Brief Description

Grade:Difficult

Location: Africa

Altitude:5895 m

Duration:9 Days

In an otherwise flat terrain, the largest free-standing mountain in the world, Kilimanjaro (also lovingly called ‘Kili’), rises 5,895M high in the golden skies of the African savannah. Located just south of the equator, straddling the borders of the East African countries – Tanzania and Kenya, its crown of snow is somewhat of an intrigue as it stands in sheer contrast to the otherwise earthly colours of the land which is mostly hot for being so close to the equator.

As one of the Seven Summits for being the tallest mountain of Africa, one of the highest volcanoes in the world and the largest free-standing mountain (which means it is not part of any mountain range - it stands on its own with its massive 80km long and 40km wide base), Kilimanjaro is christened the Roof of Africa. This uphill walk on the land where everything is a product of an age-old explosion, the smell of the earth is abound with life thriving in the form of the rich flora and fauna that Africa is famously known for.

Kilimanjaro is the highest hikeable peak in the world. This is to say that it is not technical and requires little to no knowledge of mountaineering and hence is a popular mountain ever since it was first climbed in 1889. Looking to be experienced by people from all walks of life and not just hardcore athletes, the mountain invites over 30,000 climbers up its slopes each year. However, popular does not mean easy. Its distance, altitude and weather are still factors that must be given their due for being worthy challenges.

This massive heap of a mountain which is made entirely of ash, lava and rock consists of three cones: Kibo (5,895M), Mawenzi (5,149M) and Shira (4,005M). Kibo is the tallest of the three volcanic formations and hence is the summit of the mountain. While the other two are extinct, Kibo is also the only dormant volcano which means it can still erupt at any time although the last eruption is estimated to be over 3.5 lakh years ago. The topmost point of the rim of Kibo’s crater is called Uhuru which, interestingly enough, is Swahili for ‘Freedom’. The name is extremely fitting for that is what being on the top of this mountain feels like!

The other magical thing about this mountain is that it has 6 routes up to its summit and all 6 lay out a very distinct terrain entirely different from the others. This goes to show the amount of variance the region embodies not only in its wildlife and flora but also its geographical features. Ranging from thick green forests on one route to dry and desert-like terrain on the other and everything in between – Kilimanjaro stands alone and it would be fair to say is a world in itself.

The mountain stations itself in Tanzania which is teeming with wildlife, white-sand beaches, indigenous cultures and fascinating people. A summit climb of Kilimanjaro does not have to be restricted to the climb alone but opens up a whole different world of experiences waiting to be explored.

The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is January to March and June to October. Stay on this page for more information on the Kilimanjaro trek.

(Please note: We take the Machame Route, also called ‘the Whiskey Route’, which offers the most dramatic changes in scenery and is just the right volume of challenging to keep things interesting. If you prefer to take any of the other routes, you can let us know and we will try to arrange for those as well, if possible.)

If you would like to make this a dual climb and add Mount Meru to this itinerary, you can just click on a button in the Add Ons section to make that happen. For a detailed itinerary of Mount Meru, click here.

If you are looking for Mount Kilimanjaro with Wildlife Safari, click here.

Brief Itinerary

Welcome to Tanzania!

Moshi (950M) to Machame Camp (3,010M) via Machame Park Gate (1,800M)

Machame Camp (3,010M) to Shira Camp (3,840M)

Shira Camp (3,840M) to Barranco Camp (3,960M) via Lava Tower (4,630M)

Barranco Camp (3,960M) to Karanga Camp (4,035M)

Karanga Camp (4,035M) to Barafu Camp (4,640M)

Barafu Camp (4,640M) to Mweka Camp (3,090M) via Uhuru Summit (5,895M)

Mweka Camp (3,090M) to Moshi (950M) via Mweka Park Gate (1,650M)

Departure from Moshi

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Tanzania!

Your flight will bring you to Kilimanjaro International Airport. From here, Moshi, which is a small town on the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, is only a 30 km drive. Airport pick up is part of the trek cost – you will be met by someone from our team who will assist you to your hotel in Moshi. The name Moshi, interestingly enough, is said to denote the smoke that comes out of the volcano right above it. There is nothing more on the agenda for today than to get comfortable in this friendly land, explore this charming little town, get acquainted to your fellow climbers, and arrange for equipment, in case you are missing something. Since we start the trek tomorrow, we also use today to go over some do’s and don’ts, what to expect on the trek and get done with some paperwork before we can dive head in to indulge ourselves in this small town of many offerings.

Tonight we stay in a hotel – our last night for the next few days, in warm, comfortable beds!

Day 2

Moshi (950M) to Machame Camp (3,010M) via Machame Park Gate (1,800M)

Distance: 27 kms + 11 kms

Duration: 45 min drive + 6-7 hours

Machame Route is also called the ‘Whiskey Route’ because it is a little bit longer and a little bit tougher than the other most popular route which is the Marangu Route. Marangu Route is called the Coca Cola Route because it is a much more common preference with climbers since it is easier and is also the only route with huts that allow for added comfort when compared to camping.

We take the Machame Route because it takes us through an assortment of terrain, making every day on the trek a fresh delight and something to look forward to. The trail head for Machame Route is the Machame Park Gate. It is going to be a long day, so we start early after an early breakfast. The 27 kms to the gate should take us about 45 minutes to cover. The drive brings us to an altitude of 1800M. We still have over a 1200M ascend to get to our first camp for today. After registering at the Park Gate, we start out through thick rainforests. This region is prone to unscheduled rains; remember to keep your rainwear handy. Rain can also make the forest floor slushy and slippery; consider your footwear for the trek accordingly.

It is a 11km long day with an elevation gain of 1200M, so it is important that you find your rhythm and pace yourself based on your comfort. It is a gradual climb. We get packed lunch for the day. Porters will carry your luggage which makes the long distance a tad bit easier. Expect to reach by evening. Night temperatures really plummet at this camp, be prepared to layer up accordingly.

Day 3

Machame Camp (3,010M) to Shira Camp (3,840M)

Distance: 5 kms

Duration: 4-5 hours

Today is a smaller day than yesterday, at least in terms of distance. We wake up early, get done with breakfast and continue our ascent in the forest. After about an hour in the forest, it is time for the first dramatic change in scenery. From the thick canopy, we are welcomed into the colourful moorland zone which greets us with gentler slopes. From here, we get on to a rocky ridge until we reach the Shira Plateau. If you are the kind to geek out on geography, here’s something interesting. The Shira Plateau is actually a caldera which means that it is a collapsed volcanic crater. This plateau which stretches 13 kms to the west of Kibo summit is hence the remains of the first of Kilimanjaro’s volcanoes to perish. The land you walk on now has been filled in by the lava and debris of the eruptions from the other craters of Kilimanjaro. This region is known for its rich flora.

A little further and we reach our campsite for the day after an elevation gain of a little over 800M. Since it is an even more exposed and open region, the night here is likely to be much colder than yesterday.

Day 4

Shira Camp (3,840M) to Barranco Camp (3,960M) via Lava Tower (4,630M)

Distance: 11 kms

Duration: 7-8 hours

Today is yet another exciting day for we cross yet another point with a fascinating story to get your nerd on. Given that it is going to be a long day, we head out from our camp as early as possible and head east towards a different kind of landscape. Our path today takes us to a semi-desert and rocky terrain which ambles up to Lava Tower at 4,630M. Lava Tower is the fascinating marvel which we spoke of earlier! It is, as the name suggests, a massive tower of rock formed by, as the name suggests, lava of Mount Kilimanjaro from way back when it was still an active volcano. These dry lands with lava structures dominate the landscape of our route today. This is going to be one of the toughest days of the trek for its distance and elevation. It also serves as a good means for acclimatization, however, since we are climbing high all the way to 4,600M and sleeping low at 3,960M (Barranco Camp).

The climb up to Lava Tower, which is the highest point for today over some tough terrain, including an ascent on loose scree, should take close to 5 hours. The descent down from here to Barranco Camp is another 2-3 hours. This campsite is known for its sunset views; we should get here just in time to catch these!

Day 5

Barranco Camp (3,960M) to Karanga Camp (4,035M)

Distance: 5 kms

Duration: 5 hours

Today will seem much easier because we are already acclimatized. We also have to cover a much shorter distance. The most difficult part of the climb today is the Barranco Wall which is classified as a class 4 scramble. This means that you do not need any special equipment to cross this section. It is however, difficult enough that it will call for all your attention – being mindful is not a choice here. You are likely to use all four limbs to scramble through this section of the climb which should take about an hour at max. The rest of the route for today is a mix of ascents and descents. It goes by in a breeze.

Expect to reach the campsite by afternoon with the rest of the day at your disposal to discover the many wonders of this wonderland of a mountain.

Day 6

Karanga Camp (4,035M) to Barafu Camp (4,640M)

Distance: 5 kms

Duration: 5 hours

Today is a short day since we will be leaving for our summit push the same night. We leave as early in the morning as possible to get to our campsite for today which rests on an exposed ridge line. Be careful and familiarize yourself with the terrain as soon as you reach the campsite, so as to avoid any accidents in the dark. We try to reach well in time for lunch and hit the sleeping bag by 7 in the evening so that we get enough shuteye before our summit push tonight.

Day 7

Barafu Camp (4,640M) to Mweka Camp (3,090M) via Uhuru Summit (5,895M)

Distance: 17 kms

Duration: 15-16 hours

Today is the big day! We get ready and start our summit push in the dead of the night after some light breakfast. The climb starts on some loose scree, which climbs up to Stella Point. Stella Point at 5,685M is one of the three official summits on the mountain and counts as a legit summit point for those who want to end their climb here. Stella Point lies at the rim of the crater and also offers the best view at the break of dawn.

Kilimanjaro has a really long summit push with an elevation gain of over 1300M which is massive given the altitude of the mountain. The rest of the climb from Stella Point is a steep ascent which brings you to the famous signboard indicating your arrival to the top of Africa – the (Freedom) Uhuru Peak (5,895M).

While it is a great vantage point to spend hours studying, we leave after some time because we still have a long way to go. The descent down to Barafu camp is another 3 hours. Here we collect our gear which we had left behind before descending down further to Mweka Camp after a full day of exhaustion.

Expect to reach by late evening.

Day 8

Mweka Camp (3,090M) to Moshi (950M) via Mweka Park Gate (1,650M)

Distance: 10 kms + 24 kms

Duration: 3-4 hours trek + 1 hour drive

Today is long as well, with 10kms to cover. However, it is all downhill and at a much lower altitude than our body has already acclimatized to, so it shouldn’t be a tough nut to crack. On reaching the Mweka Park Gate, we get our ride to drive back into Moshi – our ticket to a hot bath and warm bed!

Day 9

Departure from Moshi

We say our goodbyes after breakfast as we come to the end of this epic trek. If you plan to stay for a few more days, Tanzania has a lot to offer.

What's Included

All travel cost from Kilimanjaro International Airport (pick-up point) to Kilimanjaro International Airport drop-off (including internal travel to and from the hotel to the park gate)
2 night accommodation at a hotel in Moshi (1 each before and after the climb)
Breakfast on the first day and Breakfast & Dinner on the last day at Moshi hotel
All meals on the mountain
Accommodation (in twin-sharing tents) on the mountain
All park entry and permit fees + rescue fees
Safety Equipment (common) including static rescue rope, seat harness, carabiners, pulleys & other items used for climbing
Complete Medical Kit
Mountaineering certified and First Aid certified expedition guide
Guiding cost
Fully equipped service and support staff (local): guide, porters, cook
Kilimanjaro International Airport Pick up and drop

What's Not Included

Internal & International flight cost
Visa cost
Cost of travel and health insurance
Accommodation in Moshi (except on day 1 & 8)
Tips for the local support staff
Any expense of personal nature
Any expense not specified in the included list

Are you Eligible for this Adventure?

Mount Kilimanjaro is not technical. However, the long distances to be covered each day in addition to the terrain as well as its altitude, all demand a certain level of fitness and stamina. We would recommend this climb only to experienced trekkers who have previously climbed to similar altitudes in any of the other mountain ranges.

Difficult

5895 m

64 km

BRS Level Required

BRS 6

Mount Kilimanjaro Trek is a level 6 adventure on the Bikat Rating Scale.

This makes it mandatory for you to have high-altitude experience of preferably multiple treks marked at level 5 on the BRS. The altitude, the terrain and the nature of the climb demand a certain level of skill and a need for you to be aware of how your body reacts to the various features of a high altitude environment.

If you do not know what level of BRS trek would suit you best, worry not! Fill out this Form:

we will send you a progression chart to help you comfortably get out of your comfort zone in order to level up and ultimately reach your highest potential in the big, bad world of outdoor adventure.

Packing List

This is a list of essential items for individuals doing the trek with Bikat Adventures. This list contains only those items which the participants are required to bring with them. The list excludes those items which are provided by Bikat Adventures on the trek. We have divided the items into five categories. All the items in the list are essential except for those marked as optional.

Trekking Gear

Ruck sack bag with rain cover. Qty -1
Day Pack Bag - Recommended for treks with summit day
Head Torch with spare Batteries. Qty -1
U V protection sunglasses. Qty -1 Here is how you can choose the best sunglasses for trekking.
Water Bottles: 2 bottles of 1 liter each

Footwear

Non-skid, deep treaded, high-ankle trekking shoes Qty -1
Pair of light weight Slipper/Sandals Qty -1

Clothing

Quick Dry Warm lower or Track Pants. Qty - 2
Full sleeves T-shirts/ Sweatshirts. 1 for every 2 days of trekking
Pair of thick woolen socks. 1 pair for every two days of trekking
Thermal Body warmer Upper & Lower. Qty-1
Undergarments. Qty - 1 for every day of trekking
Warm jacket closed at wrist & neck .Qty-1
Full sleeves sweater. Qty -1
Rain wear ( Jacket & Pants ) . Qty-1
Pair of waterproof, warm gloves. Qty-1
Woolen cap. Qty-1
Sun shielding Hat. Qty -1

Toiletries

Personal toiletries kit (Small Towel, Toilet paper, paper soap, Bar soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, cold cream, etc.)
Sun screen lotion small pack. Qty -1 Here is your Sun Protection 101 to stay safe in the bright sunny outdoors.
Lip Balm small pack. Qty-1

Utensils

Small size, Light weight & Leak proof lunch box. Qty-1
Plate. Qty- 1
Spoon.Qty-1
Tea/Coffee (plastic) Mug.Qty-1

Miscellaneous

Camera (Optional)
Carry your medicines in plenty in case you have any specific ailment. Consult your doctor before joining the trek.
Dry fruits, Nuts, Chocolate bars (Optional)

Frequently Asked Questions

Mount Kilimanjaro Trek is only for experienced trekkers who have done at least one BRS 5 trek or equivalent.

If you can Jog/Run for 5 kms in 25-30 mins, you are ready to take on this trek. Once a week, you can practice running 10 kms in an hour or so to improve your endurance further. In addition to this, you can also add resistance workouts to your schedule like squats, lunges, push ups etc.

If you cannot do the above, there’s no need to worry. It is important to remember that it’s all about practice. Get on a training schedule and we can assure you that you will meet these standards in a matter of a few months.

Mount Kilimanjaro is a hikeable peak which does not require any special mountaineering skills other than optimum fitness levels and some experience of high-altitude.

The minimum age limit is 13 years. However, minors between 13 to 17 years of age should be accompanied by their parents/ guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deems you fit for adventure activities like trekking.

Mount Kilimanjaro is located in the Kilimanjaro National Park in northern Tanzania, near the border of Kenya.

The unique terrain, changes in scenery and a chance to experience all climactic conditions on a single climb are only a few of the highlights of this trek. The mountain stations itself in Tanzania which is teeming with wildlife, white-sand beaches, indigenous cultures and fascinating people. A summit climb of Kilimanjaro does not have to be restricted to the climb alone but opens up a whole different world of experiences waiting to be explored.

The Mount Kilimanjaro Trek can be demanding with several challenges for trekkers. It involves ascending to an altitude at 5,545M, which can lead to altitude sickness, a serious concern for some. The terrain can get rugged and uneven, with steep ascents and descents, rocky paths, and narrow trails.

The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is January to March and June to October.

In Moshi, we stay at a hotel. On the trek we have twin-sharing tents.

During the January to March period, the temperature on the mountain tends to be warmer, with it ranging from 20°C to 27°C at the lower elevations, such as the rainforest zone, and dropping to around -7°C to -4°C at the summit.

During the June to October period, the temperature tends to be colder, with it ranging from 10°C to 20°C at the lower elevations and dropping to around -7°C to -5°C at the summit. However, the weather tends to be drier and clearer during this period, providing better visibility and making it a popular time to climb. During the January to March period, the temperature on the mountain tends to be warmer, with it ranging from 20°C to 27°C at the lower elevations, such as the rainforest zone, and dropping to around -7°C to -4°C at the summit.

During the June to October period, the temperature tends to be colder, with it ranging from 10°C to 20°C at the lower elevations and dropping to around -7°C to -5°C at the summit. However, the weather tends to be drier and clearer during this period, providing better visibility and making it a popular time to climb. During the January to March period, the temperature on the mountain tends to be warmer, with it ranging from 20°C to 27°C at the lower elevations, such as the rainforest zone, and dropping to around -7°C to -4°C at the summit.

During the June to October period, the temperature tends to be colder, with it ranging from 10°C to 20°C at the lower elevations and dropping to around -7°C to -5°C at the summit. However, the weather tends to be drier and clearer during this period, providing better visibility and making it a popular time to climb.

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest hikeable peak in the world. This is to say that it is not technical and requires little to no knowledge of mountaineering and hence has been a popular mountain ever since it was first climbed in 1889. Looking to be experienced by people from all walks of life and not just hardcore athletes, the mountain invites over 30,000 climbers up its slopes each year. However, popular does not mean easy. Its distance, altitude and weather are still factors that must be given their due for being worthy challenges.

There are direct flights available from most major airports that land at Kilimanjaro International Airport. The base town, Moshi, is only an hour long drive away from here – making it easily accessible.

Yes, you can get a phone signal on Mount Kilimanjaro. The network coverage has improved over the years, so you'll have a signal almost all the way to the top. However, there may be areas with weak or no signal due to the terrain. While you can usually send and receive messages and make phone calls, streaming data may be slow and requires patience.

Moshi has several banks and ATMs that accept international cards, including Visa and Mastercard. The most convenient ATMs for trekkers in Moshi are located in the town centre, near the main market area.

Mount Kilimanjaro is a Moshi to Moshi trip which means that you have to travel to Kilimanjaro International Airport yourself. You will be picked up from the airport to reach your hotel in Moshi.

On day 9, we say our goodbyes at the hotel in Moshi post breakfast.

The mountain stations itself in Tanzania which has some of the world’s best National Parks teeming with the most exotic wildlife like lions, hippos, giraffes, gorillas to name a few. The country is also famous for its pristine islands with white-sand beaches which are perfect both for some down time or to indulge in water sports like diving and snorkelling. The country is rich in indigenous cultures and fascinating people. A summit climb of Kilimanjaro does not have to be restricted to the climb alone but opens up a whole different world of experiences waiting to be explored.

All the common gear like tents, sleeping bags, mattresses etc. are provided. All the technical climbing equipment (as required) are also provided to you. Safety equipment used for rescue is carried by our trek leaders.

You can rent trekking shoes, trekking poles, a fleece jacket and a rucksack from us. In case you have any other requirements, you can talk to our representative and we will be happy to assist you in any way that we can. Each of the rented items come at an extra cost. Be sure to ask our post-booking team for the cost of each item.

You will receive your rented equipment during the briefing in Moshi, on Day 1.

Our trek leaders will collect the rented equipment from you at the end of the trek on the last day. Our trek leaders will collect the rented equipment from you at the end of the trek on the last day.

For a detailed list, check the Packing List section on this page.

Yes, there are local shops in the towns near Mount Kilimanjaro where trekkers can rent or buy equipment for the trek. Moshi, the main starting point for many of the routes up Mount Kilimanjaro, has several stores that offer gear rental services, including camping equipment, sleeping bags, and warm clothing.

Although not recommended, you can off load your bag.

(Note: We don’t recommend offloading because the extra resources on a trail - ponies or porters depending on the trail - means extra load on the environment which can easily be avoided. It also goes against the spirit of trekking by eliminating a level of endurance and discomfort from the experience which are factors at the very heart of an outdoor adventure activity.)

Yes, you can keep your extra luggage at the hotel in Moshi as we’ll be returning to the same hotel on the last day.

On all trek days, we provide 3 full meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) in addition to evening snacks and tea. The meals are vegetarian and the menu is pre-decided for all days of the trek. We do provide eggs as well on certain days. If you have any specific food-related allergies or restrictions, you can let our local staff (during the trek) know, and your requests will get accommodated. We try to provide a variety of food across meals so as to avoid repetition as well as cover all nutritional needs.

On campsites, our team will dig dry pits and assemble a toilet tent to provide for safe and secure quarters. A shovel will be provided within the toilet tent as well. Using water in the toilet tent is restricted; you will need to carry your own toilet paper. On the more difficult expeditions, toilet tents are not carried to the higher camps (above base camp) due to restriction of space (to pitch the tent).

In case you get your period on the trail and don’t have sanitary napkins, our trek leaders can provide them to you. If you need any other kind of assistance, you can let our trek leaders know. Irrespective of gender, our leaders are gender sensitised and equipped to assist you in any way you need them to.

Our team carries a first aid kit and all the basic medicines required during the trek. They are equipped to be the first responders in case of any injury or health-related issues. For higher expeditions, we also carry a HAPO Bag and oxygen cylinders to tend to any altitude-related health conditions.

You leave the last charging point behind at your hotel in Moshi. From here on, we will be camping in the wilderness with no access to electricity.

A copy of your Passport and Visa, ID Proof and Medical Certificate are the mandatory documents required for this trek. (Soft copies for all of these are to be sent to us & originals should be on your person while on the trek).

Yes, insurance for any high-altitude activity is highly recommended to cover for the cost of rescue, evacuation and any other emergency service required as well as to cover for medical cost in case of injury or illness during the trek. You can buy it on your own. You may check with ur post booking team for recommendations on insurance providers.

Yes, there are multiple permits required for this. We obtain the permits on every trekkers’ behalf. All the permit costs are included in your trek cost.

Yes, you will receive e-certificates (of completion) after the trek. It will bear your name, the trek, and the maximum altitude you achieved on the trek. In case you were unable to finish the trek, you will get a certificate of participation.

On completion of the trek, the certificate will show up on your dashboard on our website. You can download it directly from there.

Mount Kilimanjaro Trek is in East Africa. Check if your country of origin requires a visa to enter Tanzania. You can find the list of countries that require a visa on the Tanzanian government's official website. You can apply for a visa online through the Tanzanian eVisa portal or in-person at the Tanzanian embassy or consulate in your country of origin.

You will need to check online for Visa application rules based on your home country. For Indian citizens, the process may take anywhere between 15-20 days.

You will need two kinds of insurance for the trip:

Travel Medical Insurance: To cover accident, injury or sickness during your travel and stay in the host country. The cost will depend on the number of days you plan to stay in the host country including travel days.

Insurance to cover your climb: To cover the cost of rescue if need be, in addition to medical and health coverage in case of sickness and injury during your time on the mountain. The cost depends on the service you choose, the number of days you are exposed to the risk and the altitude of the mountain of choice. There are adventure insurance companies based in India but it would make sense to get insured by a company which might have better reach in the region of travel for speedy service.

Firstly, Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the Seven Summits for being the tallest mountain of Africa, one of the Seven Volcanic Summits for being the highest volcano in Africa, one of the highest volcanoes in the world and the largest free-standing mountain (which means it is not part of any mountain range - it stands on its own with its massive 80 km long and 40 km wide base) in the world. Because it is a climb on a volcanic mountain, being on this mountain made of ashes, lava and rock is a unique experience.

Secondly and more importantly, we believe that the Himalayas are GREAT and nothing can beat the magnanimity of the mountains in this incredible range, but exploring a different mountain range has so much to offer in terms of perspective. To indulge in the same sport in a different setting makes the connection with the sport itself stronger because of the learning experience.

You can make the booking any time depending on availability of slots in our fixed departure batches. You will get this information at the top of this page. However, be mindful that you leave yourself enough time to get your visa done.

A Basic Mountaineering Course certification from one of the five recognized mountaineering institutes in India is a minimum requirement to join our team. Our field experts are also trained in basic medicine and first-aid response. We also conduct on-ground training for our staff once a year as a refresher for old skills and to learn some new ones. During this training that we call APW (Adventure Professional Workshop), our leaders learn close to 25 topics and techniques of rescue which are not covered in the BMC and AMC courses. For practical training, we simulate on-ground situations to prepare them for quick thinking and quick response during emergencies.

We follow a rigorous regime of hiring and training our experts on the field. Each trek leader is a certified mountaineer with years of experience in the field. The interview process to bring a trek leader on-board is close to 6 months long where we assess various skills as well as personality traits of an individual. They also go through an on-field assignment as part of the hiring process. Trek leaders also progress in time from leading easier treks before advancing to the more difficult ones where the stakes are higher. For detailed information on our selection process, please visit Forerunners - The Making Of A Trek Leader

It absolutely is. We recognize, value and embody the ideology that the world of outdoor adventure can benefit from diversity. We make it our mission to create outdoor spaces as equally accessible and safe for all genders as possible. We also encourage women leaders in the outdoors and all of our staff (irrespective of gender) is gender sensitised. As for accommodation, in case there are no other women on the trek, a solo female trekker is provided with a separate single-occupancy tent.

Our batch sizes for Mount Kilimanjaro Trek are capped at 12 with the trek leader to trekker ratio of 1:2.

In addition to their qualification, our trek leaders are trained to tackle any and all kinds of sudden conditions that may present themselves on ground. During our recce stage, we study the trail in great detail and map out rescue routes before opening it up for our trekkers. We also have local support staff stationed in each area to arrange for emergency services at the place of need as quickly as possible.

We mobilise road rescue efforts where our trek leaders bring the person to be rescued down to the trailhead of the trek from where a car can take them to the nearest healthcare facility. The cost of rescue is not covered in the trek fee that we charge. It must be borne by the participant. However, if you opt for the insurance, the cost of rescue operations can be claimed from the Insurance company on production of valid proof e.g. doctor’s prescription & hospital bills etc. Please note that Bikat Adventures is only a facilitator & not a party in the Insurance policy. You need to raise the claim request directly with the Insurance company. Bikat Adventures is not responsible for any rejection of the claim. You can call the insurance provider directly for any clarifications related to the Insurance policy. Although not mandatory, we recommend buying the insurance. You don’t necessarily have to get the insurance we provide, you can pick an Insurance company of your choice and get a policy directly from them.

All the gear used on our treks and expeditions is tried and tested, maintained for good quality and is overall top notch in quality and condition. We are continually looking to obtain the best of everything there is in the market so as to ensure optimum safety.

That will depend on the nature of your medical condition. Do give us a call, and one of our people will help you understand what is best for you. If not this, we are sure there would be plenty of other options you can choose from our vast portfolio to pick as your next adventure.

We have rolling camps on all our trails. To know why we are strictly against the concept of Fixed Camping, read Reasons to Ban Fixed Camping in Himalayas

This is a complex question and has a compound answer. The simple response is that because it is bad for the environment which we dearly love but if you are interested in a more detailed response to this question, please read Reasons to Ban Fixed Camping in Himalayas

There are a number of measures that we take to prevent overcrowding on some of the most popular trails. Some of them are capping our group size at 15, capping the number of trekkers on a trail to 250 per season, constantly looking for newer trails and routes to spread the crowd around and providing incentives to our trekkers to try unexplored territories with us. We put in place the system of dynamic pricing, which is the first of its kind in the trekking industry, which incentivises trekkers to choose less crowded trails by offering higher discounts. We have noticed, since we started this system, that this has helped in a big way to spread out the crowds between trekking routes. We are also going international so as to relieve some of the stress on the Himalayan landscape as well as explore newer ranges and design newer experiences for our community. If you want a more detailed description of all our measures in this regard, please read Simple solutions to overcrowding on Himalayan Treks

Some basic things to remember are: do not use water, do not dispose of anything non-biodegradable inside the pits, carry your own roll of toilet paper and remember to cover up after yourself to leave a clean toilet for your fellow trekkers. Everything else is much the same like using an Indian style home toilet!

Most wet wipes are not biodegradable which means it could take 100 years or more for them to decompose – not the best thing if you are trying to ‘Leave No Trace’, right?

This is quite a tricky situation but not a hopeless one. Since most of our sanitary waste is not biodegradable, we recommend that you pack your pads/tampons neatly, store it in a zip-lock bag and bring it back down with you where there are better options to dispose of them. In case you do not have zip-lock bags, ask our trek leaders for them and they should be able to provide them to you.

Each trekker is responsible for the use and hygiene of their own eating utensils. And as a measure to maintain proper hygiene, we do not provide plates and spoons. Also, dipping your hands in cold water to wash your own utensils adds something to the overall joy of high-altitude living, wouldn’t you think?

On making the payment, you will receive a booking confirmation along with the packing list and a copy of the undertaking form via email. You will subsequently receive emails detailing documents required, how to prepare physically and mentally for the trek, information on pick-up location on the first day etc. Please add info@bikatadventures.com in your trusted emails list to make sure our emails don't go to your spam folder.

A Whatsapp group will be formed a few weeks before departure. Members from our team are on those groups as well. Feel free to seek any clarifications you require in regards to the trek, on the group itself. Updates related to transportation/pickup point/pickup timing, accommodation etc. will be shared on the Whatsapp group as well.

Yes, we create a Whatsapp group a few weeks before the departure date so that the flow of information remains smooth and transparent.

Yes, it is one of the mandatory documents you will need to submit before the trek starts. The soft copy is to be sent to us & the original should be on your person while on the trek.

Yes, we will provide you an undertaking form through email which will need to be filled up by you and submitted to us post booking.

Why Bikat?

Small Group Size

Our batch sizes are capped at 15 for smaller treks with the trek leader and trekker ratio of 1:8. This ratio, in our years of experience, has proven to deliver the best trekking experience for individuals as well as groups. Capping the size of the group ensures individual attention to each trekker so that no signs of distress or need during the trek go unnoticed. It also helps to form a more cohesive cohort with better group energy which helps define the rhythm and pace of days on the trek.

As you go higher up on the BRS scale, since the stakes are higher, expeditions have an even smaller group size with the ratio of expedition leader to climber set at 1:2.

Qualified Trek Leaders

We follow a rigorous regime of hiring and training our experts in the field. Each trek leader is a certified mountaineer with years of experience in the field. In addition to their qualification, they also go through practical and situational training to tackle any and all kinds of sudden conditions that may present themselves on the ground. Being unpredictable is the core nature of the mountains but being ready for any circumstance as best as possible is a controllable asset that we try to nurture.

Our field experts are also trained in basic medicine and first-aid response.

Watch: Forerunners - The Making of A Trek Leader At Bikat Adventures

Guided Progression

Since Bikat Adventures is a learning-based organization, we help you climb up the ladder of difficulty within the sphere of outdoor adventure systematically. Our on-ground training modules are designed to handhold you through the upskilling process so that you are ready to take on bigger challenges.

Equipment Quality and Check

All the gear used on our treks and expeditions is tried and tested, maintained for good quality, and is overall top-notch in quality and condition. We are continually looking to obtain the best of everything there is in the market so as to ensure optimum safety.

Support Systems

Along with the staff you see on-ground, we have a team of superheroes working in the background to give you the best experience possible. Our background team also comprises local staff from each area who know the region best. Having local support helps with studying the area, pre-planning, execution, and in receiving timely support in case of emergencies in these remote locations.

Communication

Our on-field staff is in constant contact with our teams based in primary locations so as to eliminate any avoidable delay in reaching additional help and support when required. We try to use the best tools for communication available, including satellite phones, in regions where they are not restricted.

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Cancellation Policy

Cash refund

Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date

5% deduction

Cancellations between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure date

50% deduction

Cancellations within 15 days prior to departure date

No Refund

Voucher refund

Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date

No Deduction

Cancellations within 5 days prior to departure date

No Refund

Please Note:

Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers
This is only a brief of cancellation terms. For finer details please refer Detailed Cancellation Policy.

Mount Kilimanjaro Trek