The short answer
Difficulty depends on altitude, daily climbing, length and remoteness more than on distance. Easy treks stay below about 3,000 metres and last three to five days. Moderate treks reach 3,500 to 4,500 metres over a week or two. Hard treks cross high passes above 5,000 metres, camp in remote areas or last three weeks or more.
Fitness helps, but acclimatisation matters as much. Choose a route that matches your recent hiking, and add a spare day if you are unsure.
Key facts
- Easy
- Below ~3,000 m, 3 to 5 days
- Moderate
- 3,500 to 4,500 m, 1 to 2 weeks
- Hard
- Passes above 5,000 m, remote
- Key factor
- Altitude and daily climb
How it works
- Check altitudeHighest sleeping height.
- Check daily timeHours on foot.
- Check remotenessLodges and exits.
- Compare your fitnessRecent hikes.
- Add buffer daysFor rest.
Insider tip
Compare your longest recent hike with the daily walking time of the route.
Avoid this
Do not choose a trek by its photographs alone.
Related questions
Is EBC hard?
It is demanding mainly because of altitude and duration.
Can beginners trek?
Yes on easy routes.
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