Walking Holidays in Asia - grades explained?
You will see that we use trekking ‘grades’ on many of our walking itineraries as well as providing an approximate time of each days activities. These are provided to help you chose a suitable standard of trip. The following is an explanation of each of these grades. However, if you have any concerns or queries on a certain trip, or a particular day, then please ask your consultant.
Easy
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 this grade. Easy treks are short in duration and at lower altitudes: 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 4 and 6 hours during the day.
Moderate
You need to be in good health, reasonably fit and you will almost certainly be taking regular exercise. A trek could be a fairly easy medium–duration walk, or a harder, shorter walk. Some walking at higher altitude and occasional longer or more difficult days may be involved, but generally conditions underfoot will be fair. A walking day would normally be between 5 and 8 hours long and no experience is necessary.
Challenging
For any trek at his level, fitness is very important and you may have to improve yours before departure. Challenging treks are equivalent to extended walking in mountain terrain, at significantly high altitudes. Climate and remoteness can also pay a part. Walking days are usually between 6 and 8 hours although there may be some longer days for pass-crossing or similar. Previous trekking experience is desirable but not essential.
Difficult
Some experience of trekking at altitude is desired. You should be able to cope with difficult paths on steep mountainsides. Extremes of altitude and weather may also be encountered. Stamina is very important, as walking days can be from 6 to 9 hours.