How fit do I need to be to do this trek?

Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.

How long do we walk every day when doing Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.

What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?

The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?

Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.

Are there ATMs on the way to Annapurna Base Camp?

No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.

What about internet access?

Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.

Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason. It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.

How much do guides and porters cost?

For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.

Mount Kenya Sirimon Route(4 Days) – World To Africa Safaris

The 4-day Sirimon–Sirimon route is a popular short Mount Kenya trek to Point Lenana (4,985 m). It approaches the mountain from the drier northern side and passes through forest, moorland and alpine terrain

Transportation
Bus, Airlines
Accomodation
3 Star Hotel
Maximum Altitude
5,416 metres
Departure From
Kathmandu
Best Season
Feb, Mar, Apr & May
Tour type
Eco-Tour, Hiking
Meals
All meals during the trek
Language
English, Spanish, French, Chinese
Fitness Level
Easy to Moderate
Group Size
2-15
Minimum Age
12
Maximum Age
65

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

More Info

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

More Info

Overview

The 4-Day Sirimon–Sirimon Mount Kenya trek is a challenging but rewarding itinerary designed for travelers with limited time. It takes you from Nairobi to Sirimon Gate, through the forest and alpine moorlands to Shipton’s Camp, then to Point Lenana (4,985 m) for sunrise before descending back to Nairobi.

Sirimon Gate is approximately 200 km from Nairobi, along the Nanyuki–Meru road

Highlights

Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
Highest overnight: Shipton's Camp — 4,200 m
Summit: Point Lenana — 4,985 m

Day 1 :

Day 1: Nairobi → Nanyuki → Sirimon Gate → Old Moses Camp

Distance: ~9 km
Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Starting altitude: Sirimon Gate, approximately 2,650 m
Overnight: Old Moses Camp, 3,300 m

Morning — Nairobi departure

Your Mount Kenya adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel or accommodation in Nairobi, normally around 6:30–7:00 AM.

You travel north through the central highlands toward Nanyuki. The drive takes approximately 4–5 hours depending on traffic and the exact pickup location.

Along the way, there is an opportunity to stop at the Equator crossing near Nanyuki for photographs and a short break.

Nanyuki

Continue to Nanyuki town, where you can have lunch, purchase any last-minute supplies and prepare for the mountain.

From Nanyuki, it is approximately another hour to Sirimon Gate.

Sirimon Gate

At the gate, the team completes the required park registration and preparations before starting the trek.

The trail initially passes through montane forest and bamboo, gradually transitioning into giant heather and high-altitude moorland.

The first day's walk is relatively gentle, allowing your body to begin adjusting to the increasing altitude.

After approximately 3–4 hours, you arrive at:

Old Moses Camp — 3,300 m

Dinner and overnight at the camp.

Day 2 :

Day 2: Old Moses Camp → Shipton's Camp

Distance: ~14–17 km
Hiking time: 6–8 hours
Altitude: 3,300 m → 4,200 m
Altitude gain: ~900 m
Overnight: Shipton's Camp, 4,200 m

After breakfast, begin the longest uphill section of the trek.

The trail leaves Old Moses and continues through the open moorland. You cross areas around the Ontulili and Liki North rivers before continuing toward the spectacular Mackinder Valley.

As you gain altitude, the vegetation becomes increasingly sparse and the landscape changes dramatically.

You will encounter Mount Kenya's distinctive alpine vegetation, including giant groundsels and lobelias.

The peaks of Batian and Nelion gradually become more prominent as you approach the summit area.

After approximately 6–8 hours of hiking, arrive at:

Shipton's Camp — 4,200 m

Shipton's is located beneath Mount Kenya's main technical peaks and provides spectacular views of the surrounding alpine landscape.

Dinner and overnight.

Important: This is a significant altitude gain in one day. Walk slowly, stay hydrated and follow your guide's instructions regarding altitude acclimatization.

Day 3 :

Day 3: Shipton's Camp → Point Lenana → Old Moses Camp

Start: Approximately 2:30–3:00 AM
Summit: Point Lenana — 4,985 m
Total hiking: ~20–21 km
Hiking time: 9–10 hours
Overnight: Old Moses Camp, 3,300 m

This is the summit day and the most demanding day of the trek.

2:30 AM — Wake up

You wake early, have a light breakfast and prepare your summit equipment.

Around 3:00 AM, begin the climb toward Point Lenana.

The trail becomes rocky and steep as you approach the summit ridge. The darkness, cold temperatures and altitude make this section challenging, so a slow and steady pace is essential.

6:00–6:30 AM — Point Lenana

If weather and conditions permit, you reach Point Lenana at 4,985 m around sunrise.

This is the trekking summit of Mount Kenya and offers spectacular sunrise views over the surrounding Kenyan landscape.

You can also see Batian (5,199 m) and Nelion (5,188 m), Mount Kenya's two highest technical peaks.

Spend some time taking photographs before beginning the descent.

Descent to Shipton's Camp

Descend back to Shipton's Camp, where you have breakfast and take a short rest.

Shipton's → Old Moses

After breakfast, continue descending through the alpine zone and moorlands toward Old Moses Camp.

This is a long day, so trekking poles are particularly useful during the descent.

Arrive at Old Moses Camp, have dinner and spend your final night on the mountain.

Day 4 :

Day 4: Old Moses Camp → Sirimon Gate → Nanyuki → Nairobi

Distance: ~9 km
Hiking time: 2–3 hours
Altitude: 3,300 m → ~2,650 m

After breakfast, begin your final descent.

The trail takes you back through the forest toward Sirimon Gate.

At the gate, complete the park exit procedures and meet your vehicle.

Nanyuki

Drive back to Nanyuki for lunch and a short rest.

After lunch, begin the journey back to Nairobi.

Depending on road and traffic conditions, you can expect to arrive in Nairobi in the late afternoon, often around 4:00–6:00 PM.

Your Mount Kenya adventure ends in Nairob

Mount Kenya Sirimon Route(4 Days)