The term "Trekking Peak" is a commonly misunderstood colloquial term which may refer to a variety of types of peaks in the
Himalayan Region. The term is most often associated with Group "B" NMA Climbing Peaks classified by the
Nepal Mountaineering Association The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) is the national mountaineering association of Nepal. The NMA was founded in 1973 with the goals of promoting mountaineering activities in the Himalaya, providing safety awareness and mountaineering skills t ...
or easier.
Some may use the term "Trekking Peak" to solely describe peaks requiring little to no technical climbing experience. Others may use the term to describe all mountains regulated by the Nepal Mountaineering Association including Group "A" NMA Expedition Peaks which may require considerable difficulties and technical climbing skill.
Because of the term's loose classification of peaks it can be misleading, encompassing peaks of significant varying difficulties.
There is less general consensus for the use of the term in this context of Group "A" NMA Expedition Peaks.
Nepal
Fifteen peaks classified as Group "B" NMA Climbing Peaks are generally considered "trekking" peaks. These peaks do not exceed in elevation and can be reasonably climbed from a base camp with the possible use of a high camp. To be climbed, these peaks typically require an amount of
mountaineering
Mountaineering or alpinism, is a set of outdoor activities that involves ascending tall mountains. Mountaineering-related activities include traditional outdoor climbing, skiing, and traversing via ferratas. Indoor climbing, sport climbing, a ...
experience and skills and the use of specialized mountaineering equipment, such as
crampons
A crampon is a traction device that is attached to footwear to improve mobility on snow and ice during ice climbing. Besides ice climbing, crampons are also used for secure travel on snow and ice, such as crossing glaciers, snowfields and ice ...
and
ice axes
An ice axe is a multi-purpose hiking and climbing tool used by mountaineering, mountaineers in both the ascent and descent of routes that involve snow, ice, or frozen conditions. Its use depends on the terrain: in its simplest role it is used ...
.
The easiest routes to the summits of these mountains are all challenging enough to warrant a mountaineering difficulty grade by the
International French Adjectival System
In rock climbing, mountaineering, and other climbing disciplines, climbers give a grade to a climbing route or boulder problem, intended to describe concisely the difficulty and danger of climbing it. Different types of climbing (such as sport ...
. The Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal also calls several Group A peaks "trekking peaks" but these are considerably more difficult despite being lower than 7000 meters. The fees for Group A peaks are higher than Group B peaks as are others costs and the time required.
In Nepal there are numero