We have constructed our trips levels based on years of experience with all levels of trekkers, but we must stress that it is a guide only. You are the best judge of your own physical fitness and mental stamina. The difficulty of a given trip can vary greatly depending on how well you adapt to the remote medium-to-high altitude environments through which we trek. We cannot take into account the particular psychological effect that multiple weeks of hiking without a hot shower may have on you. However, getting well beyond the confines of your regular life is what this is all about and WE DO NOT RUSH. Experience the journey, not the destination! All the treks include porters, donkeys, dzopa and yaks to carry your luggage, so that your only responsibility is what you need during the day - jacket, camera, water bottle, etc. All the cooks we employ and the tea house cooks have been trained in providing delicious and hygienic food and water. Guide and necessary kitchen crew (for some tours in remote area) will be there even in vehicle tours.
Gentle - Day trips, level ground, good paths, vehicle tours.
Easy - Easy hiking, occasional up and down, multi day trips, mountain dirt road vehicle tours, good paths, possible overnight stays in basic accommodation, may involve camping especially for research expeditions along roadside and in some communities for tailored trips. Hills rather than mountains.
Moderate - Multi day trips, may involve camping in rural areas. Rougher, steeper paths. Possible high altitude hiking (4000-5400m), but with plenty of time for acclimatization. Rain and snow possible, but dry rest spots are usually available multiple times a day. Good general trekking grade that anyone who can walk with a light day pack at a moderate pace for 6 hours/day can do
Challenging - Extended time in remote area, probably camping. Steep ascents and descents and occasional unmarked paths. May involve getting wet and cold without a dry place to rest for hours on end! Possibility of easy scrambling. Periods of high altitude.
Difficult - Remote areas, changeable, adverse weather conditions. Long trips and hard trekking. Rescue difficult. May include some or all of the following:
Steep trek to high altitude (>5000 m) with minimum time to acclimatize.
Sustained trekking and camping at high altitude.
Multiple high passes to cross with the risk of snow storms.
Long treks in remote and difficult terrain without roads.
Technical trekking routes that require ropes and crampons.