GRADES FOR WESTERN GHATS
⭐ Easy – Western Ghats
Trek Characteristics
- Each day’s walk of no more than ~4 Hrs
- Walk on clear trails*
- Not much variation in the terrain
- Small altitude gain on gentle slopes
- Does not require use of ropes or any climbing gear
Suitable For
- Beginners and Children
- Basic health and fitness desirable
Gear & Load
- Leader always carries basic emergency gear
- Expect to carry:
- Day trek: day pack of 4 – 5 Kgs
- Multi-day trek: backpack of 8 – 10 Kgs
⭐ Moderate – Western Ghats
Trek Characteristics
- Each day’s walk of no more than ~6 Hrs
- Mostly walk on clear trails*
- May involve walking on mixed terrain consisting of rocks, loose soil and small boulders
- Some altitude gain on moderate slopes
- Does not require use of ropes or any climbing gear
Suitable For
- Beginners and Regular Trekkers
- Regular fitness activity desirable
Gear & Load
- Basic safety gear for emergencies only
- Expect to carry:
- Day trek: day pack of 4 – 5 Kgs
- Multi-day trek: backpack of 8 – 10 Kgs
⭐ Challenging / Strenuous – Western Ghats
Trek Characteristics
- Each day’s trek of at least 6 Hrs
- Includes trekking on faint trails*
- May involve route-finding or bushwhacking
- Trekking on mixed terrain consisting of loose rocks & soil and boulders
- Considerable height gain on steep slopes
- May require use of ropes or any climbing gear on small patches for safety
Suitable For
- Regular and Experienced Trekkers
- Fair amount of fitness necessary
Gear & Load
- Necessary safety gear for emergencies only
- Expect to carry:
- Day trek: day pack of 4 – 5 Kgs
- Multi-day trek: backpack of 8 – 10 Kgs
⭐ Difficult / Tough – Western Ghats
Trek Characteristics
- Each day’s trek of 6 – 8 Hrs
- Includes trekking on faint trails*
- May involve route-finding or bushwhacking
- Long tiring trek on varied terrain consisting of boulders, exposed ground, loose rock and soil
- Considerable height gain on steep slopes
- May require use of ropes or any climbing gear on small patches for safety
Suitable For
- Regular and Very Experienced Trekkers
- Considerable amount of fitness necessary
Gear & Load
- Necessary safety gear for emergencies only
- Expect to carry:
- Day trek: day pack of 4 – 5 Kgs
- Multi-day trek: backpack of 8 – 10 Kgs
⭐ Extreme / Technical – Western Ghats
Trek Characteristics
- Each day’s trek of 6 – 8 Hrs
- Includes trekking on faint trails*
- Will involve route-finding or bushwhacking
- Long tiring trek on varied terrain consisting of boulders, exposed ground, loose rock and soil
- Considerable height gain on steep slopes
- Will require use of ropes or any climbing gear on some patches for safety
Suitable For
- Very Experienced Trekkers
- Supreme amount of fitness necessary
Gear & Load
- Advanced safety gear for emergencies only
- Expect to carry:
- Day trek: day pack of 4 – 5 Kgs
- Multi-day trek: backpack of 8 – 10 Kgs