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