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1462

Charakusa Valley Trek – Paradise Discovered

0
  • Group : 2-10 pepole
  • Max Elevation 4350m/14270ft (more)
  • Trip Style: Trekking / Hard / Basecamp
  • Walking Distance: 46km/28.3miles
  • Difficulty Level 8 - Beyond The Valley Adventures
    Difficulty Level: 8/10 (more)
  • Join in Islamabad
  • Hotel (Nights)06
  • Hiking Mileage
    Camps (Night) 05
  • MealsFull Board
  • Trip Length: 12 days

Highlights - Charakusa Valley Trek

  • A beautiful & challenging trek to the pristine hidden paradise i.e., Charakusa Valley
  • An asylum of wild excellence with various ice & Rocky Mountains towers.
  • Opportunities to spot famous local species including Ibex, Markhor & Snow leopard.
  • Some of the most iconic peaks of the region such as K6 (Baltistan Peak), K7, Link Sar, Nayser Brakk, Haji Peak, Farhat & Fati Peak (Husband & Wife), and many more.

Description - Charakusa Valley Trek

Much of climbing & trekking happens on the giant of Baltoro whereas not far, the superb valley of Charakusa is growing by isolated towers and superb granite spires which remain out of the world. A challenging trek leading into the heart of the one of the most isolated and pristine mountain valleys on earth.

 

Nestling at the head of the Charakusa glacier, hidden from the giants of the Baltoro, lies one of the most impressive areas in the Karakoram. Here rise fairy tale mountains, the sort most people only dream of. Perfect granite, massive rock walls and easy access combine to produce one of the greatest mountains showcases on the planet.

Photos - Charakusa Valley Trek

Itinerary of Charakusa Valley Trek

Day 1Islamabad Arrival

Arrival at Islamabad International airport and transfer to the hotel. Participants will enjoy leisure time to relax and recover from the journey on this day.

Margalla Islamabad - Charakusa Valley Trek
Islamabad Airport - Charakusa Valley Trek

Islamabad City - Charakusa Valley Trek

 

Accommodation:
Hotel

Altitude:
540m

Driving Duration
40 Minutes

Meals included
Lunch & Dinner

Day 2Islamabad – Skardu

Fly from Islamabad airport to Skardu (1-hour scenic flight). Free day for sightseeing and necessary purchasing from Skardu Bazar. We will visit Manthal Rock Budha, Kharpocho fort, Organic village and Skardu Bazar. Or In case of flight cancellation due to weather, drive from Islamabad via Karakoram Highway with short stops at various touristic spots

Mamtu - Charakusa Valley Trek
Skardu Airport - Charakusa Valley Trek

Skardu Mountain - Charakusa Valley Trek

 

Accommodation:
Hotel

Altitude:
2250 m / 7380

Driving Duration
02 hours

Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3Skardu - Hushe

After breakfast at hotel we will drive to Hushe valley. Passing through small villages and witness diverse cultural heritage of the Ganche district. We will have short stops at the meeting point of Shayok & Indus Rivers, Thorgo Pari, and Sailing. Check into the hotel and have free time in the evening.

Khaplu Road - Charakusa Valley Trek
Balti Kid - Charakusa Valley Trek

Hushe valley - Charakusa Valley Trek

 

Accommodation:
Hotel

Altitude:
2950 m / 11150 ft

Driving Duration
4-5 hours

Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4Hushe - Saitcho

After breakfast at hotel, we will leave the last inhabited village of Hushe & trek to Saitcho campsite (3400m). An easy and short trek with free time in the afternoon for natural exploration.

Moonlight Milkyway - Charakusa Valley Trek
K1 - Charakusa Valley Trek

Masherbrum Stream - Charakusa Valley Trek

 

Accommodation:
Full-service camping

Altitude:
3400 m / 11150 ft

Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hiking Mileage:
9.5 km / 5.9 miles

Hiking Elevation Gain:
450 m / 1476 ft

Activity Duration:
04 hours

Day 5Saitcho - Spangsar

After breakfast at campsite, trek to Spangsar (3850m). Today we will traverse through the Wali Changkhalil and cross the Charakusa glacier.

Towards Charakusa - Charakusa Valley Trek
Campsite - Charakusa Valley Trek

Charakusa Glacier - Charakusa Valley Trek

 

Accommodation:
Full-service camping

Altitude:
3850 m / 12628 ft

Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hiking Mileage:
7 km / 4.4 miles

Hiking Elevation Gain:
450 m / 1476 ft

Activity Duration:
4-5 hours

Day 6Spangsar – K7 Base Camp

Down onto the glacier, our path follows the center of the ice river, sometimes walking on moraine and sometimes on snow and ice. We get our first views of the K-7 and the stunning spire of Nayser Brakk.

Towards Ancome - Charakusa Valley Trek
Ancome - Charakusa Valley Trek

K7 base Camp - Charakusa Valley Trek

 

Accommodation:
Full-service camping

Altitude:
4350 m / 14270 ft

Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hiking Mileage:
7 km / 4.4 miles

Hiking Elevation Gain:
500 m / 1640 ft

Activity Duration:
04 hours

Day 7K7 Base Camp

Free Day at K7 Base Camp (4350m) to explore the area. You can enjoy the splendid view of K-7 and many other peaks.

Nayser Peak - Charakusa Valley Trek
Hassin Peak - Charakusa Valley Trek

Lake at Base Camp - Charakusa Valley Trek

 

Accommodation:
Full-service camping

Altitude:
3400 m / 11150 ft

Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8K7 Base Camp - Saicho

Trek back to Saitcho (3400m) from K-7 Base Camp.

Haji Rasool - Charakusa Valley Trek
Charakusa Glacier - Charakusa Valley Trek

Charakusa Glacier - Charakusa Valley Trek

 

Accommodation:
Full-service camping

Altitude:
3400 m / 11150 ft

Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hiking Mileage:
13.5 km / 8.4 miles

Driving Duration:
06 hours

Hiking Elevation Loss:
950 m / 3116 ft

Day 9Saicho – Hushe - Shigar

Trek back from Saitcho to Hushe and then drive to Shigar valley for overnight stay. Check into the hotel in Shigar and have free time in the afternoon. A visit to Shigar fort and fort museum in the late afternoon.

Trail - Charakusa Valley Trek
Shigar - Charakusa Valley Trek

Alpine Valley - Charakusa Valley Trek

 

Accommodation:
Hotel

Altitude:
2300 m / 7544 ft

Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Hiking Mileage:
9.5 km / 5.9 miles

Activity Duration:
04 hours

Hiking Elevation Loss:
450 m / 1476 ft

Day 10Shigar - Skardu – Islamabad

Drive from Shigar to Skardu airport (1 hour) and fly to Islamabad (1 hour). Transfer to hotel and sightseeing after lunch.

Departure - Charakusa Valley Trek
Skardu Departure - Charakusa Valley Trek

Shangri La - Charakusa Valley Trek

 

Accommodation:
Hotel

Altitude:
540m

Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Driving Duration
02 hours

Day 11Contingency day in case of delays

If we cannot fly due to the weather, we will travel down to Islamabad by road. If we fly from Skardu to Islamabad, there are plenty of sightseeing & cultural attractions in the capital region. The leader will advise on the options available, e.g. day excursion to the Taxila museum and archaeological sites or a visit to the famous Raja Bazar

Pakistan monument - Charakusa Valley Trek
Islamabad Bazar - Charakusa Valley Trek

Islamabad Mall - Charakusa Valley Trek

 

Accommodation:
Hotel

Altitude:
540m

Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 12Departure Day

After breakfast, transfer from the hotel to the airport for international flights.

Islamabad Road - Charakusa Valley Trek
Airport Departure - Charakusa Valley Trek

 

Driving Duration
40 Minutes

Altitude:
540m

Meals Included
Breakfast

Map - Charakusa Valley Trek

Holiday Information of Charakusa Valley Trek

What is included in the Tour Package of Charakusa ValleyTrek?

Tour Package for the holiday of Charakusa Valley Trek includes:

 

  • Airport transfers (on the first day and last day in Islamabad)
  • The itinerary includes all overland transportation
  • Internal flights and associated airport transfers
  • All hotel accommodations (twin sharing)
  • All meals throughout the holiday
  • Licensed professional local guide
  • Sightseeing mentioned in the itinerary
  • Implementation of all sustainable tourism protocols
  • NOC/Trekking Permits/National Park permit fees
  • All entry tickets (forts, parks)
  • Up to 15 kgs of porter services per person
  • Access to the group satellite communication

 

What is not included in the Charakusa Tour Package?

The package for the holiday Charakusa Tour does not include the following:

 

  • Travel Insurance
  • Pakistan Visa (supporting documents will be offered)
  • International airfare
  • Personal equipment (clothes, boots, etc.)
  • Miscellaneous expenses (drinks, tips, souvenirs, etc.)

Will I be picked up from Islamabad Airport on the first day of the tour and transferred back to the airport on the final day?

Yes, the trip leader will meet all clients arriving on day one at Islamabad airport and arrange transfers to the group hotel. Similarly, transfers will be arranged for clients back to Islamabad Airport on the last day of the Charakusa Valley holiday.

Are meals included in the holiday package?

Yes, all meals are included in the holiday price from arrival on day one to departure on the last day, so you will not need to pay for any meals during the tour.

 

What kind of food and water will be served during the Charakusa Tour?

The food will be a mixture of local/traditional and Pakistani dishes available in the area. Depending on the itinerary and location, you may have some input into meal choices. While clean drinking water will be provided. We do not encourage the purchasing of single-use plastic bottles.

What kind of breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be included on the Tour of Charakusa Valley Trek?

  • The breakfast includes cereal, muesli or porridge, eggs, bread or chapati, tea, and coffee.
  • Lunches are a picnic from a choice of meats, cheese, pickles, crackers, or chapattis, sometimes accompanied by hot soup and noodles and finished with tea or coffee.
  • For dinner, you will be served a three-course meal.

 

Can the tour cater to special diets?

We can cater to vegetarians, albeit sometimes with more limited choices, but we cannot always provide special diets. We customized our menus depending on the group’s preferences. We never use pre-packaged meals, you can expect hearty, delicious meals that will optimally fuel and inspire you during your trip! We also regularly accommodate vegetarian, vegan, non-glute, and other specialty diets.

 

If you have specific dietary requirements, please speak to our sales team.

What accommodations will be provided during the tour, and what are the options in case of flight cancellations?

During the Charakusa Valley Tour, the group will spend 3 nights in Islamabad at an excellent standard hotel. The group will also spend 2 nights in a tourist-class hotel in Skardu and 1 night in Hushe. Accommodation at each of these hotels is twin-sharing with en-suite facilities. Whilst on the trek, 5 nights will be spent camping in a comfy two-person alpine tent. Solo travelers will be paired with another single client of the same sex. It is possible to hire a single tent while on a trek for an additional cost. Additional hotel nights in Islamabad are also available. In case of flight cancellation, the group will be accommodated in a tourist-class hotel (the best available option) on the way. Rooms will be twin sharing basis, and the single room will be available at a supplementary cost.

What happens if my internal flight is canceled due to weather conditions?

Skardu Airport is weather-dependent. Since high mountains surround the valleys, the planes do fly more than not, but cancellations can occur, and in these circumstances, we will travel by road.

Who will be leading the group during the Charakusa Valley Trek?

The group will be led by a certified professional local guide who will serve as the group leader. During the Charakusa trek, the group will be accompanied by an entire support crew, including a cook and kitchen crew, and porters to carry all equipment and personal trek bags. This crew is drawn from local villagers who depend on working for trekking groups to supplement their subsistence income. Traveling with these friendly and hardy people is a significant part of the experience of Karakoram trekking.

What is the highest altitude we will reach on this holiday of Charakusa Tour?

The holiday of Charakusa involves going to high altitudes. During your trip, you will spend at least one night above 4000 meters. You should not worry about this; the human body can adapt to a vast range of altitudes, but we follow some simple rules to acclimatize successfully.

What should I know about spending money on the trip?

Approximately USD100 should be enough for miscellaneous expenses, which you can exchange for the local currency (PKR) at the airport or with authorized money changers. Purchasing local currency (PKR) before your trip is unnecessary. Money can be changed reasonably at the Airport or with authorized money changers. Since you will be changing most of your spending money into local currency soon after your arrival, we recommend you take it in cash. US Dollars, Sterling, and Euros can readily be exchanged at the Airport. US Dollars give you more flexibility to exchange in smaller towns or in emergencies.

 

Credit cards can be used to purchase many goods in Islamabad, Skardu, or Hunza and are particularly useful for more expensive items such as carpets. It is possible to withdraw cash (PKR only) from cash machines in Islamabad, Skardu, or Hunza using credit and debit cards.

 

What is the guidance on tipping for the supporting staff during the trip?

It is usual to tip the supporting staff (guide/drivers) if you are happy with the services provided. We estimate that USD 80 –100 (in local currency equivalent) will cover this tipping aspect. Towards the end of the trek, the trip leader will help the group to determine an appropriate level of tipping for each crew member. Usually, this is done as a group’ thank-you’ ceremony on the final day of trekking.

 

Can I leave my extra luggage at the hotel while trekking in Charakusa Valley?

Yes, it is possible to leave the items that are not required on the Charakusa trek at the group hotel in Islamabad and Skardu. We recommend taking only one piece of luggage, a soft and sturdy duffel bag, and a daypack while trekking. Porters will carry your bag on the trek, and the packed weight of your bag, including your sleeping bag and camping mattress, should be no more than 15kg (32 pounds). By leaving extra luggage at the hotel, you can travel light and comfortably during your trek.

 

What should I bring with me on the holiday of Charakusa regarding equipment and clothing?

The following checklist should help you with your packing. You do not have to bring everything on the list and should use your experience and judgment, but we ask you to ensure you have the items on the mandatory list. When selecting clothing for the holiday of Charakusa Valley, please be culturally sensitive. Tight-fitting or revealing clothing is not appropriate.

 

As a general rule, you should always try to keep the weight of your equipment to a minimum. The packed weight of your bag while trekking in Charakusa, including your sleeping bag and mattress, should be no more than 15 kg. The limits the porters set is strictly enforced and bags will be weighed before setting off on the trek. Anything not required on the trek can be left at the group hotel in Islamabad and Skardu.

 

 You must bring the following items;

 

  1. 1 x backpack (50l+)
  2. Sturdy Hiking boots
  3. Waterproof over trousers
  4. Fleece jacket or warm jumper
  5. Waterproof jacket
  6. Warm jacket (e.g. down)
  7. Scarf or buff
  8. Sunhat
  9. Warm hat
  10. Sunglasses
  11. Gloves or mittens
  12. Headtorch and spare batteries
  13. Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose, etc.)
  14. Water bottle (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single-use plastic)
  15. Sleeping bag (comfort rated -5°C)
  16. Thermarest or similar sleeping mat
  17. Waterproof backpack cover
  18. Sun protection & lip balm
  19. Toothbrush and toothpaste
  20. Antibacterial wipes (biodegradable)

Packing checklist:

 

  1. Socks
  2. Trainers for camp use
  3. Trekking trousers
  4. Underwear
  5. Base layer shirts
  6. Shirts or T-shirts
  7. Thermal underwear
  8. long-sleeve mid-layers
  9. light down jacket
  10. Waterproof jacket/shell
  11. One pair of gloves
  12. Small towel
  13. Trekking poles (recommended)
  14. Insect repellant
  15. Wash bags and toiletries
  16. Travel clothes
  17. Repair kit – (e.g. needle, thread, or duct tape)
  18. Camera

Travel documents:

 

  1. Passport with a valid visa
  2. Travel insurance (if available)

Do I need travel insurance for the Charakusa Trip?

Yes, it is recommended that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment during the charakusa valley trip. When taking out insurance, please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary. IMG Signature travel insurance is the perfect add-on to a Global Rescue membership, providing coverage against a variety of unforeseen expenses while you’re traveling.

 

What health precautions should I take before traveling to the trip destination?

It is important to check with your doctor or visit the clinic regarding any necessary vaccinations or medical preparation before your trip to Pakistan. You should be up to date with routine courses and boosters, including diphtheria-tetanus-polio and measles-mumps-rubella, as well as hepatitis A and typhoid. While malaria prophylaxis is optional for this trip, it is recommended to take precautions if you plan to spend time in the area around Islamabad.

 

Additionally, if you have a severe allergy, please inform our tour operator before traveling and bring your treatment with you, as we cannot guarantee an allergy-free environment on the trip

Do I need a passport and visa for the Charakusa Valley Trek holiday?

Yes, for the Charakusa Valley Trek holiday, you will need a passport with at least six months of remaining validity after the trip. If you don’t have a passport, apply for one well in advance. You will also need to apply for a Pakistani online visa through the official NADRA website. It’s important to note that there is a special section for trekking and mountaineering visas, which will appear after you click on the tourist/visit visa category link.

 

We provide visa invitation letters and required supporting documents to all clients who book a tour with us.

 

NADRA website: https://visa.nadra.gov.pk/

 

What level of fitness and experience is required for trekking?

Our most challenging holidays, such as the Charakusa Valley Trek and K7 Basecamp Trek, require a high level of fitness and previous wilderness experience. These treks involve many long days, often in isolated areas, and are some of the most demanding and spectacular mountain journeys on Earth. Before, during, and after your booking, our team will share the required gear list, recommended fitness level, campsites/terrain details, and other important information to help you prepare for the challenge.

Do I need an adapter for my electrical items during the Tour?

We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at:

 

https://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plug-voltage-by-country/

 

What are some recommended books to read before Charakusa Valley Trip?

We recommend the following books to enhance your understanding and appreciation of the culture and beauty of the region:

 

  • Beyond the Mountain by Steve House
  • Karakoram by Steve Swenson

How do you safeguard the well-being of participants during a Trek?

The well-being of our guests is the paramount concern at Beyond the Valley. We have meticulously instituted the following measures to ensure their safety:

 

  • Risk Inventory Analysis and Treatment (RIAT) to identify and mitigate potential hazards.
  • An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is designed to respond effectively to any emergencies.
  • Strict Safety Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to guide actions and behaviors.
  • Comprehensive training for guides and support staff to equip them with the necessary safety and first-aid skills.
  • Sharing of emergency contact details and clear communication of safety measures to all stakeholders.
  • Hygiene SOPs are in place, with training provided to kitchen staff for maintaining food safety.
  • We maintain strong rapport with local communities to foster an environment of mutual support and safety.

What happens in case of an emergency?

Our guides are not just experienced but also trained first-aiders, well-equipped to handle emergency situations. At Beyond the Valley, we have an Incident Response Team (IRT) in place, which includes the Guides, Operation Manager, representatives from Rescue 1122, Tourist Police, District Administration, a dedicated rescue team, and local community organizations. In an emergency, the IRT is activated and it operates according to the set guidelines and SOPs to ensure a quick, effective, and coordinated response to manage the situation and safeguard the participants. 

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Max elevation

HYDRATION

There is a correlation between daily fluid intake and successful acclimatization and you must pay particular attention to hydration during trekking at high altitudes. On treks to 3000 meters and above most people will need to drink between 4 and 6 liters each day to achieve suitable hydration levels and you must adopt a responsible approach to achieving this target.

ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS

Before embarking on a trek to high altitude it is important that you familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and that you report any illness to your tip leader straight away. See the links at the bottom of this page for further reading on AMS.

DIAMOX

There are a number of untested herbal remedies which claim to prevent mountain sickness. However, only one drug is currently known to have a useful role in preventing AMS and to be safe for this purpose: acetazolamide (Diamox). We recommend that you carry Diamox in your first aid kit for treks where you spend an extended period above 4000m. Diamox can only be obtained from a medical professional on prescription and it is important that you first consult your own doctor so that you know there are no contra indications with other medicines you may be taking and that you do not have an allergy to acetazolamide. Diamox commonly causes some minor side effects, such as tingling fingers and toes, or a metallic taste in the mouth, but more severe reactions are rare. On trek, the decision whether or not and when, you should take Diamox as with any drug, will rest solely with you. If you intend to take Diamox, you must familiarize yourself with the appropriate dosage and regime prior to coming on the trip. The links at the bottom of this page will provide further information on the use of Diamox as an aid to acclimatization.

Travelling to high altitudes is not something you need to be scared of. Every year thousands of people enjoy the most amazing experiences in the world's greatest mountain ranges. Altitude sickness is entirely preventable if you follow very simple rules and procedures. Please make sure you are aware of these before you travel.

SUMMARY OF DIFFICULTY
The hike up to our campsite is a moderate 6 miles and 1400ft of elevation gain. The scramble up to Pyramid Ridge can be steep and difficult, but very adventurous and with just light day packs.Hiking

Distances
6-10 miBackpack Weight
25-35 lbsTerrain
Moderately RuggedMax Daily Elev. Gain
1950 ftHeights Exposure
Moderate

Please Note: Terrain, Elevation Gain and Heights Exposure ratings reflect the section or day of the trip with the maximum difficulty of each. Much of the trip is at easier levels. See the trip itinerary for more detailed information. Backpack Weight ratings are estimates that account for Wildland-provided gear, guest clothing, personal items and a share of group food. By packing light it’s often possible to stay on the lower end of the weight range. Pack weights also decrease during the trip.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Hiking uphill or downhill with a 25-35 lb backpack for 5-7 hours
  • Hiking uphill off trail with a 8-12 lb backpack for 6-8 hours
  • Maintaining balance and footing on moderately rugged terrain
  • Hiking with moderate heights exposure

To show the relative difficulty of our adventure holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the most challenging. Our simple, colour-coded grade symbol provides an indication of the difficulty of each trip.

Clearly, there are many different factors that contribute to the difficulty of a particular holiday, including, length of day, terrain, type of accommodation, altitude and weather conditions. Since some of these factors are necessarily changeable, any system of grades can only provide a general indication. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the detailed Trip Notes and if you are still unsure, please do not hesitate to contact us

GREEN 1 - 4 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

YELLOW 5 - 7 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

RED 08 - 10 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involve many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness experience is essential.

SUMMARY OF DIFFICULTY
The hike up to our campsite is a moderate 6 miles and 1400ft of elevation gain. The scramble up to Pyramid Ridge can be steep and difficult, but very adventurous and with just light day packs.Hiking

Distances
6-10 miBackpack Weight
25-35 lbsTerrain
Moderately RuggedMax Daily Elev. Gain
1950 ftHeights Exposure
Moderate

Please Note: Terrain, Elevation Gain and Heights Exposure ratings reflect the section or day of the trip with the maximum difficulty of each. Much of the trip is at easier levels. See the trip itinerary for more detailed information. Backpack Weight ratings are estimates that account for Wildland-provided gear, guest clothing, personal items and a share of group food. By packing light it’s often possible to stay on the lower end of the weight range. Pack weights also decrease during the trip.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Hiking uphill or downhill with a 25-35 lb backpack for 5-7 hours
  • Hiking uphill off trail with a 8-12 lb backpack for 6-8 hours
  • Maintaining balance and footing on moderately rugged terrain
  • Hiking with moderate heights exposure
DIFFICULTY LEVEL

To show the relative difficulty of our adventure holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the most challenging. Our simple, colour-coded grade symbol provides an indication of the difficulty of each trip.

Clearly, there are many different factors that contribute to the difficulty of a particular holiday, including, length of day, terrain, type of accommodation, altitude and weather conditions. Since some of these factors are necessarily changeable, any system of grades can only provide a general indication. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the detailed Trip Notes and if you are still unsure, please do not hesitate to contact us

GREEN 1 - 4 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

YELLOW 5 - 7 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

RED 08 - 10 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involve many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness experience is essential.