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

Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el)

israel/national-cross-country
VS
Route B

Upper Mustang (Lo Manthang)

nepal/mustang-western-nepal

Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el) vs Upper Mustang (Lo Manthang): Intensity Score Comparison

Both routes share a similar overall intensity (66 vs 67). Depending on personal strengths, the challenge relies more on Upper Mustang (Lo Manthang)'s technicality versus the physical output of the other.

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

Intensity Difference
+1 Upper Mustang (Lo Manthang) is harder
Higher Physical Load
Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el)
Higher Technical Seriousness
Upper Mustang (Lo Manthang)
Greater Commitment
Upper Mustang (Lo Manthang)
Overall HikeMetrics Score
Upper Mustang (Lo Manthang)wins 6 of 9 metrics
3
Route A
6
Route B
israel/national-cross-country

Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el)

EXPERT // HAZARD
Full Route Report

The Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el) is a long-distance route spanning approximately 1,100km (680 miles) from Kibbutz Dan in the north to the Red Sea at Eilat. The trail traverses diverse ecological and historical zones, including the forested hills of the Galilee, the coastal plain, the Jerusalem highlands, and the extensive Negev and Arava deserts. Thru-hiking the full distance typically requires 40-50 days. The infrastructure utilizes ancient caravan roads, Roman routes, and significant desert wadi systems, providing a comprehensive transect of the region's topography and Mediterranean-to-arid climate transition.

nepal/mustang-western-nepal

Upper Mustang (Lo Manthang)

MODERATE // CHLG
Full Route Report

The Forbidden Kingdom. Upper Mustang is a remote, arid enclave of Nepal that was a separate kingdom until 2008 CE. Trekking here is a journey into a landscape that looks more like Arizona or Tibet than the rest of the Himalaya. The trail winds through deep sandstone canyons, past red-ochre cliffs riddled with thousand-year-old 'sky caves', and into Lo Manthang—the walled capital city where the King of Mustang once resided. It is a world of ancient monasteries containing priceless 15th-century murals, white-washed villages, and wind-swept high-altitude plateaus.

Head-to-Head Metric Analysis

Intensity ScoreHigher Overall Demand
66
WINNER67
Physical LoadMore Physically Taxing
80 WINNER
76
Technical SeriousnessMore Technically Demanding
40
WINNER42
DistanceLonger route
1100 km WINNER
125 km
Elevation GainMore vertical
18,000 m WINNER
2,200 m
Highest PointHigher summit
1,208 m
WINNER3,950 m
DurationShorter commitment
45 days
WINNER14 days
Hazard LevelMore accessible
EXPERT // HAZARD
WINNERMODERATE // CHLG
Crowd Level
2 / 5
2 / 5
RemotenessMore remote
3 / 5
WINNER4 / 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
Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el)
EXPERT // HAZARD
water scarcity in negev: The southern half of the trail (Negev Desert) has almost no natural water sources for days at a time.
extreme heat and flash floods: Daytime temperatures in the desert can exceed 35°C, while narrow wadis can flash-flood instantly during rare rain events.
Route B // Hazard Verdict
Upper Mustang (Lo Manthang)
MODERATE // CHLG
high altitude wind and dust: Upper Mustang is notorious for strong afternoon winds that pick up large amounts of fine desert dust.
expensive permits and regulations: As a sensitive border region, the Special Restricted Area Permit is very expensive and strictly enforced.

Required Gear Comparison

Israel National Trail (Shvil Yisra'el)
High-quality, breathable trekking bootsWater bladder system (minimum 3L)Lightweight tent or tarp for the desert sectionsSun protection (everything from hat to SPF 50+)Small spirit stove or small burner (for desert camping)INT Trail Map or GPS with 'Shvil' trackLightweight down jacket (desert nights are cold in winter)
Upper Mustang (Lo Manthang)
Lightweight hiking shoes (boots aren't always necessary for the dry paths)Small daypackBuff or neck gaiter (For dust protection)Sun cream (SPF 50+) and polarized sunglassesWindproof jacket (High-quality shell)Light down jacket for the eveningsWater purification (LifeStraw or tablets)Camera with extra memory cards

Compare with Other Routes

argentina
Cerro Tronador (Refugio Otto Meiling)
MODERATE // CHLG
argentina
Laguna Torre (Cerro Torre)
MODERATE // CHLG
argentina
Mount Fitz Roy (Cerro Fitz Roy)
EXPERT // HAZARD
argentina
Perito Moreno Glacier Trail
EXPERT // HAZARD
austria
Coburger Hütte — Seebensee & Drachensee
MODERATE // CHLG
austria
Graukogel — Pine Forests & strenuous Ridges
EXPERT // HAZARD