All treks in Nepal are given a trekking grade. This is a guide to how the going is along the trek it refers to the difficulty and the fitness you may require.
On our web site we have listed five trekking grades here follows a description and what you may expect along the route.
Easy: A trek with an easy grade is suitable for all levels of fitness and age groups. It’s ideal for couples travelling with young children. The trails will be easy without any excessive long up hills or step gradients. An easy trek is normally at lower altitudes and in milder weather so less equipment is used. These treks are normally within easy access of roads and main towns in case of emergency. On an easy trek a days walking is rarely more than 5 hours. Easy treks are normally short covering 1 to five days.
Moderate: A moderate trek will include some longer climbing or greater distances to be covered during the day. The trails may include some steep rocky stair cases or scrambling through close forests. These treks require a basic level of fitness and can also be suitable for families with children of aged people.
Moderate to strenuous: A moderate to strenuous trek requires a medium level of fitness. During these treks you will be required to walk up to 6 hours in one day. The trails will not always be clear and may at times be narrow and steep. You will be at times quite high in altitude so should be prepared for colder conditions and occasional snow. Moderate to strenuous treks are normally in well facilitated areas but at times you should be prepared for minimal facilities and amenities, esp. if it is a camping trek. And you will be more isolated from major roads and towns.
Strenuous: A strenuous trek requires a high level of fitness and some basic mountain trekking experience will benefit you. You should expect the trails to be steep and narrow in some places. It may involve some scrambling over rocks or through tree roots. It will involve extended periods of uphill and down hill trekking. A strenuous graded trek usually means you will be trekking up to higher altitudes; there fore you should be prepared for walking in snow and extreme weather conditions. On some days you may be required to walk extended periods of time due to the remoteness of villages and suitable camping sites. Amenities and facilities will be less and you will be further away from main roads and towns.
Very strenuous: This kind of trek is the hardest and requires a high level of fitness and some previous trekking experience. It will require you to trek at greater altitudes, sometimes above 5000m and there will be extended periods of climbing uphill. The trails will be steep and rocky and a small amount of climbing may be involved. Also you should expect to be walking in snow in some places and be prepared for extreme weather conditions. These kinds of treks are generally in remote areas with less facilities and amenities. You need to be thoroughly prepared and with experienced guides in these situations. Also in some places where you are required to cross passes you may be required to walk in excess of 8 hours per day.
Trekking grades means explanation and description of the route where the trekkers are travelling. Mainly there are five trekking grades in Nepal. They are as follows: Easy, Moderate, Moderate to Strenuous, Strenuous, and Very Strenuous.
