The difficulty levels of our trekking tours
In order to simplify the selection of suitable routes we have divided all our trips carefully into different categories, depending on the level of difficulty (trip grade).
If you don’t have any trekking experience, we recommend our tours in the category „treks for beginners“. For those who have already gained some experience with trekking at altitudes above 3,000 m and are physically fit, we recommend the „moderate to demanding treks“. In the case of experienced hikers with very good physical fitness we recommend tours in the „strenuous treks“ category.
If you are not sure which tour will be the best for you we’ll be happy to advise.
What trip grade does each category have?
Category: “Treks for Beginners”
Trip Grade: Easy
The maximum height is 2,000 metres. The average walking time per day is 4 – 5 hours. The light ups and downs vary in altitude between 100 and 200 m. Up to 10 km a day are hiked on up to 5 days. In the case of sightseeing tours transport is by private vehicle with local drivers.
These tours are suitable for all guests who are in good health. Hiking experience is not required.
Trip Grade: Gentle
The maximum height goes up to 3,300 m. The average walking time is 5 – 6 hours a day, with some ups and downs and altitude changes of up to 600 m. Daily walks can be up to 10 kilometers, duration up to 7 days.
These tours are a good choice for beginners with little or no trekking experience. Good health and a certain degree of fitness are required.
Category: “Moderate to Demanding Treks”
Trip Grade: Moderate
The maximum height can go up to 4,200 m. The average walking time is 6 – 7 hours per day. Here differences in altitude of up to 1,000 m can occur with many ascents and descents. The daily hikes cover 10-15 kilometers with a trekking period of up to 14 days.
These tours are a good choice for trekkers with initial hiking experience at altitudes above 3,000 meters, and with good physical condition and health.
Trip Grade: Demanding
The maximum height can go up to 5,600 m. The average hiking time is 7- 8 hours (with a few days up to 10 hours) per day. On the routes high passes of over 5,000 m are traversed, steep and difficult terrain is common, with altitude differences of up to 1,000 m. Daily hikes cover 10 -15 km, with a total trekking duration of up to 3 weeks. Some rest days are included.
These tours are only for sure-footed and experienced mountain hikers in good physical condition. Appropriate altitude tolerance is required.
Category: “Strenuous Treks”and “Mountaineering”
Trip Grade: Strenuous
The maximum climb can go from 5,000 m up to 6,200 m. An average walking time of 6-10 hours a day is the norm. Hiking on glaciers and snow as well as some climbing is involved. Several high passes over 5,000 m are traversed, which can be covered in snow under certain circumstances. Steep, difficult terrain with altitude differences of up to 1,000 m are included. The use of ropes, ice axes and crampons may be necessary. Parts of the trails lead to remote areas where the roads are in bad condition. Daily hikes cover 10 to 15 km with a trekking duration of up to 22 days, rest days are included.
