Nepal Trekking Grade

Nepal is popularly known as “Trekkers Paradise” as a large number of tourists visit Nepal for trekking every year. Geographically, Nepal has been characterized by the variation in the elevation ranging from 57 m in the Terai to above 5000m in the Himalayan regions so trekking has been graded in different levels according to route features and elevation. Nepal offers trekking routes for all levels of trekkers. Some routes are with higher level of elevation which requires different standard of physical fitness and acclimatization or rest day and some are easier. This grading provides a way for you to compare different treks to find a route to suite your fitness level .We suggest consulting a doctor if you are suffering from cardiac or respiratory problems. Fitness activities like morning and evening walks, jogging; stretching, meditation and regular exercise is recommended for trekkers. Present health condition is to be considered while choosing a trek as trekking is done for fun and adventure. The following are the different grades of trekking:

Easy or Grade A

This type of trekking is suited to all age group and can be done easily without previous experience. This grade doesn’t require you to climb difficult places or high altitude. This lower altitude treks often provide colorful horizons of a whole series of ranges. You require walking 5 to 6 hours along good passable trails up to the elevation of 3000m however; it may depend upon the pace of the trekker. A person with average fitness level and limited time can choose this type of trek. This type of trek usually last for a week. Some example of easy grade trek includes Ghorepani/Poon hill trekking ,Jomsom Muktinath Trekking, Panchase Trekking, Helambu trekking, Shivapuri Trekking, Ghandruk Trekking etc. These trekking regions offer a wide range of landscape diversity to view, splendid vistas of different Himalayan range, an opportunity to acknowledge different unique cultures and eye catching flora and fauna.

Moderate or Grade B

This grade of trekking is more difficult than grade A and is challenging. Walkers who are energetic and with a good health condition and has the ability to walk for around 6 to 7 hours a day are well suited for this grade. The treks will reach elevations approaching 4,500 meters involving more walking up and down and sometimes slightly higher. This grade includes Annapurna Base Camp Trekking, Langtang region Trekking, Ganesh Himal Trekking and Rara Lake trekking. The duration for this type of trekking last for at least 14 days. Closer view of bigger mountains is the perk of this grade of trekking. .

Grade C (Strenuous Trek)

This type of trekking is arranged for the period of 7-25 days and exceeds the elevation of 5,500m. It provides you with the opportunity to view the beauty of different important peaks including Mt. Everest along with the fascinating landscape and mystical culture. Very steeper hills climbing that may require the use of ropes and a very extreme and tough travelling condition are expected. The popular trek of this grade includes Annapurna Circuit Trekking, Everest Base camp Trekking, Makalu Base Camp Trekking, and Everest Region. For those who are willing to visit less touristy there are numerous such places in this level that provide a wilderness experience in both natural and cultural aspect. We do not recommend you this trekking if you are suffering from blood pressure, cardiac disease, asthma or any other critical health conditions as the level of difficulty is higher in this type of trekking. Good health condition and immunity is very essential because of the challenging difficulty level.

Grade - D (Challenging Treks):

It is also known as the Alpine trekking and is the most difficult one. It involves uphill mountain climbing with the possibility of some rope lambing that requires physical and mental stamina. The trekker is required to have proper mountaineering skills/knowledge and experience with excellent health condition. It covers very remote areas and snow-covered passes. One requires an excellent level of experience and fitness along with high tolerance level. This type of trek needs 16- 28 days more for going the trekking on the higher altitudes above 5500m where there is fascinating and exciting views to observe. This grade of trekking includes the most difficult ones like Upper Dolpo Trekking, Manaslu Trekking, Kanchenjunga Trekking, Ganja La Pass trekking ,Dhaulagiri Trekking.