What does grading (Easy, Moderate, Difficult, Strenuous) mean?

Easy Treks:
No previous Trek experience and any physical preparation are required to attempt this trek. An interest in walking will be enough to take up such treks. Such treks usually vary from 2 days hike to 5 days trekking and can reach up to an altitude of 3000 m. Treks usually on well-maintained paths and passes through ridges and involve walking up 3 to 5 hours per day.

Moderate Treks:
Moderate Treks will require at least 6-7 hours of walking every day, crossing 4000 m above high altitude passes, and long and exhausting walks through often rough trails, rocks and boulders. Therefore, you will require physical and mental fitness, positive attitude and interests and previous hiking or camping experience is preferred. You should prepare to face high altitude.

Difficult Treks:
Prior trekking experience and technical knowledge are essential in Difficult Treks. Besides walking through rough trails for 6-7 hours and crossing high passes as high as 5000 m, you will also be glacier crossings on snow/ice. You will be facing high altitude air with a low level of oxygen and continuous walking over a huge stretch of Himalayan valleys. Positive attitude and perseverance are required.

Strenuous Treks:
Strenuous Treks involve long days, long hours of challenging walks; high altitude passes above 5000 m, difficult terrains and glacier and snow walking. No doubt you need to be mentally and physically fit and in excellent health condition. As part of technical requirements, you will require having rock and ice climbing experience with the knowledge of the use of ice axe and crampons. You should consider joining one of the rock climbing and glacier walking classes before heading for Trek.