 or more, 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 or even longer on pass-crossing days.
E: (Very Tough) (Adventurer passes with trekking
peaks)
To earn an "E" grade, a trek
is likely to involve all the elements of a "D" grade plus extra factors of
significant difficulty - tricky river crossings, very high or difficult passes,
glaciers, or trekking peaks where basic climbing
skills is 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 11
hours, or on some climbs even longer
F:
(Mountaineering & Expeditions) (Except trekking peaks)
Experience of mountains in both summer and winter advisable.
Note: It is significant to
explain here the grade of trips may vary seasonally as ground conditions change.
If the information of gradation is physically sharply important for you, please
inquire us to know season wise gradation.
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