Climbing · Trekking · Small Group
Ras Dashen Summit Climb
The fastest sensible route to the roof of Ethiopia: over the Bwahit pass, down to Ambiko, and up at dawn to 4,550 metres.
The Journey
6 nights, designed around the hours that matter
A focused ascent of Ras Dashen for walkers who want the summit without the full ten-day traverse. We drive into the park as far as Chenek, acclimatise there, then cross the Bwahit pass to the base camp at Ambiko with a rest day before the summit. Run as small-group departures, or privately on the dates you choose.
Places
- Gondar
- Chenek
- Ambiko
- Ras Dashen
Tailor-made journey
Priced to your plans
Quoted individually once we know your dates, lodges and group size.
- Duration
- 7 Days · 6 nights
- Best season
- Oct – Feb
- Group size
- 2 – 10 guests
- Style
- Climbing · Trekking · Small Group
Final pricing depends on season, room category and group size. No deposit is taken until the itinerary is right.
Day by Day
The itinerary, as it usually runs
A working draft rather than a fixed schedule — we move days around for weather, festivals and how you are feeling.
Day 1
Arrive Gondar
Kit check, route briefing and an early night in Gondar.
Day 2
Into the park to Chenek
North to Debark for permits and the scout, then the drive along the escarpment to Chenek at about 3,600 metres. An afternoon acclimatisation walk to watch for walia ibex on the cliffs.
Day 3
Over the Bwahit pass to Ambiko
A tough climb to the Bwahit pass at 4,200 metres and the first view of Ras Dashen, then the long descent into the Mesheha valley and the climb out to camp at Ambiko.
Day 4
Rest & acclimatise
A deliberate rest day at Ambiko, with a short walk above camp and an early night — the single biggest factor in reaching the summit.
Day 5
Summit day · 4,550 m
A pre-dawn start by headlamp, the final scramble up the summit tower, and the view across the whole Simien massif. Back at Ambiko by early afternoon.
Day 6
Back over the pass
The return across the Mesheha valley and the Bwahit pass to Chenek.
Day 7
Chenek to Gondar
A last morning on the escarpment, then the drive back to Gondar for a hot shower and a celebration dinner.
What Is Included
- Nights in Gondar at each end of the climb
- Road transfers Gondar – Chenek – Gondar
- All park fees, an armed park scout and summit permits
- Mules, muleteers, a camp cook and full board on the mountain
- Four-season tents, mats and a heated mess tent
- A senior mountain guide with altitude first-aid training, and daily pulse oximeter checks
Not Included
- Flights to and from Gondar
- Sleeping bag (hire available in Gondar)
- Travel insurance with evacuation cover (required)
- Gratuities for scouts, muleteers and cook
Enquire
Make Ras Dashen Summit Climb yours
Send us your dates and we will confirm availability, quote precisely, and suggest the two or three changes we would make if it were our own trip.
Runs Oct – Feb · 2 – 10 guests · priced to your plans
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Speak With a Designer
Questions before you enquire?
Altitude, road time, how hard the walking really is, whether the children will cope. Ask us anything — a designer will answer honestly.
Or call us directly on +1909-450-7246