Trip Grading
We have grouped the expeditions and treks into three bands - Introductory, Intermediate and Advanced. Within these groups, we use a two-tiered grading system, which describes the technical difficulty (1-5) and fitness (A-E) required for each expedition. For example, Kilimanjaro - Western Breach is graded 1A but Aconcagua, which is a considerably more arduous undertaking, is graded 1C. The technically easy but strenuous Muztag Ata is graded 2D, while the short but difficult Carstensz Pyramid is 4A. Trekking trips, including the Rongai 'Trekking' route up Kilimanjaro, are identified as 'TREK'.

A well-chosen trip maximises both your enjoyment of the experience, as well as your chances of summit success. Selection of a trip that is beyond your ability could result in the leader not taking you on the climb, both for your own safety and for the safety of the other team members. If you need further help, please do not hesitate to contact our experienced staff, who are happy to discuss which trips would be suitable for you.

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Please note that the rucksack weights given above may be exceeded on some expeditions.

Trek Grading
All our treks are identified with a 'T'. Annapurna Sanctuary and Inca Trail and Santa Cruz Trek are considered as 'easy' treks, suitable for those with a reasonable level of fitness, who enjoy walking. The 18-Day Everest Base Camp Trek, the Annapurna Circuit and Kilimanjaro Rongai treks, involve trekking at higher altitudes and although not technically difficult, they are physically more arduous. Finally, the 22-Day Everest Base Camp Trek, which crosses the high, glaciated 'Cho La' pass and the K2 Base Camp Trek, which crosses the Ghondokoro La, are 'demanding' treks.

Fitness
To get the most out of your expedition or trek, you will need to be fit and healthy. You do not need to be an athlete, but a good level of overall fitness is important. As an indication, you should be able to walk 8km/5 miles with a height gain of 600m/2,000ft with a 10kg rucksack in 21/2 hours or less. This assumes a reasonable trail is followed at low altitude, such as in the UK or below 3,000m. An example would be an ascent of Snowdon by the Pyg Track from Pen-y-Pass (730m/2,400ft of ascent over 5km/3 miles) with a 10kg rucksack in 2 hours 15 minutes. If you wish to join a B, C, D or E graded expedition, you should be able to better this.