The difficulty rating of a long-distance hiking route depends on various factors, with key considerations including total distance or days, daily average ascent and descent, terrain and trail conditions, average altitude and oxygen levels, supply and retreat difficulty, and the impact of seasons and weather.
1. Total Distance or Days:
The total distance and days spent hiking are often equivalent factors. On well-established routes with favorable conditions, hikers typically cover 10-25 kilometers a day. Longer routes require more days, resulting in heavier backpacks. Generally, the longer the distance, the greater the difficulty.
- Short Hike: Within 50 kilometers, suitable for weekend outings.
- Long-Distance Hike: 50-300 kilometers.
- Semi-Extended Hike: 300-1000 kilometers.
- Ultra-Long Hike: Beyond 1000 kilometers.
2. Daily Average Ascent and Descent:
Daily average ascent has a significant impact on the route’s difficulty.
- Low Intensity: 0-500 meters ascent.
- Moderate Intensity: 500-1000 meters ascent.
- High Intensity: 1000-1500 meters ascent.
- Very High Intensity: 1500 meters or more ascent.
While daily descent may not affect intensity as much, it influences the variety of vegetation encountered. Higher descent can lead to diverse terrain and increased physical stress, especially with a heavy backpack.
3. Terrain and Trail Conditions:
Different terrains significantly impact the hiking experience. In western regions, routes cover various terrains, including glacier slopes, rhododendron or bamboo forests, rocky slopes, deserts, river valleys, grasslands, and cultivated roads.
- Glacier Slopes or Passes
- Rhododendron or Bamboo Forests
- Rocky Slopes
- Deserts or Gobi
- U-Shaped River Valleys
- Grasslands or Pastures
- Cultivated Roads
The difficulty of walking in different terrains varies greatly. For example, 25 kilometers a day may be achievable in grasslands but challenging in a glacier area where 5 kilometers may be a struggle.
4. Season and Weather Impact:
Seasons and weather conditions play a crucial role in route difficulty. For instance, certain terrains like deserts and Gobi should be avoided in summer due to extreme heat. Weather affects water control and can impact hiking success, making preparation and adaptability crucial.
Understanding and considering these factors are essential for hikers to accurately assess the difficulty of a long-distance route and plan accordingly for a safe and enjoyable journey.