HikeMetrics
Global Hiking Index
HikeMetrics
Global Hiking Index
HikeMetrics // Comparison Engine
Route A

Illampu Circuit

bolivia/cordillera-real
VS
Route B

Inner Dolpo (Shey Phoksundo)

nepal/dolpa-western-nepal

Illampu Circuit vs Inner Dolpo (Shey Phoksundo): Intensity Score Comparison

Both routes share a similar overall intensity (84 vs 85). Depending on personal strengths, the challenge relies more on Inner Dolpo (Shey Phoksundo)'s technicality versus the physical output of the other.

Model-based (not a field report) · Evaluates overall route demand, not danger.

Intensity Difference
+1 Inner Dolpo (Shey Phoksundo) is harder
Higher Physical Load
Illampu Circuit
Higher Technical Seriousness
Inner Dolpo (Shey Phoksundo)
Greater Commitment
Inner Dolpo (Shey Phoksundo)
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Inner Dolpo (Shey Phoksundo)wins 5 of 7 metrics
2
Route A
5
Route B
bolivia/cordillera-real

Illampu Circuit

EXTREME // LETHAL
Full Route Report

The Illampu Circuit is a demanding 6-to-7-day trek that circumnavigates the northern giants of the Cordillera Real: Illampu (6,368m) and Ancohuma (6,427m). Often described as one of Bolivia's most vertically significant non-technical routes, the loop starts and ends in the sub-tropical town of Sorata (2,700m). Much of the circuit sits above 4,000m once the Sorata valley is left behind, crossing multiple high passes including the Abra de la Calzada (~5,045m). The route crosses high-altitude pampas inhabited by Aymara herders and traverses rugged moraine fields directly beneath active glaciers.

nepal/dolpa-western-nepal

Inner Dolpo (Shey Phoksundo)

EXTREME // LETHAL
Full Route Report

The hidden land of Bon. Inner Dolpo is a prehistoric landscape of high-altitude deserts, deep canyons, and ancient monasteries that feels entirely removed from the 21st century. This restricted-area trek traverses the Shey Phoksundo National Park, visiting the legendary Shey Gompa (The Crystal Mountain) and the mesmerizing, deep-blue Phoksundo Lake. It is a world of nomadic traders, Yak caravans, and the ancient Bon religion—a pre-Buddhist faith still alive in these isolated valleys. The terrain is arid and wind-swept, reminiscent of the Tibetan plateau, offering a sense of solitude that is often not feasible to find elsewhere in Nepal.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
84
WINNER85
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
83 WINNER
82
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
63
WINNER64
DistanceLonger route
85 km
WINNER200 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
4,800 m
WINNER6,000 m
Highest PointHigher summit
5,045 m
WINNER5,350 m
DurationShorter commitment
7 days WINNER
22 days
Hazard Level
EXTREME // LETHAL
EXTREME // LETHAL
Crowd Level
1 / 5
1 / 5
Remoteness
5 / 5
5 / 5

HikeMetrics Hazard Scale — Explanation

1
LOW // ACCESS
2
STANDARD // RT
3
MODERATE // CHLG
4
EXPERT // HAZARD
5
EXTREME // LETHAL

The HikeMetrics Hazard Scale is a proprietary 5-point classification system that evaluates hiking routes across five dimensions: physical demand, technical complexity, altitude exposure, weather risk, and rescue accessibility.

Unlike generic star ratings, the Hazard Scale is calibrated against altitude profiles, elevation gain per day, and logistical isolation factors — making it the most precise route classification system available.

Full Scale Documentation
Route A // Hazard Verdict
Illampu Circuit
EXTREME // LETHAL
extreme altitude and vertical gain: The trek involves a 2,000m+ initial climb from Sorata and sustains multiple days above 4,300m, peaking at the 5,045m Calzada Pass.
weather and exposure: Night temperatures can drop to -15°C (5°F), and storms can move in rapidly.
Route B // Hazard Verdict
Inner Dolpo (Shey Phoksundo)
EXTREME // LETHAL
extreme elevation and exposure: Trekking involves multiple passes over 5,000m (e.g., Kang La) in a region with zero modern medical infrastructure.
food and water scarcity: Dolpo is a food-deficit area; local resources are extremely limited and protected.

Required Gear Comparison

Illampu Circuit
4-season high-altitude tentSleeping bag rated for -20°CSturdy mountaineering-grade bootsGaiters (for deep snow/mud on the passes)Satellite messenger (InReach)Water filtration system
Inner Dolpo (Shey Phoksundo)
Expedition-grade 4-season tent-20°C rated sleeping bagSatellite messenger (Garmin inReach)Comprehensive medical kit including altitude medicineSolar charging system for electronicsHigh-altitude mountaineering boots (B1/B2)Trekking polesWarm layers (Down jacket, Merino base)

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austria
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australia
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belize
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