Trip Grading
Simple:
This is a sightseeing tour by drive which in fact doesn't require any physical labour and are often accompanied by scenic hike or walking around the city (very little or no elevation gain).
Leisurely:
It involves gentle trekking with a light packs, especially designed for beginners who has an average level of fitness. There are no steep gradients and wouldn't go higher than 3500 meters.
An average walk of around 4 to 5 hours a day is expected.
Moderate:
It requires average ability and physical fitness and a walk of around 5 to 9 hours on most days in a mixed terrain. Often accompanied by gentle to steep ascents and descents on varied trails, glacier crossing, high altitude passes, with significant elevation gain of around 5500 meters at the most.
Hard:
It requires excellent physical condition and often accompanied by technical climbing through mountainous terrain with crampons and rope. Steep terrain on snow, ice and rock is expected that requires basic mountaineering skills. The maximum elevation gain is not above 6,500 meter.
Strenuous:
It requires high level of physical fitness and endurance, as well as previous mountaineering experience in the Himalayas. Technical climbing on snow and ice slopes above 60 degree with an exposure to heights is expected. The maximum elevation gain is not higher than 7,500 meter.
Extreme:
The Extreme grade is the most strenuous trip of all and requires excellent level of both physical and mental fitness. Climbing at an extreme altitude in the Himalayas is expected and a previous mountaineering experience of at least 7000 meters climb is mandatory.
