Expedition Grading

We have grouped the expeditions into three bands - Introductory, Intermediate and Advanced. Within these groups, we use a two-tiered grading system, which describes the technical difficulty (1-5) and fitness (A-E) required for each expedition. For example, Kilimanjaro - Western Breach is graded 1A but Aconcagua, which is a considerably more arduous undertaking, is graded 1C. The technically easy but strenuous Peak Lenin is graded 2D, while the short but difficult Carstensz Pyramid is 4A.

A well-chosen trip maximises both your enjoyment of the experience, as well as your chances of summit success. Selection of a trip that is beyond your ability could result in the leader not taking you on the climb for example, both for your own safety and for the safety of the other team members. If you need further help, please do not hesitate to contact our experienced staff, who are happy to discuss which trips would be suitable for you.

Fitness

To get the most out of your expedition, you will need to be fit and healthy. You do not need to be an athlete, but a good level of overall fitness is important. As an indication, you should be able to walk 8km/5 miles with a height gain of 600m/2,000ft with a 10kg rucksack in 2½ hours or less. This assumes a reasonable trail is followed at low altitude, such as in the UK or below 3,000m. An example would be an ascent of Snowdon by the Pyg Track from Pen-y-Pass (730m/2,400ft of ascent over 5km/3 miles) with a 10kg rucksack in 2 hours 15 minutes. For any expedition, you should be able to better this, and be able to repeat it over several consecutive days.

Advanced Level

Expedition name	Region	Grade	Altitude	Days
Ama Dablam	Nepal	5D	6,856m / 22,494ft	31
Cholatse	Nepal	5D	6,440m / 21,128ft	30
Everest Summit	Tibet	4E	8,850m / 29,036ft	44
Cho Oyu	Tibet	4E	8,201m / 26,906ft	44
Gasherbrum II	Karakoram	4E	8,035m / 26,361ft	50
Kun	India	4C	7,087m / 23,250ft	30
Pisco and Chopicalqui	South America	4C	6,345m / 20,816ft	20
Alpamayo	South America	4C	5,947m / 19,510ft	23
Mount Kenya Summit	Africa	4B	5,199m / 17,057ft	11
Himlung Himal	Nepal	3D	7,126m / 23,378ft	32
Denali	North America	3D	6,194m / 20,320ft	26

Intermediate Level

Expedition name	Region	Grade	Altitude	Days
Climb Ausangate Peru	South America	4C	6,384m / 20,945ft	23
Carstensz Pyramid	Australasia	4C	4,884m / 16,023ft	17
Kyajo Ri	Nepal	4B	6,186m / 20,296ft	26
Mera and Island Peak	Nepal	3B	6,476m / 21,246ft	30
Bolivian Climber	South America	3B	6,462m / 21,200ft	22
Khumbu Climber	Nepal	3B	6,189m / 20,305ft	28
Island Peak	Nepal	3B	6,189m / 20,304ft	20
Bolivia Two Peaks	South America	3B	6,094m / 19,992ft	18
Ecuador Volcanoes	South America	3B	n/a	17
Dhaulagiri VII	Nepal	2D	7,246m / 23,772ft	32
Peak Lenin	Chinese Pamir	2D	7,134m / 23,405ft	25
Spantik	Karakoram	2D	7,027m / 23,055ft	30
Vinson	The Cold Regions	2C	4,897m / 16,067ft	12
Mount Sidley	The Cold Regions	2C	4,285m / 14,058ft	12
South Georgia Traverse	The Cold Regions	2C	n/a	21
Antisana	South America	2B	5,703m / 18,709ft	13
Mount Kazbek	Europe	2B	5,033m / 16,512ft	12
Mongolian Climber	Mongolia	2B	4,374m / 14,350ft	16
Greenland Mountaineer	The Cold Regions	2B	n/a	14
Nevado Pisco	South America	2B	n/a	15

Introductory Level

Expedition name	Region	Grade	Altitude	Days
Mardi Himal	Nepal	3A	5,587m / 18,330ft	17
Mera Peak	Nepal	2A	6,476m / 21,246ft	24
Saribung Peak and Upper Mustang	Nepal	2A	6,328m / 20,760ft	24
Khosar Gang	Karakoram	2A	6,046m / 19,835ft	16
Climb Cotopaxi Volcano	South America	2A	5,897m / 19,347ft	13
Karakoram Climber	Karakoram	2A	5,650m / 18,536ft	16
Mexican Volcanoes	North America	2A	5,610m / 18,407ft	15
Colombia Volcanoes	South America	2A	5,221m / 17,128ft	14
Spirit of Antarctica	The Cold Regions	2A	n/a	15
Aconcagua	South America	1C	6,959m / 22,830ft	23
Ojos del Salado	South America	1B	6,893m / 22,614ft	19
Dzo Jongo Summits	India	1A	6,160m / 20,209ft	17
Kilimanjaro - Western Breach	Africa	1A	5,895m / 19,340ft	13
Private Artesonraju	South America		n/a	0

Technical Difficulty

1	Low angle snow or straightforward scrambling on rocks. Ropes are not usually required. Previous climbing experience is not essential.
2	Ropes are used principally for glacier travel and low angle snow or ice slopes. Ice axe and crampon experience necessary.
3	Short, steep sections of snow or ice up to about 50 degrees. Previous snow and ice climbing experience of Scottish III/Alpine PD is essential.
4	Long, steep snow and ice slopes with short steps of very steep ice or low grade rock climbing. Good all-round climbing ability required to Scottish III/Alpine AD.
5	Very steep ice (Scottish III/IV or harder) or rock (Hard Severe or harder). Suitable for competent mountaineers who have climbed consistently at these standards.

Fitness

A	Good basic fitness, as for Munro-bagging. Average rucksack weight: 6-8 kg.
B	Good cardio-vascular fitness which for most people requires some training, by running, hiking and perhaps some gym work. Average rucksack weight: 8-12 kg.
C	High level of fitness coupled with physical toughness and the ability to carry a heavy rucksack for long periods. Average rucksack weight: 12-18 kg.
D	As for 'C', but tougher. Climbs of this grade are exceptionally strenuous and some weight loss is inevitable. Train hard, but take along some spare calories!
E	Hard physical effort at extreme altitude which requires thorough preparation based on your experience of previous trips. Comments for 'D' also apply. May cause long-term fatigue after the trip.

Please note that the rucksack weights given above may be exceeded on some expeditions.