Trip Grading

This grading system of trips applies specifically to Himalayan trips Icicles Adventure organizes and is relative to trips listed on www.iciclesadventuretreks.com. We have classified our Himalayan treks, tours, and peak climbing trips based on their expected level of difficulty depending on altitude, terrain, daily walking time on the hike, remoteness as well as the length of the trip. In the Himalayas, trek distance is generally measured by the length of time it takes rather than mileage or kilometers, as the altitude and terrain are more significant than the actual distance of a journey. Please be aware that the altitude and daily walking figures are provided as a guide only. Detailed walking time and daily statistics for each trek can be attained in each of the detailed day-to-day itineraries.

Fitness Required
To participate in most of our trips, a good level of overall fitness and health is required, but you do not need to be an athlete. For example, in most of our treks (not city tours), you should be able to walk 8 km/5 miles with a height gain of 600m/2,000ft with an 8-10kg rucksack in 2-3 hours. The more difficult or strenuous the trip is, you should be able to do better than this and be able to repeat it over several consecutive days.

Please choose the appropriate trip for you after reading the detailed day-to-day program and the trip grading

“Easy” Graded Trips

Walking time: Transport by private vehicle to various places of interest, then sightseeing on foot at each location may involve a few hours walk/hike.
Altitude: Usually less than 3,000m.
Terrain: Sightseeing in cities and some optional day walks on well-trodden trails.
Remoteness: City/town area, good level of infrastructures such as hotel/guesthouse accommodation, and accessibility mobile phone network.
Fitness: Most people are in good health.

“Easy to Moderate” Graded Trips

Walking times: Average 4 to 6 hours walking per day for up to 8 days, often including one acclimatization day
Altitude: Up to 3,500m.
Terrain: Most of the time, following well-paved trails through villages with some daily ascents and descents.
Fitness: Most fit people in good health who exercise regularly.

“Moderate to Demanding” Graded Trips

Walking times: Average 4 to 7 hours walking per day for up to two weeks usually with some rest days included.
Altitude: Up to 4,500m.
Terrain: Most of the time walk is following well-trodden trails but there can be rough and rocky sections too. There will be significant ascents and descents, and a likelihood of walking through seasonal snow patches.
Remoteness: Usually not too remote and often there is a reasonable level of infrastructures such as lodge accommodation and accessibility of mobile phone network in most places.
Fitness: A good choice for active hill walkers, a reasonable level of fitness is required.

“Demanding to Strenuous” Graded Trips

Walking times: An average of 6 to 8 hours walking per day (with some longer days up to 10 hours) for up to two weeks with few acclimatization days.
Altitude: Up to 5,500m.
Terrain: Most of the time, following well-traveled trails and sometimes rough and rocky sections. A significant amount of ascents and descents. May need to walk occasionally on glaciers and snow patches.
Remoteness: Frequently in more remote areas and usually a longer distance from the nearest road and facilities available in a city. Local Lodge/teahouse accommodation. Accessibility of mobile phone networks in most places.
Fitness: A good choice for active, regular long-distance hill walkers, a good fitness level.

“Strenuous to Challenging” Graded Trips

Walking times: An average of 4 to 9 hours walking per day (with some longer days up to 10 hours) from 14 to 28 days with some rest days included.
Altitude: 5,000m up to 6,500m.
Terrain: Some sections on well-traveled trails and sometimes rough and rocky exposed sections. Steep ascents and descents. May need to walk occasionally on glaciers and snow patches. Mountain high passes can be snow-covered and slippery.
Remoteness: Typically in more remote areas and likely to extend to a long distance from the nearest road and facilities available in a city. Local Lodge/teahouse accommodation Accessibility of mobile phone network in most places.
Appropriateness: A good choice for regular, active long-distance hill walkers. Above average level of fitness would be required. Previous trekking experience at high altitude is preferred although not mandatory given adequate experience, preparation, and training.

“Challenging to Adventurous” Graded Trips

Walking times: An average of 4 to 9 hours walking per day (with some longer days up to 12 hours). Trip length can be 14 to 28 days with some rest days included.
Altitude: 5,500m up to 7,000m.
Terrain: A wide variety of mountain terrain from reasonable easy trails to crossing technical mountaineering passes and climbing to summits, sometimes including the use of fixed ropes and specialized equipment.
Remoteness: usually in more remote and isolated areas and a long distance from the nearest road and facilities. Local Lodge/teahouse and camping accommodation. Accessibility of mobile phone networks in most places.
Appropriateness: Good for regular, long-distance experienced walkers. A very high level of fitness would be required for our toughest treks and peak climbing. Previous trekking experience at high altitude is preferable although not mandatory given sufficient experience, preparation, and training

The situations on the trekking/climbing trails can differ each year and each trip can be different. We update our trip grading according to the changed circumstances and make sure our valued clients get the best-updated information. Write us or call us if you have any questions about our trip grades or if you need any help selecting the right trip for you.