Sunstone - Himalayan Trekking Adventures

Sunstone Adventures is a UK & NZ based adventure guiding company specialising in providing expertly guided treks/mountaineering in the Himalayas of Nepal and powder skiing adventures in Gulmarg, Kashmir.


Grading

A basic idea of difficulty is aligned to each Trekking Adventure to help you select the right trip for you or your group’s ability. Please contact Sunstone to talk through this if you have any queries or require further info.

Grade 3 - Leisurely

Suitable for people who have done a little hill walking or trekking prior or people wanting to gain more experience in Trekking.
Most parts of the trek are relatively easy on good paths and tracks but there can be a lot of uneven ground, rocky steps and uphill and downhill which of course is common in the Himalayas. These trips include 5 to 8 days of trekking which is predominately on good paths and at low altitude. These walks can be 4 to 5 hours each day.
Suitable for people with a sound health and reasonable fitness . Still a little training prior to your trek is required so you can do it without much difficulty and enjoy it.

Grade 4 – Moderate

Suitable for most hillwalkers and generally involving shorter days at moderate altitude.
Most parts of the trek are relatively easy on good paths and tracks but there can be a lot of uneven ground, rocky steps and longer sections of uphill and downhill which of course is common in the Himalayas.
These adventures can vary from 8 to 20 days of trekking.
A reasonable level of fitness is required. Anyone in a good physical condition can participate on these treks. Physical training for at least 3 times a week, for 2 months prior to commencement of the trek will help you enjoy your adventure to the fullest of your potential without facing many physical problems or fatigue.

Grade 5 – Demanding

Physically very challenging and demanding but suitable for regular hillwalkers who are used to extended days of overnight hiking over multiple days.
Involves trekking at high altitude (5000m+). Most of the days are 5 to 6 hours of walking with a couple of days which require longer hiking. The trail can be difficult at times when tackling very steep, long uphill/downhill and crossing high mountain passes. At higher altitude, during night time, the temperature can get down to a minimum of -5 degrees celsius during early autumn and late spring and drops to a minimum of -12 degrees celsius to -18 degrees celsius during mid Winter.
These adventures can vary from 14 to 21 days of trekking. Physical training for at least 3 times a week, for 3 months prior to commencement of the trek will help you enjoy your adventure to the fullest of your potential without facing many physical problems or fatigue.

Grade 5+

Our toughest treks, involving many long days, often in isolated areas and at extreme altitude. These treks might also include difficult pass crossings. A high level of fitness and previous trekking experience is essential.
We strongly recommend you undergo an extensive physical training programme at least 3 months prior to your trekking adventure which we can advise you on.

Grade 6

These are equivalent to extremely demanding and challenging treks in the remote areas and climbing "trekking peaks" which falls under our ‘Climb’ section.
Adventurers should have at least a basic knowledge of the use of ice axe and crampons, though first time climbers maybe accepted, provided s/he is very fit and has an aptitude for the outdoors.
Adventures usually involve an acclimatisation Trek before committing to a climb so days vary from 15 to 30 days.
We strongly recommend you undergo an extensive physical training programme at least 3 months prior to your trekking or climbing adventure which we can advise you on.