North Face Route – Batian
Mount Kenya's classic technical mountaineering objective. Seven belayed pitches (Grade 5.7–5.9) on the North Face lead to the true summit of Batian.
- Duration
- 6-7 days
- Summit
- 5,199 m
- Gate
- Sirimon Gate (ascent) · Chogoria Gate (descent)
- Group
- 2-12 people
Day-by-day
Route itinerary
- Day 1 ·
Sirimon Gate→Old Moses Camp
9 km+840 m3–4 hrsSleep: 3,300 mDrive from Nanyuki to Sirimon Gate (2,460 m), gear check in town, then trek through rainforest and montane heath to Old Moses Camp (3,300 m).
- Day 2 ·
Old Moses Camp→Shipton's Camp
17 km+900 m6–7 hrsSleep: 4,200 mFull moorland traverse to Shipton's Camp (4,200 m). Technical guide briefing and climbing gear check on arrival.
- Day 3 ·
Shipton's Camp→Shipton's Camp (acclimatisation)
7 km+695 m-695 m4–5 hrsSleep: 4,200 mAcclimatisation ascent to Point Lenana (4,985 m) via the non-technical trekking route. Return to Shipton's. Optional: scramble to Point Peter or Point Dutton.
- Day 4 ·
Shipton's Camp→Batian Summit → Shipton's Camp
4 km+999 m-999 m10–14 hrsSleep: 4,200 mFull summit day via the North Face Standard Route. Seven or more belayed pitches (5.7–5.9), crux on Firmin's Tower. Possible overnight at Top Hut (4,990 m) if the day extends. Descent by rappel and downclimbing.
- Day 5 ·
Shipton's Camp→Meru Mount Kenya Lodge
16 km-1200 m6–8 hrsSleep: 3,000 mDescend east via the Chogoria route — Simba Col, Hall Tarns and Gorges Valley. Wildlife viewing in the lower forest. Meru Mount Kenya Lodge (3,000 m) offers comfortable facilities.
- Day 6 ·
Meru Mount Kenya Lodge→Chogoria Gate
8 km-600 m3–4 hrsDrive and walk through bamboo forest to Chogoria Gate (2,950 m). Return journey to Nairobi.
Is the North Face Route – Batian right for you?
Why choose this route
- +The true summit of Mount Kenya — Batian at 5,199 m
- +Classic rock climbing on well-established pitches
- +Full professional guide and porter support included
- +Scenic Chogoria descent after the technical ascent
Limitations to consider
- -Requires prior rock climbing experience (Grade 5.7–5.9 / UK VS)
- -Summit day is weather-dependent — possible overnight at Top Hut
- -High altitude on a technical objective demands excellent physical condition
- -Not suitable for trekkers without technical climbing background
Not sure which route fits your experience and timeline?
Read our route comparison guideAll-inclusive
Packages & pricing
North Face Batian Technical Climb - 7 Days All-Inclusive
7 days all-inclusive
Price per person (USD)
Solo
$3200
per person
2 people
$2700
per person
4 people
$2400
per person
Larger groups pay less per person. Contact us for groups of 8+.
What's included
- KWS national park fees
- Camping fees (all nights)
- KWS-licensed lead guide
- Porter service (up to 15 kg per trekker)
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Camping equipment (tent, sleeping mat, dining tent)
- Cook and camp crew
- Transport from Nanyuki to gate and return
- First aid kit and basic altitude medication
- Trekking completion certificate
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance (mandatory - must be arranged before travel)
- Kenya entry visa
- Personal trekking gear (sleeping bag, boots, trekking poles)
- Gratuities for guide and porters
- Personal snacks, drinks, and extras
- Accommodation in Nanyuki before/after the trek