Luke's Testimonial

The Itinerary:

Day 1: Pick Up from Airport | Pre-Trek Briefing
We will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today we will have a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.

Day 2: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Londorossi Gate, Hike to Mt Mkubwa Camp
After breakfast and briefing, drive to Londorossi Park Gate (about a 2.5-hour drive). From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades. Walk along forest trails to Mt Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.
-- Elevation: 2385m to 2780m -- Distance: 6km/4mi -- Hiking Time: 2 - 3 hours -- Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner Accommodations: Mt Mkubwa Camp

Day 3: Hike Mt Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp
After breakfast, we continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. After several streams are crossed, we continue over the Shira Ridge then gently downwards to Shira 1 camp located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.
-- Elevation: 2780m to 3500m -- Distance: 16km/10mi -- Hiking Time: 7 - 8 hours -- Habitat: Moorland
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp

Day 4: Hike Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
After breakfast, a gentle hike across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of hikes are available on the Plateau, making this an excellent acclimatization day.
-- Elevation: 3500m to 3900m -- Distance: 8km/5mi -- Walking Time: 5 - 6 hours -- Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp

Day 5: Hike Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp
From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the Southeast towards the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth" (elevation 4640m). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp.
Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.
-- Elevation: 3900m to 3960m -- Distance: 5km/3mi -- Hiking Time: 3 - 4 hours -- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Barranco Camp

Day 6: Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.
-- Elevation: 3960m to 4035m -- Distance: 4km/2mi -- Hiking Time: 3 - 4 hours -- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Accommodation: Karanga Valley Camp

Day 7: Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
We continue up to the Barafu Camp. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.
-- Elevation: 4035m to 4640m -- Down to 3050m Mweka camp -- Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down -- Hiking Time: 5 - 7 hours up / 5 - 6 hours down -- Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

Day 8: Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a north-westerly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.
At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1- hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!
From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
-- Elevation: 4640m to 5895m -- Down to 3050m Mweka camp (or) High camp – Millenium camp 3825m -- Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down -- Hiking Time: 6 - 7 hours up / 3 hours down -- Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner / Accommodation: Mweka Camp

Day 9: Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Moshi
After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Don't forget to tip your guides and porters.
-- Elevation: 3050m to 1680m -- Distance: 10km/6mi -- Hiking Time: 3 - 4 hours -- Habitat: Forest
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
End of Kilimanjaro climbing Lemosho Route.

Day 10: Pick Up from hotel | Pre-Safari Briefing
Before embarking on your Tarangire safari adventure, it is important to be well- informed and prepared for what awaits you. In this pre-safari briefing, Your Safari driver Guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to make the most out of your trip to Tarangire National Park.

Your Full day tour begins with your hotel pickup in the morning and heading south to stunning Tarangire National Park. Arrive at the Tarangire National Park for game viewing. In the afternoon you will stop for a picnic lunch. Your afternoon game-drive will reveal all the wonders of Tarangire, a National Park often referred to as the 'Elephant Playground'. Herds of up to 300 of these mighty mammals are sometimes seen in the park.
Serengeti may be better known, but Tarangire in the dry season easily rivals it for animal densities. As well as the herds of elephant Tarangire is home to buffalo, lion, wildebeest, zebra and gazelle while gerenuk and fringe-eared Oryx are 'local specialties'. Lake Burungi's marshy shores are the lure for these mammals and the waters attract many beautiful bird species, too. Look out for giant kingfishers, hoopoes and the delightfully named white-bellied go-away bird. Tarangire is noted for its splendid baobab trees, rolling savannah and acacia woodland. At the end of an inspiring afternoon amongst the wildlife, drive back to your hotel in Moshi for overnight.

Day 11: Check-out hotel | Goodbye Kilimanjaro

You will leave moshi for your onward transfer to Kilimanjaro airport. You will need to book a flight that departs during this day. Otherwise, we can arrange an additional night at a hotel in Moshi. If you would like to travel to another destination, we can give you some of our own recommendations.

The Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu.

On your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be welcomed by our airport
representative with flower garlands and then transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, you can
take a stroll around and visit shops in Thamel. Stay overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 2: City Tour of Kathmandu and trip preparation.

On this day, following breakfast, your tour guide will pick you up from hotel and take you for
city sightseeing. You will visit popular world heritage monuments in Kathmandu including
Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath, Swoyambhunath, and Pashupatinath. By late
afternoon you will arrive back in your hotel. Later, we will arrange a brief meeting with your
trekking guide. Stay overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 3: Short flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2886m).

After early-morning breakfast, our guide will pick you up from hotel and drive to
Kathmandu domestic airport. Take a short flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2886m.) that
takes about 35 minutes. The flight offers you up close views of the snowy Himalayan peaks
and romantic landscapes of hills, farms and rivers.On arrival in Lukla, you will then begin a 3
hours trek to Phakding (2640 m.). Make a gentle climb up the mountainside on the left bank of
the Dudh Koshi River as you catch the first view of Mt. Nupla (5885m) atop the Kongde Ridge.
Then descend a mountainside path with views of a valley and Mt. Kusum Kang (6367m.). Stay
overnight at the lodge.

Day 4: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3440m) - approximately five hours.

The trail follows the Bhote Kosh river on a horizontal path. Prepare yourself to witness to get the first glimpse of Mt. Everest on the way to Namche Bazaar (3440m). Namche, the capital of
The Sherpa community is surrounded on all three sides by mountain ranges. Stay overnight at
lodge.

Day 5: Rest day at Namche Bazaar for acclimatization.

For acclimatization, you can’t take
a short walk from Namche up to Khumjung monastery to enjoy splendid views of Everest,
Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Nuptse, Lhotse, Tawoche, and Kwangde etc. Alternatively, you
can take a walk up to Syangboche (3800m.) near Everest View Hotel for outstanding views
of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Kusum Kangaru. Stay overnight at
lodge.

Day 6: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tyangboche (3867m) - approximately five hours.

As you
climb through the forest, the incline eases and a splendid view appears. You continue climbing
the mountainside diagonally until you come to the stone gate built by the lamas
which marks your entry into Tyangboche (3860m). Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 7: Trek from Tyangboche to Dingboche (4260m) -approximately five hours.

Dingboche is a beautiful patchwork of fields enclosed by stone walls, erected to protect the
crops of barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the cold winds and grazing animals. Stay
overnight at lodge.

Day 8: Rest day at Dingboche (4260m) for acclimatization.

There are some breathtaking
views of the North face of Ama Dablam and the Lhotse-Nuptse ridge as you explore this
beautiful valley that leads up to Island Peak. The walk is short so you will have plenty of time
to relax in the afternoon. Another option is to hike up to Chhukum, where you can enjoy the
panoramic view of Island peak, Ama Dablam, Makalu, Tawoche peak and others. Stay
overnight at lodge.

Day 9: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4930m) - approximately five and a half hours.

The onward journey leads north until you come to a Mani-prayer Stupa. The trail follows a downward path to Pheriche village. Today's walk offers views of the Mt.Tawache, Ama
Dablam, Kongma-tse (5820m) and the great wall of Nuptse. After two hours walk, the trail
from Pheriche joins near Dugla (4595m) ahead a small wooden bridge over the river fed by Khumbu glacier. Stay overnight at the lodge.

Day 10: Trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5486m) via Gorakshep (5180m) and
again back to Gorakshep -approximately seven hours.

Trek up the valley following the rocky moraine path; view icy glacial ponds and icebergs down below Khumbu glacier. Gorakshep is the location of the original Everest Base Camp. Now the trail winds through a rocky path and
the Khumbu glacier with views of Nuptse, Lho-La and Khumbu Tse in full portrait. Stay
overnight at lodge.

Day 11: Trek from Gorakshep to Kala Patthar (5545m) and then to Pheriche (4243m) -approximately six hours.

You accomplish an early morning climb to Kala Patthar (5545m.) and enjoy
majestic sunrise and up close view of Mt. Everest. From Kala Patthar you can have a
panoramic view of Mt. Everest and many other mountain peaks like Mt. Pumori, Mt. Lingtren,
Mt. Khumbu Tse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Thamserku and many more
peaks. Yaks are normally used to ferry daily essentials here. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 12: Trek from Pheriche to Phortse (3810m) - approximately five hours.

The trail goes horizontally allowing beautiful views of Ama Dablam, Kongde and Thamserku. At
Phortse there is an old Buddhist monastery you can visit. Stay overnight at lodge.

Day 13: Trek from Phortse to Namche Bazaar (3440 m) via Khumjung - approximately six
hours.

The walk from Phortse descends until the crossing of Dudhkosi after which the trail
makes a 2 hr ascent. Thereafter the trail descends to Khumjung which hosts a Hillary school
and hospital. En route you will also visit the traditional village Khunde. Another one and a half
hour trek will take you to Namche. Stay overnight at the lodge.

Day 14: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2886 m) - approximately six hours.

The last day of your trek leads from Namche Bazaar via Monjo to Lukla. The trek is pleasant, except for a
few short uphill climbs and then stepping down to the Bhote-Koshi River crossing it three
times. The last uphill climb of 45 minutes will bring you to Lukla for your overnight stay. Stay
overnight in lodge.

Day 15: Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu takes 35 minutes.

Lukla - Kathmandu flights are only operated during the morning hours, usually from 6 AM till 2 PM. Fierce wind blow across the mountains in the late afternoon and evening makes it impossible for planes to fly. Enjoy this
scenic plane ride one more time before getting back to Kathmandu. Stay overnight at hotel in
Kathmandu.

Day 16: City Tour of Patan and Bhaktapur.

After breakfast, the tour guide will pick you up from your hotel as you will head towards
Patan, one of the three medieval cities of Kathmandu Valley. You will enjoy and revel at the
many architectural wonders of Patan Durbar Square including Krishna Mandir, statue of
Bhupatindra Malla, Golden Temple, Namo Buddha and so on. The experience of walking
through the narrow cobbled alleyways and discovering the age-old culture and tradition of
local people will take you back in time.
Later you will visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, another world heritage site. Bhaktapur has
much to offer to the tourists from medieval temples and statues to pottery square and
museum. Nyatapola Temple, 55-windows palaces are examples of the unique Himalayan
architecture that places it among the best destinations within Kathmandu Valley. Drive back
to Kathmandu and stay overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 17: Departure.

As per your flight schedule, our airport representative will transfer you from your hotel to the airport for your final departure.