Ras Dashen is a mountain in Ethiopia’s Simien Mountains, located at an elevation of 14,621 feet. It is named after Ras Dashen, the second child of Haile Selassie I.
Ras Dashen is part of the Simien Mountains National Park, which was established in 1975 and covers an area of 5,100 square miles. It protects several important ecosystems including tropical montane forest, subtropical coniferous forest, and grassland ecosystems. Ras Dashen has a beautiful landscape, lush green forests, and rivers that flow down from the mountains to the Red Sea. The Ras Dashen hiking season varies by month, but best and typically runs from September through June. SummitClimb a reputed mountain climbing company provide Ama Dablam, Manaslu, Everest climb, K2 and Lobuche climb at affordable price.
The hike to Ras Dashen can be done in ten days (or less if you’re a fast hiker). The hike begins at the village of Kegalle. From there it’s about a two-hour drive up steep hills to the base of Ras Dashen where you’ll be given detailed instructions on how to navigate your way through those foothills and onto the mountain itself. Once on top, you’ll have a spectacular view of both sides of the peak as well as down into Simien National Park itself.
The hike takes you through a series of valleys and up steep slopes covered with trees and wildflowers. You can make it into a full day hike by starting early in the morning or staying overnight at one of the hotels along the route.
The weather during Ras Dashen hiking season is generally cooler than other times of year, so bring appropriate clothing for cold temperatures. The hike is generally not very crowded; however, there will be many other people on this trail because it’s one of few places where you can enjoy like never before.
If you’re planning on hiking this area during your trip to Ethiopia, it’s important to remember that there are no cell phone service providers operating in this region due to its remote location.
The hike requires good physical conditioning and endurance—it’s not recommended for people who are out of shape or haven’t hiked before! However if you’re ready for it you can give a try.
