Trekking & Mountaineering

From my past interactions and observations with various people I understand that many people refer to trekking and mountaineering as synonyms. I feel sad when I see journalist/media acting in this manner as this would have wrong impacts.

I would like to explain the difference by considering a few parameters such as Altitude, Duration and style of the travel, Skill & Equipment required

Trekking is different from mountaineering in terms of risk taken by the participants.
In mountaineering one is entering into the zone of several objective dangers such as
Avalanche, Crevices, steep mountain slopes, harsh weather conditions;
Elements of nature at harsh levels for example - cold and altitude

Altitude: Below 5000m = Trekking; Above 5000m = Mountaineering
Usually trekking is undertaking below 5000m; beyond this altitude it's the mountaineering zone; There would be some skilled people who may not use any equipment
to overcome the obstacles such as steep slopes, snow and ice conditions but still this should be consider under mountaineering section for generalization

Altitude is important factor as this is direct understanding of Oxygen availability.
Poor understanding of this will put the people into the dangers of HAPE & HACE (High altitude Pulmonary and Cerebral Oedemas

Duration: Below 10 days: Trekking ; Above 10 days: Mountaineering
Usually treks are short duration and doesn't involve specific goal such as summit
Some difficult treks or back to back treks may take more than 10 days. In case of several back to back treks undertaken at once should be considered as Expedition(which can be synonymous with mountaineering)

Route: with out snow & Ice = Trekking; Snow & Ice = Mountaineering

If one has to encounter snow & ice conditions and requires the knowledge of snow and ice climbing skills then one must appropriately refer the activity.

Knowledge of Skill and Equipment:
Trekking = only trekking boots and walking sticks; generally carry less than 15kgs;
Mountaineering: Use of Crampons, Ice Axe, Anchor systems, climbing ropes etc

Elements of Nature:
Trekking: cold temperature = about 5 degree centigrades
Mountaineering: Sub Zero temps

Mountaineers enter into the zone inspite of harsh weather conditions

Goal:
Trekking = To enjoy the views and experiences
Mountaineering: Have an objective of achieving a goal:Peak, Exploration or long Endurance travels

I guess these inputs can give the basic idea to understand the difference between them and should be addressed accordingly.

Below is the beautiful portrait from Himalayas.


Indian One Rupee coins adorn the Hat of the lady. She is not aware of this.