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Level of difficulty

Trek/Expedition difficulty levels:

There is no specific classification on level/grades of difficulties for an expedition or trek. Please follow the following “Level of difficulty” which is prepared based on my experience and extensive literature reviews.

  • Level 1:
    • Fitness level: Low fitness level/regular daily activities
    • Technicality: No technical skills required
    • Total duration of trip: 3-7 days
    • Duration of hike/trek: 3-5 hours/day
    • Altitude: Below 3,000 meters
    • Terrain: Well-maintained path with frequent exposure with locals/villages
    • Past experience: Not required
    • Accommodation: Tea house/lodges/hotels
  • Level 2:
    • Fitness level: Medium/1-2 days of cardio exercise/week
    • Technicality: No technical skills required
    • Total duration of trip: 7-14 days
    • Duration of hike/trek: 4-6 hours/day
    • Altitude: 3,000-5,000 meters
    • Terrain: Steep hills, usually rough trails, occasional encounter with horses/mules with less frequent exposure with locals/villages
    • Past experience: Previous hiking, camping or level 1 trekking experience required
    • Accommodation: Tea house/lodges with camping (optional)
  • Level 3:
    • Fitness level: Good/3-4 days of cardio exercise/fitness training per week
    • Technicality: Basic skills on crampons, knots and ice axe required
    • Total duration of trip: 12-21 days
    • Duration of hike/trek: 5-8 hours/day
    • Altitude: 3,000-5,500 meters
    • Type of trail: Steep hills, mostly rough trails, a couple of passes, exposure with snow & glacier, occasional exposure with locals/villages
    • Past experience: Previous exposure to high altitude trekking required
    • Accommodation: Tea house/lodges plus camping (mostly)/semi-expedition style
  • Level 4:
    • Fitness level: Good and above average/Regular daily exercise
    • Technicality: Efficient with crampons, ropes, knots and ice axe
    • Total duration of trip: 2-4 weeks
    • Duration of hike/trek: 5-8 hours/day
    • Altitude: 5,000-6,000 meters
    • Type of trail: Steep hills, rough trails, high passes, glacier and snow crossing and rare exposure with other people
    • Past experience: Previous level 3 trekking experience required
    • Accommodation: Mostly camping/expedition style