Full Simien crossing beyond the familiar trekking route after summit
Journeys
The full Simien crossing.
10 Days / 9 Nights · Gondar → Sankaber → Geech → Imet Gogo → Chenek → Ambiko → Ras Dashen → Sona → Mekarebya → Mulit → Adi Arkay → Gondar · Challenging
Experienced trekkers who value depth
Overview
10-Day Simien Mountains & Ras Dashen Expedition
Full Simien crossing: classic corridor, Bwahit Pass, Ambiko, Ras Dashen summit (~4,550 m in this detailed version), then the quieter eastern transect via Sona, Mekarebya and Mulit to Adi Arkay vehicle pickup and return to Gondar. The defining long expedition for travellers who want the summit and the remote side of the range beyond the familiar escarpment circuit.
Highlights
Highlights
Ras Dashen ~4,550 m (this detailed itinerary)
Remote valleys and communities; changing landscapes
Siha Gorge on the great-views day toward Chenek
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 01Arrival in Gondar
~2,200 m. Meet guide; possible Royal Enclosure visit; expedition briefing; overnight Gondar hotel.
Overnight Gondar hotel
Day 02Gondar → Debark → Sankaber
Drive ~100 km to Debark; Sankaber ~3,200–3,250 m; introductory hike; overnight camping Sankaber.
Overnight Sankaber
Day 03Sankaber → Geech
Approximately 14–15 km; Geech ~3,600 m; ~6–8 hours. Jinbar Waterfall area; overnight Geech camp.
Overnight Geech
Day 04Geech → Imet Gogo → Siha Gorge → Chenek
Approximately 15–20 km; highest ~3,900 m; Chenek ~3,600 m. Overnight Chenek camp.
Overnight Chenek
Day 05Chenek → Bwahit Pass → Ambiko
Approximately 18–20 km; pass ~4,200 m; Ambiko ~3,200 m. Overnight Ambiko camp.
Overnight Ambiko
Day 06Ambiko → Ras Dashen summit → Ambiko
Summit ~4,550 m; round-trip ~14–16 km; ~8–10+ hours. Overnight Ambiko camp.
Overnight Ambiko
Day 07Ambiko → Sona
Approximately 15–20 km. Continue eastern/lowland side rather than fully retracing; overnight Sona camp.
Overnight Sona
Day 08Sona → Mekarebya
Approximately 15–20 km. Quieter Simien; communities and agriculture where appropriate; overnight Mekarebya camp.
Overnight Mekarebya
Day 09Mekarebya → Mulit
Approximately 15–20 km. Quieter trekking day along the Incya River corridor; overnight Mulit camp.
Overnight Mulit
Day 10Mulit → Adi Arkay → Gondar
Final walk to Adi Arkay; drive to Gondar hotel or airport.
Included
Included
- Private transportation from Gondar to the mountains; transportation from Adi Arkay back to Gondar; all agreed ground transfers
- Professional English-speaking trekking guide; required park scout/ranger; park entrance fees; trekking and camping permits; camping fees
- Trekking tents; sleeping mattresses; dining and cooking equipment; professional cook; camping crew
- Mule support; mule handlers; group trekking equipment
- Breakfast throughout the trekking programme; lunch/packed lunch; dinner; drinking water per confirmed arrangement; tea and coffee
- Ras Dashen summit attempt; pre-trek briefing; packing guidance; route planning and coordination
- Wildlife and landscape interpretation; Gondar pickup/drop-off
Excluded
Excluded
- International and domestic flights; visa/eVisa; travel insurance
- Personal sleeping bag unless specifically stated; personal trekking equipment
- Alcohol; personal snacks and extra drinks; laundry; SIM/data/roaming; tips; souvenirs/personal shopping
- Professional photography/video; medical treatment; emergency evacuation; optional activities
- Any service not specifically listed in the final quotation
Destinations
Places on this journey
Personally planned in Gondar