Summit Trek · Northern Highlands
Ras Dashen
At about 4,550 metres, Ras Dashen (Ras Dejen) crowns the eastern Simien — typically a week's walk from the road-served western rim, through the Mesheha river valley, farming villages and the Afro-alpine base camp at Ambiko. Published summit heights vary slightly by survey; what matters on the ground is sustained altitude, not a single metre.
At a Glance
Ras Dashen in plain terms
- Best time
- October – February
- Typical stay
- 6 – 10 days
- Altitude
- 2,900 – 4,550 m
- Region
- Northern Highlands
Why We Go
Ethiopia's highest peak, reached through the far side of the Simien few trekkers ever see.
The summit itself is a scramble up a rock tower rather than a technical climb — what makes Ras Dashen serious is the altitude and the distance, not ropes or ice. Most of the week sits above 3,500 metres, and the day before the summit drops roughly a thousand metres into a river valley only to climb it all back again to Ambiko.
The reward is a side of the Simien that day-trip crowds never reach: villages where the trail runs past threshing floors, children herding goats along the ridge, and camps with nothing in view but more mountain. Gelada, walia ibex and the occasional Ethiopian wolf appear on the western approaches; the eastern valleys feel quieter still.
We build in an acclimatisation day on the western rim first, carry a pulse oximeter above 3,500 metres, and turn around without hesitation if the altitude says so. Shorter seven-day summit programmes drive as far as Chenek; the full traverse from Sankaber remains the classic for walkers who want the whole massif.
Highlights
- 01The pre-dawn summit push from Ambiko, reaching the top as the sun clears the eastern ridges
- 02The Bwahit pass at about 4,200 metres, strong ground for walia ibex and Ethiopian wolf
- 03The descent into the Mesheha river valley and back out through terraced barley fields
- 04An optional second summit on Mount Berochwuha, about 4,272 metres, on the return
- 05Acclimatisation nights at Chenek before committing to the pass and Ambiko
Best combined with a stay of 6 – 10 days, travelling October – February.
Journeys Including Ras Dashen
Routes that pass through here
Plan This Destination
Build Ras Dashen into your journey
Nothing here is fixed. Tell us how long you have and what else you want to see, and a designer will draw the route — including the flights, the guides and the hours that matter.
Speak With a Designer
Speak to someone who has been there this season
Our designers travel these routes themselves. Ask about road conditions, festival dates or which lodge has the better view — you will get a straight answer.
Or call us directly on +1909-450-7246