Trekking was born in Nepal in the mid 1960’s when the former Ghurkha Officer, Jimmy Roberts, had the great idea to combine a team of Sherpas, cooks and porters and make a package available for the ordinary tourist. The idea was a huge success and today the term ‘trekking’ is widely used to describe any extended walk in the mountains where you walk each day from one camping place or lodge to the next. Himalayan trekking still sets the standard for this type of travel and is the benchmark by which other long walks are judged. All of the treks on this website are operated in the time-honoured way and the popular vision of a small group of western trekkers supported by a large number of local staff, porters and yaks still holds true however with the development of better and lighter equipment and the springing-up of many tea houses and lodges the amount of people required to provide support has somewhat been reduced to fewer numbers.

Every trek has been given a grade according to the general level of difficulty likely to be encountered. In apportioning a grade we consider a variety of factors including the type of terrain, the highest altitude we sleep at, the type of accommodation provided, the temperatures likely to be experienced overnight, the distance you will need to walk each day and the anticipated weight of rucksack you will be required to carry. Additionally, on any trek where you may be expected to carry a rucksack weighing more than 5 kgs, this has been specified in the appropriate trip description. If you consider yourself a total beginner in the world of trekking then we recommend you contact our office for a friendly and informal chat about the appropriate trek for you.

Any grading system for walking holidays is going to be subjective to a degree, but we have endeavoured to accurately reflect the comparative levels of difficulty of each of the trips. Our treks generally involve between four and eight hours walking a day, usually including breaks to absorb the scenery and views, and as long as you are reasonably active you will find a trek to suit you. If you feel you need to clarify any grading aspect of your preferred trek, please do not hesitate to contact our office for advice. You may be fitter than you think or possibly over ambitious and we will certainly be able to help you select an appropriate grade.

Grade 1- Easy/Moderate Everest Base Camp - The Annapurna Sanctuary - Ultimate Himalayan Adventure

Treks at this grade are suitable for walkers who regularly participate in weekend hill walking. You will need to be in good health and reasonably fit, and should be taking regular exercise. There may be some walking at higher altitudes but the paths will mostly be good and conditions underfoot will be fair. In general the length of days will be not be long, although there could be some harder walking days.

Grade 2 - Medium/Difficult Everest High Passes - Gokyo & Everest Base Camp - Annapurna Circuit

If you plan to join a trek at this grade you will probably have prior experience of trekking at altitude or have considerable hill walking experience and a good fitness level. During these treks you will walk for many days with conditions underfoot being difficult. For example, we may have to cross scree slopes or walk over mountain terrain where there are no paths. These treks can often go to altitudes of 5500 metres and you should have considerable stamina.

Grade 3 - Hard Mera Peak - Everest Trekking Peaks

Treks at this grade have all the elements of those classed as 'hard' but there will be additional factors, which increase the difficulty further. These could include high and difficult passes, roped glacier travel and other similar terrain where it may be necessary to use ice axe and crampons. In such circumstances, we would expect you to already have some experience of using this equipment however our expert guides can provide you with the essential training in use of these items prior to them actually being required for use. We provide all technical equipment which is of the highest quality for our trekking peaks trips so you do not need to purchase items or bring your own which saves greatly on you weight allowance on the short internal flights which limit you to 15kgs.