Day 9: Ascend to Karanga Camp

MOUNTAIN ROUTE OVERVIEW

After breakfast, one of the biggest challenges for our climbers begins. They’ll climb up and over the Great Barranco Wall. Getting to the top of it will take 1 to 2 hours. After the wall, climbers will cross a barren and rocky plateau with views of Kibo and three glaciers before descending into Karanga Camp. As they cross the plateau on a trail of gravel and sand, climbers will pass streams and giant boulders for 2 to 3 hours. As they walk into camp, they have a good view of tomorrow’s route. They’ll get to camp by lunch. But this short day is planned for resting which helps with acclimatization.

MOUNTAIN ROUTE STATS

Starting elevation 12,900 feet

Ending elevation 13,300 feet

Elevation gain 400 feet

Distance hiked 3 miles

Average hiking time 4 to 6 hours

JOURNAL ENTRY BY KASEY BOST

Hello everyone,

Today we woke up to a hot breakfast ready for hike #4. We started off the hike with a crowded path of hikers and porters. The hike started by climbing over “the wall” which was a rock scramble and required multiple difficult moves. Once we made it over there was an incredible view of the peak of the mountain as well as a view over the clouds once again. We finished the hike with multiple ups and downs until we reached camp! We were welcomed with a great lunch and played a crazy game of UNO. We then got to sing with the whole crew before dinner!