Western Ghats Grades

✪ 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