Adventure Tour - Strenuous |
PROGRAMME |
: Walk through Sri Lanka! |
DURATION |
: 14 Days / 13 Nights |
PERIOD |
: Valid till 31-10-2008 |
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Please note that the trekking trails are categorized (Easy / Moderate / Strenuous / Tough) according to Eco Team trail Standards and those could be reorganized according to your requirement |
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Day 1 - Katunayaka - Negombo - Muthurajawela - Negombo (HB) |
On arrival, guests will be met at the airport and driven to Negombo.
NEGOMBO
 Bustling Negambo town is a historically interesting place strongly influenced by the Catholic Church. The narrow strip of land between the lagoon & the sea and the many cannals make for good exploring.
The Dutch captured the town from the Portuguese in 1640, lost it again in the same year, then captured it again in 1644. The British then took it from them in 1796 without a struggle. Negambo was one of the most important sources of cinnamon during the Dutch era, and there are still reminders of the European days.
MUTHURAJAWELLA is located south of Negombo in the Colombo district. A vast area of marshland and mangrove vegetation with an extent of 3100 hectares of which 1000 hectares is declared as sanctuary. This important wetland habitat is home to 85 resident birds.
SCHEDULE
- Arrival and transfer to a hotel in Negambo.
- Evening visit to the Muthurajawela Sanctuary.
- Dinner & night stay at Negambo.
- Economy- Sunset Beach or similar
- Standard - Browns Beach or similar
- Deluxe - "The Beach" or similar.
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Day 2 - Negombo - Anuraddhapura (FB) |
From Negombo hotel proceed to Anurudhapura early in the morning.
 The citadel of ANURADHAPURA , the first capital founded by king Pandukabhaya and the seat of government for centuries, is symbolic of the golden era of Sri Lanka .
THE BRAZEN PALACE built in the 3 rd century B.C. It was made with 1800 columns. Before it was destroyed by fire, the palace had 1000 chambers, Gem studded walls, balconies and windows railed with coral and an inner pavilion with trellises of gardens of pearls. Abhyagiriya stupa built in 88 B.C was one of the largest religious institutions in the world. The Moonstone and Kuttampokuna are masterpiece of Anuradhapura period.
SCHEDULE
- With packed breakfast or after an early breakfast leaving to Anuradhapura .
- Lunch at a hotel or restaurant in Anuradhapura .
- Long walks to see the Archaeological sites around Anuradhapura .
- Night dinner & stay at Anuradhapura .
- Economy - Hotel Randiya or similar
- Standard - Miridiya Hotel or similar
- Deluxe - Palm Garden Village Hotel or similar.
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Day 3 - Anuradhapura - Polonnaruwa (FB) |
Leaving Anuradhapura in the morning to Polonnaruwa.
 POLONNARUWA was the second capital of Sri Lanka . The city of paddy fields is watered by a unique irrigation complex known as the sea of Parakrama (Parakkrama Samudra), convering 5940 acres, can irrigate 18,500 acres of rice paddies. This tank causes to the natural beauty of Polonnaruwa. Thuparamaya is the oldest Stupa and the best-preserved building in Polonnaruwa. The majestic Shrine Lankathilaka even, now stands 55feet high. A Buddha statue of colossal size remains here to see now, unfortunately attacked by South Indian invaders now remains headless.
SCHEDULE
- After an early breakfast leaving to Polonnaruwa.
- Visit the ruins.
- Lunch at a hotel or restaurant.
- Continue the visit walking.
- Dinner & night stay in Polonnaruwa / Giritale.
- Economy - Polonnaruwa Rest House or similar
- Standard - Giritale Hotel or similar
- Deluxe - Deer Park Hotel or similar
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Day 4 - Polonnaruwa - Sigiriya (FB) |
Leaving Polonnaruwa to Sigiriya.
 The ancient city of SIGIRIYA was designated a cultural World Heritage Site in 1982. It is also proposed that the site should be named the eighth wonder of the world, indicating it is in the same league as other international wonders such as the Grand Canyon and Ancient Pyramids. Translated as 'Lion Rock' into English, the name of the monument indicates the way in which visitors used to begin their final ascend to the top - through the open jaws and throat ('giriya') of a lion ('sinha'). Unfortunately, the only remains of this lion figure are the gigantic paws, sculpted into the side of the rock. The topography of the area is flat except for the massive rock outcrop of the fortress itself (which rises an incredible 600 ft up from the green scrub jungle). The unusual rock is particularly interesting due to its flat top (nearly an acre in size), that was used in its entirety to build King Kashyapa's fortress complex, still evident by the presence of the extensive ruins.
SCHEDULE
- After breakfast leaving to Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
- Finishing the visit to the Fortress lunch at a hotel in Sigiriya.
- Start the 5Km trekking trail to the Sigiriya Eco Team camp through a wilderness area.
- Dinner & night stay in Sigiriya.
- Economy / Standard - luxury camp
- Deluxe - Super luxury camp.
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Day 5 - Sigiriya - Knuckles - Kandy (FB) |
Leaving Sigiriya to Illukkumbura for a trekking trail to Riverston in the Knuckles area. Then proceed to Kandy.
ILLUKKUMBURA TO RIVERSTON TREKKING TRAIL. ( Moderate)
 Along this walk the guest can observe meager vegetation types in Sri Lanka . Pitawala patana is predominantly covered by grass species. Pitawala patana is an excellent viewpoint in Knuckles area. Riverston or Kirimatiyakanda peak is observed to be covered with mist and this area is exposed to strong winds and as a result walking through the area is sometimes very difficult. The road passes through stunted tree vegetation known as pigmy forests.
KANDY was the last Capital of the Kings of Sri Lanka and stronghold of the political power against colonial powers. It is also the home for the Temple of the Tooth relic. Architectural monuments in and around Kandy date mainly from the 16 th century.
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SCHEDULE
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After breakfast leaving to Knuckles Range in a vehicle.
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On arrival at a place called Illukkumbura the guests will start trekking up to Riverston.
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Packed lunch will be provided at a suitable location.
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Finishing the trail proceed to Kandy .
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Evening at leisure or optional city tour.
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Dinner & stay in Kandy .
- Economy - Gem Inn or Similar
- Standard - Suisse Hotel or similar
- Deluxe - Earls Regency or similar.
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Day 6 - Kandy - Udawattekele - Peradeniya - Kandy (FB) |
Activities in Kandy .
UDAWATTEKELE SANCTUARY lies north of Kandy Lake on the periphery of the Last ancient capital of Sri Lanka . Declared a sanctuary on 29 July 1938.It's extent is 102.8ha.This sanctuary is used as a pleasure park probably goes back many centuries. The vegetation comprises fairly dense forest, mostly plantation and secondary formations.
The history of the Royal Botanic Gardens runs as far back as 1371. The Botnic Garden makes a horse-shoe-shaped peninsula round which flows the chief river of Sri Lanka , the Mahaweli. The total area is 147 acres containing more than 4000 plant species.
PERADENIYA BOTANICAL GARDENS
This is 147 acres in extent started in 1374 as a pleasure garden of the kings of Kandy . There are more than 500 species of trees and plants. Some are rare & endemic as well as flora from the tropical world. Spice Garden on Orchid House are more popular with tourist.
SCHEDULE
- After breakfast visit the Udawattekele Sanctuary.
- Lunch at a hotel or restaurant in Kandy .
- After lunch proceed to the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens for a visit.
- Evening at leisure.
- Dinner & night stay in Kandy .
- Value - Gem Inn or Similar
- Standard - Suisse Hotel or similar
- Deluxe - Earls Regency or similar.
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Day 7 - Kandy - Nuwara Eliya (FB) |
Proceed to Nuwara Eliya in the vehicle & then start trekking from a half way point.
TREKKING ON THE WAY TO NUWARA ELIYA. (Moderate)
Nuwara Eliya, cradled in central hill country is about the most attractive area of the island. The walk for the day, 6 hours and 20-24km, in the cool climes, along plantation roads, jeep tracks and main roads will be an unforgettable experience.
 NUWARA ELIYA has a cool sparkling climate with the temperature changing around 13degC this is an exquisite and healthy city famous for its wide range in flowers. With buildings of English architecture everywhere in the city, it is affectionately called little England . The Victoria Park in the center of Nuwara Eliya, the highest town in Sri Lanka . Yellow-eared Bulbul, Blackbird, in winter Pied Thrush and Kashmir Flycatcher are very common.
SCHEDULE
- Departure from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya.
- Start trekking from a half way point on the way.
- Packed lunch will be provided at a suitable location.
- After the trail Arrival in Nuwara Eliya.
- Dinner & night stay at Nuwara Eliya.
- Economy - The Rock or similar
- Standard - Gallway Forest Lodge or similar
- Deluxe - Tea Factory Hotel or similar
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Day 8 - Nuwara Eliya - Horton Plains Satan's Steps - Bambarakanda - Belihuloya (FB) |
Leaving after breakfast to Horton Plains Gate entrance in your vehicle. Start trekking inside the park (6km). (There is an option of going by vehicle to visit the Bamabarakanda falls finishing the Horton Plains trail.)
MAHA ELIYA (HORTON PLAINS) TRAIL - ( Easy )
 MAHA ELIYA (HORTON PLAINS) NATIONAL PARK is undoubtedly one of the world's best nature reserves. It is characterized by a beautiful landscape of rolling hills, covered in upper montane forest and wet patana grassland. In general, the forests are seen on the hilltops or upper slopes the grasslands in the valleys and lower slopes, eventually giving way to wetland habitats. Spanning approximately 10,000 hectares the park is also home to a wide variety of flora (57 species, 29 endemic to Sri Lanka ) and 24 species of mammal such as Sambar deer, barking deer, giant squirrel, wild boar, black naped hare, porcupine and leopard. For bird enthusiasts, there 87 species (14 of which are endemic), including many migratory birds. The Plains also feature many interesting attractions such as Maha Eliya Falls (Bakers Falls), 'Chimney Pool' and the famous 'World's End' (a 3700 ft sheer drop that offers fabulous views of the tea estates below and all the way out to the distant southern coastline).
SATAN'S STEPS TRAIL STARTING FROM THE HORTON PLAINS ENTRANCE. ( - Strenuous )
You have two options where you can travel in the vehicle for about 6 km up to "Udaveriya" estate junction & then start trekking or start the trek from the gate entrance itself. Distance to the Bambarakanda Falls from the junction is 14km. Along this trail you will cover Kingslyn estate, West Haputale estate then Bambarakanda Falls. From the falls you can either trek for another 6km & get in to your vehicle at Kalupahana to be driven to River Garden or get in to the vehicle near the falls itself.
BAMBARAKANDA FALLS
Within a majestic basin-shaped valley bordered by huge steep rocks and dark green forests of tropic trees and introduced pine trees, the highest waterfall of Sri Lanka [240.8m] plunges with two silver ropes over a vertical dark grey wall from the green saddle between Mt.Welihena and Mt. Bambaragala into a deep pool only 500m walking distance from the trail.
 BELIHULOYA is a very picturesque and romantic hamlet situated about 160km from Colombo in the historical "Sabaragamuwa" province. This zone is a climatically transitional area linking the wet & dry zones and the hill country & the low country. This very important location has made it one of the places in the country with the highest bio-diversity.
EVENING - RIVER BATHING IN THE NATURAL ROCK POOL IN "BELIHULOYA".
This is a unique place where two streams namely "Belihuloya" and "Galagamaoya" meet together creating a natural bathing area with clear unpolluted water that flows down from "Horton Plains", 2200 meters above the sea level. . There are three varieties of lizards located here including the horned lizard.
SCHEDULE
- Leaving to Belihul oya via Horton Plains.
- Trekking inside Maha Eliya (Horton Plains) National Park.
- Lunch will be provided at a suitable location.
- Continue trekking through Satan's Steps to Bambarakanda.
- From Bambarakanda trekking to Ohiya, & then the guests will travel in a vehicle to Belihuloya.
- Night dinner & stay in Belihuloya. Value - Luxury Camping / Standard - Cottage or similar / Deluxe - Eco Lodge or similar.
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Day 9 - Belihuloya - Kinchigune - Belihuloya (FB) |
Activities around the Belihuloya area.
 CYCLING TO " KINCHIGUNE VILLAGE "
First section of your trail leads through a typical Sri Lankan village passing paddy fields, village houses, Home Gardens, canals etc. Then you will be falling on to a more difficult terrain and dirt tracks. At certain places you might have to carry your cycle also. You will cross the Belihuloya Stream to get to our Eco Lodge - "Kinchigune"
CANOEING IN SAMANALAWEWA
 The still calm waters of the Samanalawewa reservoir are perfect for canoeing. Whether you want to take your time and go for a leisurely paddle for a couple of hours, perhaps venturing out to the mouth of the Belihuloya River or spend an entire day exploring the perimeter of the reservoir, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience. The Samanalawewa reservoir is named after the Sinhalese word 'samanala', meaning 'butterfly', hinting not only at the terrific number of butterflies in the area but also the actual shape of the reservoir. The word 'wewa' literally means 'tank' (another term often used to describe reservoirs). The surrounding mountains add to the idyllic setting of the reservoir. All groups will be supplied with an experienced guide and modern life jackets, and a proper orientation will be offered for those who are new to canoeing.
KINCHIGUNE NATURE TRAIL
 This diverse trail of approximately 6km begins at the River Garden Resort in Belihuloya, running alongside a riverine forest and the Belihuloya River itself. During the trail, you will venture through paddy fields, across rivers and past local village houses with their extensive vegetable plots. It is an ideal opportunity to learn a bit about the local agricultural systems and simple way of village living. Along the way, you will also witness several types of beautiful birds and butterflies and some charming waterfalls. The trail finishes where the Belihuloya river meets the Samanalawewa reservoir. From there, it is a short climb up through the forest to the Kinchigune.
SCHEDULE
- Cycling trail will start after breakfast & end up at Kinchigune.
- Lunch at the Eco Lodge in Kinchigune.
- Finishing lunch after a short break, canoeing in the reservoir.
- Then start on the nature trail back to River Garden .
- From Bambarakanda trekking to Ohiya, & then the guests will travel in a vehicle to Belihuloya.
- Dinner & night stay in River Garden or Kinchigune in Belihuloya.
- Economy - Luxury Camping
- Standard - Cottage or similar
- Deluxe - Eco Lodge or similar.
( The above-mentioned activities will be done vise versa if the clients are accommodated at the Eco Lodge or camping in Kinchigune) |
Day 10 - Belihuloya - Singharaja [Morning Side] (FB) |
Leaving after breakfast to Morning Side in Singharaja.
 SINHARAJA RAINFOREST is a world heritage site, which can also be described as a Tropical Lowland Wet Evergreen Rainforest or Tropical Wet Evergreen Forest . Whatever its 'technical' name, it is undoubtedly a rich treasure trove of nature with a great diversity of habitats and a vast repository of Sri Lanka 's endemic species found nowhere else in the world. Bird Watching in this eco system is particularly interesting because it is home to 95% of the endemic birds of Sri Lanka ! Named as a world heritage site in 1989, this lowland evergreen rain forest is steeped in deep legend and mystery. The word 'Sinharaja' means, Lion (Sinha) King (Raja), and it is popular belief that the legendary origin of the Sinhala people is from the union between a princess and the lion king who once lived in the forest!
'MORNINGSIDE' ECO TEAM CAMP is situated off 'Suriyakanda' (between Rakwana and Deniyaya). 'Morningside Estate' was originally named by the colonial planters who came to grow tea there. Most of the tea plantation has now been replaced by cardamom (one of the most expensive spices in the world) and it is an interesting option for visitors to observe the entire process of cardamom production.
Forget any ideas about cramped tents and sitting on the ground for meals - this is camping in style! The camp is set up prior to your arrival, transporting in comfortable tents, a fully equipped kitchen, chairs and tables, hammocks, flushable toilets, showers and even cold beer. On your return from the afternoon nature trail, you will be welcomed with a hearty barbecue meal in a magical setting - the whole area is lit up with traditional flame torches and a roaring campfire. So sit back, relax and let our experienced staff cater to your every need.
SCHEDULE
- After breakfast the guests will driven to Suriya kanda.
- From there the clients will walk to Singharaja Morning-side camp.
- Dinner & night stay at Morning Side camp .
- Economy - luxury Camping
- Standard - luxury camping
- Deluxe - super luxury camping.
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Day 11 - Singharaja [Morning Side] (FB) |
After breakfast leaving the camp for a Rain Forest exploration. (Full day) - (Moderate)
SCHEDULE
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After breakfast leaving to the Singharaja Rain Forest with packed lunch.
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Forest exploration till late afternoon.
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Back to the Morning Side camp. At leisure
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BBQ dinner & night stay at Morning Side Eco Team camp.
- Economy - luxury Camping
- Standard - luxury camping
- Deluxe - super luxury camping.
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Day 12 & 13 - Singharaja [Morning Side] - Galle (FB) |
After breakfast leaving the camp to Galle .
GALLE , the largest town in the region, is full of history, and Sri Lanka 's small size means that a stay in one of the beach resorts of the southwest can easily be combined with sightseeing in the hill country or the ancient cities of the Cultural Triangle. The biggest concentration of resort hotels is in the area closest to Colombo and its international airport, between Beruwela and Bentota, where several fishing villages have merged into a string of attractive low-rise resorts surrounded by boutiques, beach bars and restaurants
SCHEDULE
- After breakfast walk back to Suriya Kanda.
- From here you will be driven to Galle
- Arrival at you hotel in Galle for lunch.
- At leisure.
- Dinner & night stay in Galle .
- Economy - Closenberge Hotel or similar
- Standard - The lady Hill or similar
- Deluxe - Light House or similar.
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Day 14 - Departure |
SCHEDULE
Leaving to Airport / Colombo after breakfast. |
- End of Tour - |
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No of Pax |
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05 Pax |
Value (Rate per person US$) |
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| Standard (Rate per person US$) |
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| Deluxe (Rate per person US$) |
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Single Supplement – US$ per person |
| Cost Includes: |
- Transport in an air conditioned vehicle with a driver / guide
- Accommodation at the Hotels / camps with meals. ( Half Board on Day 1 & FB on all other days , inclusive of Breakfast on day 10 )
- Packed lunch as specified in the itinerary.
- Entrance fees to Dambulla Temple , Sigiriya Rock Fortress , Polonnaruwa historical city , Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy , Peradeniya Botanical Gardens , Kandyan Cultural show Yala National Park & Jeep Safaris as specified
- Fee to “Veddha “ people
- Cost of the cycling trails as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Cycles for clients – USD 10 Per day will be reduced if own bikes are brought by clients for tour
- Cycling guide & his accommodation fee
- Water & snacks for the tour
- Back up vehicles for trails – 4 Pax & above
- Stand by cycles for an eventuality.
- All government taxes & service charges.
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Cost does not include: |
- Peak period supplements at hotels.
- Expenses of a personal nature.
- Tips and Porterage at hotels.
- Any other services not specified above.
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Payment policy: Full payment with confirmation. |
Cancellation Policy: |
- 90 Days or more - 250 US $ Administrative fee
- 60 to 89 Days - 15 % of the tour cost will be charged
- 30 to 59 Days - 25 % of the tour cost will be charged
- 14 Days to 29 Days - 50 % of the tour cost will be charged.
- 8 Days to 13 Days - 75 % of the tour cost will be charged.
- Less than 7 days no refund.
Eco Team should receive the cancellation in writing. Tour start day is not considered for computation of the period. |
The above mentioned descriptions and programmes have been compiled after long, arduous, exploratory, and expensive work and hence is the property of Eco Team (Pvt) Ltd. Making use of these programmes/descriptions for any public or commercial programmes requires the permission of the said company. |
Naturally our ready made programmes will come cheaper than the tailor make programmes. How ever we are flexible enough to do minor changes to the ready made itineraries, with out any charge.? Please write to us
Do you own programme – Visit the location and activity pages on our site and you will come across mini tours in all of those pages. By combining them you can design your own tour. We will complete it by adding on the hotels and other cultural locations you may require.
Your tour will be handled by an experienced travel consultant who will provide a personalized service.
On certain occasions our standard programmes could be cheaper than a tailor made programme for a specific client. But rest assured that we are flexible enough to effect minor changes to a standard programme as required by you, our valuable clients & offer same at no extra cost. Please contact us at reachme@srilankaecotourism.com we will do the needful
You also have the facility of designing your own programmes by visiting our location and activity pages on the website and accessing the mini tours segment in those pages & selecting an appropriate combination. Our experienced travel consultants will then add the finishing touches to the programme & provide a costing based on same. |
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Conditions that may affect Eco Team grading of trekking trails.
Please remember that it is impossible to be absolutely precise about how hard a walk may be, as there may be many contributory factors. The main benefit of grading is to provide you with an overall indicator to compare one walk against another. We at Eco Team, therefore look at the following 6 factors before deciding the grade:
• Length of trek and length of walking day.
• Average altitude and altitude gain and loss.
• Trail conditions.
• Level of backpacking.
• Temperature range and likely weather conditions.
• Level of humidity can jump from 70% to 90% very easily
• Remoteness to services and general level of comfort.
* Please note the weather condition in Sri Lanka: Lowlands- tropical, average 27C Central Hills- cooler, with temperatures dropping to 14C. the south-east monsoon brings the rain to the western, south western and central regions from May to July, while the north-western monsoon occurs in the north and east in December and January. Sri Lanka boasts a good climate for holiday-makers throughout the year. |
A (Easy)
Experience is not necessary at this level: anyone who is in good health and fit enough to enjoy a good weekend hill walk can manage an A-grade. Usually, A-grade treks are short in duration and at lower altitudes; often they are optional, giving a chance of a rest day. However, walking always involves some exertion: trails are seldom flat, and you must still expect to have a reasonable amount of ascent and descent. You would normally walk for 4 to 7 hours during the day. |
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B (Moderate)
Most people who enjoy a weekend in the hills or mountains at home are capable of undertaking a trek at this level: you need to be in good health and reasonably fit, and you will almost certainly be taking regular exercise. A trek could be graded B either as a fairly easy medium-duration walk, or as a harder, shorter walk. Some walking at higher altitude and the occasional longer or more difficult day may be involved, but generally conditions underfoot will be fair. A walking day would normally be between 5 to 8 hours long and no experience is necessary. |
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C (Strenuous)
For any trek at this level, fitness is most important and you may have to improve yours before departure. Most C grade treks are equivalent to extended walking in mountainous terrain at home, but usually at significantly higher altitudes; climate and remoteness can also play a part. Walking days are usually between 6 to 8 hours although there may be some longer days for pass-crossing or similar. Previous trekking experience is desirable but not essential if you are confident of your physical condition. |
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D (Tough)
At this level we recommend previous experience of trekking, preferably at altitude, and you need complete confidence in your physical condition and your ability to trek for many days without a break and be able to cope with difficult underfoot terrain such as difficult paths on steep mountainsides. Extremes of altitude and weather may also be encountered. Stamina is very important, as walking days can be from 6 to 9 hours or even longer on pass-crossing days. |
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