At LMG Treks & Expeditions, we use a clear 4-tier grading system to help you choose the adventure that’s right for you. Each grade combines technical difficulty and fitness requirements, giving you a realistic sense of what to expect on the expedition. From introductory routes ideal for beginners, to demanding expeditions that challenge even seasoned adventurers, our system ensures you’re fully prepared for the journey ahead. Whether you’re building confidence on easier terrain or tackling technical, high-endurance routes, our grading helps match every trek, expedition, or climb to your experience and ability level.

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Remember - it's hard to categorise a whole expedition into one description - for everyone

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What feels tough for one person might be effortless for another — and that’s perfectly normal. Our grading system doesn’t account for personal factors like age, experience, or fitness, because those vary from trekker to trekker. Instead, it focuses on the objective difficulty of the adventure itself, giving you a clear idea of what to expect. We are always more than happy to have a more in-depth discussion with you to try and figure out if the expedition you're interested in is right for you at this point in time - or we can help develop a pathway to get you there! (Don't forget, we also provide mountain focused fitness training plans too!)​

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'Altitude is a great leveller'. 

The effects of hiking at altitude vary greatly from person to person — both in how strongly they’re felt and at what height they begin. Generally, the higher you go, the more demanding it becomes, though your body will start to adjust once it acclimatises. If you’re unsure about your ability or find yourself between two grades, we recommend choosing a lower-graded trip (especially if it’s your first time at altitude) or allowing extra time to build your fitness and experience beforehand. This will give you a stronger foundation and help you enjoy the challenge safely and confidently.