Trip Grades

These trips are designed for those who prefer a relaxed pace with minimal physical exertion. Ideal for families and beginners, Grade 1 adventures typically feature well-marked trails and moderate walking distances. Suitable for participants with little to no hiking experience, these trips may include short walks, sightseeing, and leisurely exploration of cultural sites.

Example activities: City tours, easy nature walks, scenic drives.

Moderate trips require a reasonable level of fitness and readiness for some physical challenges. These adventures might involve longer walking distances and occasional stretches of uneven terrain. While prior hiking experience is beneficial, participants should be prepared for a variety of conditions, including possible altitude acclimatization.

Example activities: Day hikes, cultural excursions, and short treks.

Grade 3 trips demand a higher level of fitness and the willingness to tackle more challenging walks. Participants should have some prior trekking experience and be prepared for longer days on foot, including various terrains and potential altitude considerations. Expect to encounter steeper ascents and descents, as well as unmarked paths.

Example activities: Multi-day trekking, moderate alpine walks.

Difficult trips cater to experienced trekkers who are comfortable with strenuous hikes. Participants should possess good physical fitness and have a comprehensive understanding of mountain trekking. Expect long days of walking with demanding ascents and descents, potentially in remote areas. Acclimatization to higher altitudes is often necessary.

Example activities: High-altitude trekking, challenging multi-day routes.

Grade 5 trips are for seasoned adventurers who relish the challenge of high-altitude trekking and rugged terrains. This level requires excellent physical fitness, stamina, and a strong mental attitude. Participants should be familiar with high-altitude challenges and prepared for unpredictable weather conditions. Expect long days of trekking across varied landscapes, including high passes.

Example activities: Treks in the Himalayas or Andes, complex multi-day expeditions.

This grade is aimed at highly experienced trekkers who are in peak physical condition. Participants will face significant altitude, challenging weather, and demanding terrains. A high level of fitness and prior experience in high-altitude trekking is essential. Expect long, strenuous days and possible navigation challenges in remote areas, often above treeline.

Example activities: High-altitude trekking, specialized terrain such as glaciers.

Strenuous trips require a significant commitment in terms of both physical and mental preparation. Trekkers will face extreme altitude and must have strong mountaineering skills and experience. These trips involve long days of ascent, often requiring the use of technical gear and navigation skills to traverse challenging landscapes.

Example activities: High-altitude mountaineering and glacier crossings.

Extreme trips push the limits of trekking and mountaineering. Suitable only for highly experienced climbers, these adventures demand complete technical proficiency, physical fitness, and a thorough understanding of altitude acclimatization. Be prepared to tackle severe weather, technical routes, and extended days of strenuous activity in some of the world’s most remote mountain landscapes.

Example activities: Expedition climbs in high-altitude ranges, technical rock or ice climbing.

These elite-level trips cater to a select group of climbers who have substantial experience in high-altitude and technical climbing. Expect extreme conditions, requiring both mental fortitude and physical strength. Participants should be skilled in various climbing techniques and capable of managing risks associated with extreme altitudes and challenging weather.

Example activities: Ascents of peaks in the death zone, advanced multi-pitch climbing.

Advanced mountaineering expeditions are designed for the most experienced climbers seeking to scale some of the highest peaks in the world. These trips require not only peak physical conditioning and technical climbing skills but also advanced knowledge of high-altitude survival and environmental risks. Participants should expect an extreme commitment, both mentally and physically, as they tackle significant challenges in severe conditions.

Example activities: Summiting 8,000-meter peaks, complex and high-risk climbing expeditions.