How we grade our treks (and why we don't round down)
Our five-step difficulty scale, what each step asks of your legs, and how to prepare.
“Easy” is the most abused word in trekking ads. We grade every trek on a five-step scale and show it as five dots on every card, so you can compare Devkund with Kalsubai at a glance.
The scale
- Easy: well-trodden trail, gentle climbs. If you can walk 5 km at a steady pace, you can do this.
- Easy–Moderate: some steep, rocky or slippery patches, and stream crossings in the monsoon.
- Moderate: sustained climbs, ladders or exposed rock, often a night start. Kalsubai sits here.
- Moderate–Difficult: long, steep days with scrambling. You need earlier treks behind you.
- Difficult: technical sections or very long days. Experienced trekkers only.
Weather changes the grade
The same trail is harder in August than in November. Monsoon rock is slippery and streams rise fast. When the weather turns, the trek leader’s decision is final. That line is in every brochure for a reason.
Preparing
Two to three weeks of brisk walking, stair climbing or easy jogging makes a moderate trek enjoyable instead of a struggle. If you have a medical condition, tell us before the trek. That is part of our rules too.
See the full scale, with the treks in each step, on our Safety page.