Trip Grades: We offer four levels of expedition. In some cases a trip may offer options or variations at two different levels, and can appeal to a wider range of experience and ambition. Approximate definitions are as follows:-

A: Mountain Treks and Easy Trekking Peaks : The treks may be long and cumulatively strenuous, but the terrain is generally well-graded and not usually exposed. Trails are mainly clear and easy to follow. Any peaks climbed are non-expedition peaks of a height under 6400m and of easier technical grade (Alpine F to PD or Scottish Grade I) with some glacier travel and snow climbing to 45-50 deg max angle. They can often be done in a day-climb from base to summit. These trips are typical of the drier regions north of the main Himalayan range such as Ladakh and Spiti. Trip members must have a good level of hill fitness and at minimum two or three prior training days on snow or ice terrain. Prior trekking experience to 4000m and above is advised.

B Adventure treks and Alpine Trekking Peaks: The trekking phases of these expeditions may be steeper and continuously rougher with exposed loose sections in gorges or on the crossing of passes. Climbs may be attempted on glaciated and snow-covered peaks from 5500m up to 6500m altitude with technical difficulties up to Alpine AD and serious glacier terrain, requiring at least one intermediate camp from base to summit. Technical difficulties will be in range Alpine PD to AD, Scottish grade II, with some scrambling of grade 2 to 3 standard. Members on these trips need robust fitness and experience of roped mountaineering in the UK and/or the Alps. Previous ascents to 4000m and above are advised, but not essential if you have a good background of home winter mountaineering.

C Standard Expedition Peaks: On these trips we attempt larger scale expedition peaks from 6000m to 7000m with at least two intermediate camps between base and summit, sustained and complex glacier travel, the possibility of short sections of fixed rope and techincal difficulties of Alpine PD to AD, Scottish grade II/III plus rock climbing of Diff/VDiff standard (UIAA II and III). The trips will generally be of 4 weeks duration. Some itineraries may include attempts on new peaks or routes. Members must have previous Alpine ascents to 4000m and above plus rock climbing and snow and ice mountaineering experience.

D Higher Expedition Mountains and Technical Climbs: Level D trips fall into two types: a) attempts on peaks above 7000m requiring three or more intermediate camps and a four to six week duration. Although technical difficulties may be modest (Alpine PD to AD, Scottish grade II), all members must have prior altitude experience above 4000m on Alpine peaks (and preferably higher), together with robust mountain fitness, mental strength and endurance. b) technical climbs on lower mountains of Alpine D to TD in difficulty with snow and ice terrain to 60 deg or more (Scottish grade III/IV) and rock to grade Severe/Very Severe (UIAA IV to V). These climbs may involve exposed bivouacs, abseil descents and sections of jumaring. They require extensive prior experience in technical mountaineering, including technical Alpine ascents at 3500m or above.

In 2010 we are inviting you to join more exciting trips. Follow the links for full details and itineraries:

NANDA DEVI EXPLORER 24 days 15th May - 6th June 2010 An ascent of 5922m Bauljuri, crossing of 5312m Traill's Pass and a superb through trek of the beautiful Pindar, Lawan and Gori Ganga valleys; an ideal first Himalayan trip for mountaineers with some previous snow experience. Grade B

SPITI MOUNTAIN VOYAGE: 23 days: 24th July - 16th Aug 2010: a magnificent 150km trek from Spiti to Ladakh crossing 5000m passes, visiting the fabled Tso Moriri lake and climbing a 6000m peak en-route - an ideal trip to "cut your teeth" at high altitude and to enjoy the dramatic mountain landscapes of the Indian Himalaya - for fit adventurous trekkers with some previous experience on snow terrain Grade A

SATOPANTH: 28 days; 1st - 29th Sept 2010: One of India's iconic and most-climbed 7000m peaks in the heart of the Gangotri ranges of Garhwal Himalaya; for strong climbers with altitude experience Grade C/D

Our Achievements on past expeditions have included:-