How do you know whether you make the cut!
First & foremost, we are not judges of your ability! The ratings are only prescriptive. Adequate or lack of preparation can change everything for actual experience.
Notes on sections below:
In case you do not have the skills mentioned in the table below but meet all other criteria, do not worry! We will provide training on these topics during your trek with us.
Please note that when you measure breath holding time, then you should stand up, set a stopwatch, and hold the breath.
Here is a level-wise summary of experience, skill & fitness requirements:
Easy (Bikat grade 1 to 3)
Experience Required
Recommended for beginners but those coming without any experience should prepare & read extensively
Skills Required
- How to pack the rucksack
- How to get dressed for cold territories
Fitness Benchmarks*
- Jog/Run for 3 Kms in 30 mins
- Hold your breath for 20 seconds
Moderate (Bikat grade 4)
Experience Required
- Should have at least 3-5 trek days in the Himalayas in her kitty.
- For the trek’s achieving more than 4300 Mts, it would help if the person has experience of trekking at altitudes higher than 3000 mts
Skills Required
- Campsite Basics – How to use a Sleeping Bag, Toilet Tent, Sleeping, Tents
- Basics of Mountain mannerisms
- Ascending & Descending technique for mountain trails
Fitness Benchmarks*
- Jog/Run for 4 Kms in 35-40 mins or Walk continuously for 8 Kms (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better)
- Hold your breath for 25- 30 seconds
Moderate Plus (Bikat grade 5)
Experience Required
- Should have at least 7-10 trek days in the Himalayas in her kitty.
- For the trek’s achieving more than 5000 Mts, it would help if the person has experience of trekking at altitudes higher than 3700 mts
Skills Required
Over and above the skills needed for Moderate level treks
- Ascending & Descending on snow
- Basics of Mountain Sickness
- Basics of Mountain Hazards
- How to cross small water streams
Fitness Benchmarks*
- Jog/Run for 5 Kms in 25-30 mins or Walk continuously for 10 kms (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better)
- Hold your breath for 30 seconds
Challenging or Difficult (Bikat grade 6 to 8)
Experience Required
- Should have at least 7-10 trek days in the Himalayas in her kitty.
- At least one Moderate Plus category trek
- For the trek’s achieving more than 6000 Mts, it would help if the person has experience of trekking at altitudes higher than 4500 mts
Skills Required
Over and above the skills needed for Moderate Plus level treks
- How to use basic mountaineering equipment like gaiters & micro spikes
- How to cross large water streams
- Basic principles of acclimatization
Fitness Benchmarks*
- Jog/Run for 5 Kms in 25-30 mins Or Walk continuously for 10 kms (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better)
- Hold your breath for 40 seconds
- 3-sets of Climbing 30 – 40 steps in one stretch
- Push Ups – 10
- Lunges & Squats – 15 X 2 sets
Pro (Bikat grade 9 to 10)
Experience Required
- A basic mountaineering course is recommended though not mandatory in case of highly experienced & skilled trekkers
- At least 2-3 challenging treks along with 20 – 25 trekking days in the Himalayas
- Medical fitness certificate from CMO of a recognized hospital
Skills Required
Over and above the skills needed for Challenging level treks
- How to use an Ice Axe
- How to use Climbing boots & Crampons
- How to rope up & follow queued climbing/descending
- How to self-arrest using an ice axe
- Knowledge of Basic First aid skills
Fitness Benchmarks*
- Jog/Run for 5 Kms in 25-30 mins
- Walk continuously for 10 kms (with 3-4 small breaks) on plain terrain (slight incline is better)
- Hold your breath for 40 seconds
- 3 sets of Climbing 30 – 40 steps in one stretch
- Push Ups 15 X 4
- Lunges & Squats 30 X 4 sets
Those trekking regularly with Bikat Adventures have a high possibility to cover the required skills for their next level. However, for exceptions it may not be the case and in that case it is recommended for the participants to discuss their specific situation with our Customer Engagement team (7838148127)
Those who are trying Bikat Adventures for the first time, should discuss their past experience and skills with our Customer Engagement team if they have any confusion about the skills described above.
*Fitness Benchmarks – These are tentative thumb rules used to make broad assessment of fitness levels of participants and not a formal guideline. We understand that there may be people not able to display these benchmarks but yet do the treks or even the other way round – able to display the benchmarks but not complete the treks. Trekking/Mountaineering involves a lot of mental toughness and the resolve (or mental toughness) is the key. Physical limitations can be overcome easily by mental resolve and determination. Also, a negative mind-set would render even a “6-pack” body ineffective on the mountains. Please consult your trainer/physiotherapist/doctor for any specific situations. A simple preparation schedule is published on below link for reference. However, you may create your own prep plan based on your likings/schedules. The idea is to feel fit and prepared for the trek and our benchmarks should help you in your journey of preparing for the treks/expeditions.
http://www.bikatadventures.com/Home/Blog/physical-preparation-trekking
