Vardane

Vardane Expeditions Lazimpat Road 14 Kathmandu 44600, Nepal

+977 1 400 2800climb@vardane.com

A peak above a sea of cloud at sunset

Africa3°04′ S · 37°21′ E

Lemosho Route

The roof of Africa by its longest and quietest route, with eight days on the mountain to make the summit night feel easy.

From $5,600

Reserve a place
Summit
5,895 m
Duration
10 days
Season
January – March, June – October
Grade
1 · Trekking peak
Team
Up to 10 climbers
Guiding
1:2 guide to climber

Most people who fail on Kilimanjaro go up too fast. We take eight days on the mountain, through rainforest, moorland and desert, so the last night is one you remember for the stars rather than the headache.

The Lemosho Route starts in the forest on the western side of the mountain, crosses the Shira Plateau and circles under the southern glaciers before the summit climb from Barafu Camp.

Our camps have a dining tent, proper beds and a private toilet tent. It is the expedition we recommend to anyone starting out.

Itinerary

Day by day

Grade 1 of 5, Trekking peak Grade 1 · Trekking peak

5,895 mElevation by day
Day 11,400 mDays 9–10
  1. Kit check and a briefing.

  2. Rainforest to the Shira Plateau.

  3. Climb high and sleep low at Barranco.

  4. The Barranco Wall and Karanga to Barafu Camp.

  5. Uhuru Peak at sunrise and down to Mweka.

  6. Through the forest and back to Arusha.

An oil lantern glowing against a tent wall
People watching the sunrise from a snowy summit
Two figures casting long shadows on wind-carved snow

Included

  • Guides at one to two, and a mountain crew
  • Private camp with beds and dining tent
  • Park fees and rescue fees
  • Pulse oximeter checks twice a day

Not included

  • Flights to Kilimanjaro
  • Tanzania visa
  • Tips for the mountain crew

Before you come

  • Fit for six hours of walking a day
  • No climbing experience needed

Departures

Dates for Kilimanjaro

Ask for a private date
  • 15 Jan – 24 Jan 2027

    10 days

    From $5,600

    Open

  • 12 Feb – 21 Feb 2027

    10 days

    From $5,600

    4 left

  • 9 Jul – 18 Jul 2027

    10 days

    From $5,600

    Open

  • 17 Sept – 26 Sept 2027

    10 days

    From $5,600

    Open

The north face of Everest lit gold by first light above dark ridges

Next expedition · Himalaya · 8,849 m

Everest

Climbers' words

01 / 04

“I turned round at the Balcony on my first attempt and summited with Vardane two years later. Both decisions were made with me, not for me.”
Helena V.Everest, 2025
“Pemba didn't just get me up Ama Dablam. He taught me how to climb at altitude, and I've used every word of it since.”
James O.Ama Dablam, 2024
“The quietest, best-run base camp on the mountain. You notice the difference on day one and you're grateful for it on day fifty.”
Sofia M.Everest, 2024
“Three weeks on Denali with a sled behind me. Hardest thing I have ever done, and I'd do it again tomorrow with the same guides.”
Daniel K.Denali, 2025

Questions

Before you
reserve

  • Tell us what you have climbed and what you want from the mountains, and one of our guides will call you. We would rather suggest a smaller peak first than see you on the wrong expedition.

  • Fitter than you think. Every expedition page lists what we expect before you come, and once you book we send a training plan written for you by our coach, with check-ins every month.

  • Turning round is part of climbing. If weather or health stops your summit, you can join the same expedition within two years at a reduced price, and your guide will tell you honestly what to work on.

  • Our lead guides hold the IFMGA qualification. Our Sherpa team are the same people every season, paid all year round, insured in full and trained in rescue and first aid at our expense.

  • We keep it public: every summit, every turnaround and every evacuation is in our annual report. We cap team sizes, carry more oxygen than we need and have a doctor at base camp on every 8,000 m expedition.

  • Each expedition page shows the price. A deposit of 20% holds your place; the rest is due 90 days before departure. Prices include everything on the mountain; flights, insurance and personal kit are extra.

  • Yes. Any expedition can be run as a private trip for one climber or a group, on the dates you choose. Ask on the reservation form and we will plan it with you.

  • Yes: insurance that covers mountaineering to the height of your expedition, including helicopter rescue. We will send you a list of insurers our climbers use.

  • Our kit list covers every item, what it needs to do and what we provide. Your guide checks all of it with you before we leave the city.

  • Of course. We can put you in touch with past climbers from the expedition you're considering.

Reservations open for 2027

The mountain is waiting

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