? Alpine Route Difficulty Classification (International Standard)

This grading system evaluates the overall seriousness and difficulty of a route, considering:
length, altitude, cold, exposure, objective danger, remoteness/commitment, and technical difficulty.

Originally derived from UIAA Roman numerals, the system is now commonly expressed using French alpine letter grades and is widely adopted worldwide, including in the Himalayas.

? F – Facile (Easy)

• Simple rock scrambling or low-angle snow slopes
• Basic glacier travel may be involved
• Usually climbed ropeless, except on glaciers

Typical Terrain: Walking, scrambling, easy snow
Experience Level: Beginner with mountain exposure

? PD – Peu Difficile (A Little Difficult)

• Some technical sections (rock, snow, or ice)
• More complex glacier travel and route finding
• Roped travel often required

Typical Terrain: Steeper snow, short technical steps
Experience Level: Fit trekkers with basic alpine skill

? AD – Assez Difficile (Fairly Difficult)

• Sustained steep snow or ice slopes (often 45–55°)
• Longer and more exposed climbing
• Requires efficient rope work and solid technique

Typical Terrain: Steep snow/ice, exposed ridges
Experience Level: Experienced alpine climbers only

? D – Difficile (Difficult)

• Continuous technical climbing (rock, ice, or mixed)
• Sustained exposure with objective hazards
• Retreat can be complex or limited

Typical Terrain: Hard rock, steep ice, serious altitude
Experience Level: Advanced mountaineers

?? TD – Très Difficile (Very Difficult)

• Long, serious, and committing routes
• High technical difficulty throughout
• Remote locations with limited rescue options

Typical Terrain: Sustained hard climbing, mixed terrain
Experience Level: Expert alpine climbers

⚫ ED – Extrêmement Difficile (Extremely Difficult)

• The most demanding alpine routes
• Continuous, high-level technical difficulty
• Extreme exposure, altitude, and commitment

Typical Terrain: Severe rock/ice/mixed climbing at altitude
Experience Level: Elite climbers with expedition experience

Fitness Level Requirements (Updated & Practica

? Basic Fitness (F / PD)

• Good general fitness
• Comfortable with long trekking days
• Comparable to Munro-bagging or multi-day hiking

Average Rucksack Weight: 6–8 kg

? Good Cardiovascular Fitness (AD / D)

• Strong aerobic endurance
• Regular training through hiking, running, cycling, or gym work
• Ability to perform long days at altitude

Average Rucksack Weight: 8–12 kg

? High Fitness (TD)

• Excellent cardiovascular and muscular endurance
• High physical resilience
• Ability to carry heavy loads for extended periods

Average Rucksack Weight: 12–18 kg

⚫ Extreme Fitness (ED)

• Peak physical conditioning required
• Prolonged exertion at extreme altitude
• Weight loss, fatigue, and long recovery periods are common

Training Requirement:
Months of structured endurance, strength, and altitude preparation

Important Note

Route grades do not only measure technical climbing.
They represent the overall seriousness of the route — including altitude, remoteness, weather exposure, and rescue limitations, which are especially relevant in Nepal and the greater Himalayas.