Summit attempt on Ethiopia’s highest mountain
Journeys
Ras Dashen the challenge.
5 Days / 4 Nights (approach ends Ambiko); 6 Days / 5 Nights available with return via Chenek · Gondar → Sankaber → Geech → Chenek → Ambiko → Ras Dashen · Challenging
Fit hikers prepared for a mountain challenge
Overview
Ras Dashen Challenge
Summit-focused Simien trek: classic corridor into Chenek, then Bwahit Pass (~4,200 m), Meseha Valley and Ambiko base (~3,200 m) for a Ras Dashen (Ras Dejen) summit attempt. This is a mountain challenge rather than sightseeing. The detailed 5-day itinerary ends at Ambiko after the summit day; return or acclimatisation days are added when booking the 6-day Challenge or a longer expedition so the group can descend via Chenek and transfer to Gondar. Summit success cannot be guaranteed; safety conditions determine the final summit decision.
Highlights
Highlights
Classic Simien landscapes then high-altitude Ambiko / Ras Dashen route
Key points: Sankaber, Geech, Imet Gogo, Chenek, Bwahit Pass, Meseha Valley, Ambiko, Ras Dashen
Full mountain camping support
Itinerary
Itinerary
Detailed 5-Day approach (ends Ambiko after summit)
Day 01Gondar to Sankaber
~2,200 m → ~3,250 m. Drive through Debark; park arrangements; first escarpment hike; Geladas; overnight Sankaber Camp.
Overnight Sankaber Camp
Day 02Sankaber to Geech
Walking ~10–14 km; camp ~3,600 m. Trail toward Geech; Jinbar Waterfall; overnight Geech Camp.
Overnight Geech Camp
Day 03Geech to Chenek
Walking ~15–17 km; highest ~3,926 m. Early start for Imet Gogo; continue toward Chenek and Bwahit massif area; overnight Chenek Camp.
Overnight Chenek Camp
Day 04Chenek to Ambiko
Walking ~18–20 km; highest pass ~4,200 m; Ambiko ~3,200 m. Cross Bwahit area; descend toward Meseha Valley; climb to Ambiko; summit briefing; overnight Ambiko Camp.
Overnight Ambiko Camp
Day 05Ras Dashen summit
Summit approximately 4,500+ m; walking approximately 14–16 km round trip; ~8–10 hours. Pre-sunrise ascent; summit attempt; descent toward Ambiko.
Return / acclimatisation note: On the 5-day detailed approach, Day 5 ends at Ambiko. Bookings that require vehicle return to Gondar add descent and transfer days (as on the 6-day Challenge: return toward Chenek → Gondar) or continue into a longer expedition. Exact return logistics are confirmed in the quotation.
Included
Included
- Gondar–Simien transportation; transportation to/from agreed trekking route
- Professional English-speaking trekking guide; park entrance fees; required permits; park scout/ranger
- Camping throughout; trekking tents; sleeping mattresses; dining/cooking equipment
- Professional cook; camping support crew; mule support; mule handlers
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner; drinking water per confirmed arrangement; tea and coffee
- Ras Dashen summit attempt; route guidance and mountain interpretation
- Pre-trek briefing; packing guidance; Gondar coordination
Excluded
Excluded
- International and domestic flights; visa/eVisa; travel insurance; high-altitude medical/evacuation insurance
- Personal sleeping bag unless stated; personal trekking equipment
- Alcohol; personal snacks/extra drinks; laundry; communications; tips; personal purchases
- Medical treatment; emergency evacuation; optional activities
Destinations