Grades of Trekking

BEGINNER INTERMEDIATE DIFFICULT EXPEDITIONS

Being a trekking community, we wish to share how Team Wanderers grades treks. There a lot of things that have to be considered before grading a trek. Weather, temperatures, road connectivity, health care centres/ hospitals nearby and their accessibility, road block history and many more. To keep it basic for trekkers to understand, we have categorized on the basis of time (no. of days), distance (in time & Km), prior experience required, and connectivity by road/ railway to the closest town, such as Dehradun/ Haridwar/ Rishikesh in Uttrakhand for example.

What is expected out of trekkers?

Fitness - For any person who is fit & healthy and can jog/ run 3.5 to 4kms in 30mins can start with beginner level treks. Also, a check of BMI certainly helps get a certain idea about fitness levels. As BMI checks vary person to person we do not rely upon it 100%.

Gears & Equipment– Hiring/ renting basic equipment as Rucksacks, Shoes, Trek poles, Jackets is generally the way people choose to do their first trek. Post the first high altitude trek you understand the importance of the right gears.

What trekkers can expect?

Hike/ trek each day for 4 to 5 hours covering 4 to 5 km approx. each day for about 3 to 4 days. You get to a maximum altitude of 10,000 feet – 12,500 feet. The width of the trails can vary between 3 to 5 feet. Rocks, boulders, meadows, snow patches would be negotiated without any technical equipment. Access to roads and basic amenities would be easy. A trekking distance ranging between 15kms to 30 km would be covered.

Treks names
Kedarkantha, Brahmatal, Dayara Bugyal, Dodital, Har ki Dun, Valley of flowers

What is expected out of trekkers?

Fitness – People who have done a few day treks or even have a camping experience in the wilderness should enrol for any intermediate graded treks. For first timers, physical fitness as well as the will to “not quit” would be necessary.

Gears & Equipment – People who have already had a trekking experience, would understand that trek equipment is not just an expense, but is an investment. Keeping that in mind - the right make and fit of rucksack, proper foot sized trekking shoe and the right fitted tracks, tee’s and jackets are some examples. For first timers, it becomes important for them to connect with experienced trekkers for guidance. Team Wanderers sends a trek specific list of things to carry for all their trekkers. This guidance ensures the trekkers towards good and right products with good quality and durability. We could suggest brands/ makes for gears and equipment as well, when asked for.

What trekkers can expect?

Trek each day for 8 to 10 km approx. for 5 to 8 days. You reach to a maximum altitude of 12,500 to 15,500 feet. The trails could have a couple of steep ascends or descends on some days. This could involve trekking in some tough weather conditions as rains, snowfalls or even sub zero temperatures on 1 to 2 days. There might arise a few scenario’s (weather dependant) wherein trekkers would have to get into knee deep river crossings, wear technical equipment like micro spikes (provided by operators) to ensure safety or stay still at a few camps. These conditions not only bring out the best in the team as trekkers, but also provide a good learning experience for all. Trained staff members and certified and experienced Trek leaders would therefore accompany the trekkers.

Trek names
Buran ghati, Kashmir great lakes, Rupin pass, Markha valley, Roopkund, Annapurna base camp

What is expected out of trekkers?

Fitness – For any of the difficult graded treks it is necessary that trekkers follow a fitness schedule/ regime. A combination of cardio, strength and stamina exercises are the key to the fitness required for difficult graded treks. Apart from the physical fitness levels it is important to understand how our bodies react/ adapt to high altitudes. Hence is become important to do at least one if not a few, 15,000 feet – 16,500 feet treks before attempting a difficult graded trek. By doing moderate levelled treks, the experience would be helpful in getting prepared for the difficult grade trek. After all, the key to a successful summit starts with the right preparations.

Gears & equipment – As these treks are difficult and exposed towards higher altitudes, the weather would test us as trekkers. Having good quality gears (rucksack, jackets, track pants, shoes) along with quality equipment (tents, sleeping bags, trek mats) is very important.

What trekkers can expect?

Hike/ trek each day for 8 to 10 hours covering 11 to 14 km approx. each day for 10 days or more. You get to altitudes of 16,500 feet – 20,500 feet. The trails would have steep ascends/ descends on each day. This will involve trekking in tough weather conditions as rains, snowfall,sub-zero temperatures, over moraines, glaciers etc. We may have to get into knee deep river crossings, use technical equipment like mountaineering boots with crampons, climbing ropes, harness set with carabiners, safety helmets, and ice axes, to ensure safety. These conditions not only bring out the best in the team as trekkers, but also provide a good learning experience for all. Trained staff members and certified and experienced mountaineers as Trek leaders would therefore accompany the trekkers.

Treks names
StokKangri, Kang Yatse 2, Everest base camp, Everest base camp with Go KyoRi, Chadar trek, Annapurna Circuit.