Trekking / Climbing Grades

The following guide can help you choose a trek or climb that best suits your fitness level and experience. Please keep n mind that this is a general guide only. A variety of factors, including weather, may add to the challenge.

Trekking Grades

Easy walking; no special physical preparation required; usually on very good paths or trails; generally at lower altitudes; no previous experience required.

Walking up to 7 hours a day; possibility of walking on snow and glaciers; general good fitness and physical preparation preferred (e.g., jogging or hiking both uphill and downhill 6-8 weeks before arrival); increased time at higher altitudes; no previous experience required.

Walking 7 hours plus a day; crossing high altitude passes; physical preparation required; some long and demanding days; increased time in remote areas and at higher altitudes; need a positive attitude and a strong determination; previous hiking/camping experience preferred.

As above, with additional very long days; crossing high altitude passes over difficult terrain in remote areas; excellent physical condition required with a positive attitude and a strong determination; ropes and climbing equipment (e.g., ice axe and crampons) may be used; previous hiking/camping experience preferred.

Climbing Grades


Appropriate climbing experience is essential not only for your own safety and success, but for the safety and success of our team and other teams on the mountain. Before joining a climb, we'll need a brief history of your prior climbing experience. Climbers should have a good outlook, act as team members and be willing to assist leaders and other members as required. Please call to discuss.

Ice axe and crampons may be used; ropes may be fixed if necessary; usually on low angle snow slopes; previous climbing experience preferred.

Ice axe and crampons will be used; ropes may be fixed and used where necessary; slopes become steeper or route more exposed; glacier travel with the risk of hidden crevasses; previous mountaineering experience required.

Ice axe and crampons will be used extensively; ropes will be fixed where necessary; steep slopes, exposed ridges, and very long, hard days at high altitude; cramped conditions; glacier travel with hidden crevasses; exposure to serious immediate danger; previous high altitude climbing experience required.

All mountaineering expeditions - Ice axe and crampons will be used extensively; ropes will be fixed where necessary; very steep slopes, exposed ridges, and very long, hard days at high altitude; cramped conditions; glacier travel with hidden crevasses; exposure to serious immediate danger; previous high altitude climbing and expedition experience required.