Trekking Grade

Trekking Grades in Nepal

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.
Types of Trekking Grades
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.
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.
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.
Moderate Hard

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