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
Dr. Santosh Baniya, MD (April, 2022)