How hard is it, and what should I bring?
What our trek grades mean, altitude sickness, what to pack and staying in touch.
Practical information last reviewed October 2026. Conditions change — we confirm the details for your dates when we send your program.
Choose a trip that matches the walking you already do
Every trek on this site is graded. A trip that suits your fitness is one you will enjoy far more.
Easy
Gentle trails and meadows, generally below about 4,100 m. Fine for anyone who walks regularly.
For example: Gujar Trails, Rupal Face, Deosai & Fairy Meadows
Moderate
Hikes of 4 – 5 hours a day on rougher ground, camping up to about 4,500 m. Some trekking experience helps.
For example: Rakaposhi Base Camp, Upper Hunza, Wakhan
Strenuous
Long days on glaciers and moraine, high passes and camps above 5,000 m, for several weeks. You need to be fit and trained.
For example: K-2 Base Camp, Circling Nanga Parbat, Shimshal
City, cultural and valley sightseeing tours involve little more than short walks — ideal if you would rather not trek. Find a trip at your pace
Altitude
Above about 2,500 m the body needs time to adjust. Our treks climb slowly to allow for acclimatization, and guides watch for the signs of acute mountain sickness — headache, nausea, poor sleep, breathlessness.
The only cure is to descend, and your guide may ask you to go down if symptoms persist. Talk to your doctor before a high trek if you have a heart, lung or other chronic condition.
Getting fit
Treks are demanding: steep trails, rough moraine and long days with a daypack. If you are not already exercising regularly, start several months before you travel — walking with a loaded pack on hills is the best preparation.
What to pack
Bring layers: days can be hot in the valleys and nights freezing at camp. On treks you need broken-in boots, a four-season sleeping bag, a 40 – 45 litre daypack, sunglasses with full UV protection, a headlamp and two water bottles.
Our full packing list covers the rest.
Staying in touch
Mobile signal is good in towns but patchy or absent on trek, so let family know when to expect to hear from you. Electricity is 220 V — bring a power bank and spare batteries for the mountains.
Photos via Wikimedia Commons: K2 — Zacharie Grossen, CC BY-SA 4.0
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