Chogoria–Sirimon Traverse
Ascend via Chogoria's scenery, descend on Sirimon's drier ground. The classic traverse for those who have the time.
- Duration
- 6-7 days
- Summit
- 4,985 m
- Gate
- Chogoria Gate (ascent) · Sirimon Gate (descent)
- Group
- 2-12 people
Day-by-day
Route itinerary
- Day 1 ·
Chogoria Gate→Meru Bandas
8 km+600 m3–4 hrsSleep: 3,000 mEnter at Chogoria Gate (2,950 m), drive or walk to Meru Mount Kenya Bandas through montane forest.
- Day 2 ·
Meru Bandas→Lake Michaelson / Mintos Camp
16 km+1200 m6–8 hrsSleep: 4,200 mAscend through bamboo and moorland to Gorges Valley. Camp above Lake Michaelson at Mintos Camp.
- Day 3 ·
Mintos Camp→Austrian Hut
8 km+590 m4–5 hrsSleep: 4,790 mClimb past Hall Tarns to Austrian Hut (4,790 m) — the highest hut on the mountain.
- Day 4 ·
Austrian Hut→Point Lenana → Shipton's Camp
10 km+195 m-590 m5–7 hrsSleep: 4,200 mPre-dawn summit push — the shortest summit day on any route. Summit Point Lenana (4,985 m), then traverse north to Shipton's Camp.
- Day 5 ·
Shipton's Camp→Old Moses Camp
12 km-900 m4–5 hrsSleep: 3,300 mDescend via the Sirimon corridor through moorland to Old Moses Camp. The contrast with Chogoria's lush valley is striking.
- Day 6 ·
Old Moses Camp→Sirimon Gate
9 km-1050 m3–4 hrsFinal descent through forest back to Sirimon Gate. Transfer back to Nanyuki.
Is the Chogoria–Sirimon Traverse right for you?
Why choose this route
- +Best of both routes in a single itinerary
- +Two different gates — no backtracking
- +Austrian Hut gives the shortest summit morning of any route
- +Lake Michaelson is unmissable — the single best viewpoint on the mountain
Limitations to consider
- -Requires transport between Chogoria and Sirimon gates (we arrange this)
- -Takes 6–7 days — not suitable for tight schedules
- -Chogoria side is wetter in long-rain season
Not sure which route fits your experience and timeline?
Read our route comparison guideAll-inclusive
Packages & pricing
Chogoria-Sirimon Traverse - 7 Days All-Inclusive
7 days all-inclusive
Price per person (USD)
Solo
$1350
per person
2 people
$1100
per person
4 people
$980
per person
6 people
$900
per person
Larger groups pay less per person. Contact us for groups of 8+.
What's included
- KWS national park fees
- Camping fees (all nights)
- KWS-licensed lead guide
- Porter service (up to 15 kg per trekker)
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Camping equipment (tent, sleeping mat, dining tent)
- Cook and camp crew
- Transport from Nanyuki to gate and return
- First aid kit and basic altitude medication
- Trekking completion certificate
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance (mandatory - must be arranged before travel)
- Kenya entry visa
- Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, boots, trekking poles)
- Gratuities for guide and porters
- Personal snacks, drinks, and extras
- Accommodation in Nanyuki before/after the trek