Trip Grading

All of our trips are given a grade to show their relative difficulty. Using our simple grade numeral system, you may easily choose your ideal adventure.

Clearly, there are many different factors that contribute to the difficulty of a particular trip, including the length of journey, terrain, altitude and weather conditions. Since these factors are unpredictable, any system of grades can only provide a general indication.

Outshine Adventure suggests you to judge yourself physically and mentally before starting any of the trips in Nepal, Tibet & Bhutan. It becomes necessary to know which trek matches most with your physical capabilities in order to enjoy your trekking in Nepal, Tibet & Bhutan. Be sure to work up to your training, especially if it is not already a part of your weekly routing and you choose the grade moderate and above.

Before booking any of our trips, you should read the associated trip dossier to gain a full picture of what it entails. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please contact us.

Here are the five grade categories for the services Outshine Adventure provides.

  • Leisurely - Activities are optional. None requires prior experience or fitness level.
  • Easy - You don't have to be in great physical shape, all you need is the desire to go. You'll do easy sightseeing on foot through cities, towns, monasteries, etc., with optional day hikes as long as three to four hours
  • Moderate - Expect to walk, hike or ride four to five hours a day, although you should be prepared for several long, spectacular days on the trail of up to six hours or more.
  • Strenuous - These trips push you, but if you're in reasonably good physical condition, you can do it. In other words, if you regularly ride a bike, ski, run, or work out in a gym, you will enjoy the rigors of these treks and finish the trip in great shape. Most days are five to six hours of trekking, but could occasionally be more depending on your endurance.
  • Alpine - You must have previous trekking experience and be prepared for long days into remote wilderness where elevations are above 18,000 feet. Extremely demanding treks sometimes in very remote areas on rough terrain and includes 'trekking peaks’ which require technical climbing on snow and ice. Participants should have at least a basic knowledge of use of crampons and ice axes. Medical certificates are required prior to acceptance on any climbing treks.