We recommend the 9-day Northern Circuit route over the 8-day itinerary for two reasons. First, the 9-day route offers better acclimatization than the 8-day route which results in a very high summit success chance. More specifically, the 9-day route includes an acclimatization climb to Lava Tower on your 4th day.
Its altitude profile and duration make the Northern Circuit one of the routes with the highest summit success chance.
And second, it provides an authentic wilderness experience away from the crowds.
Furthermore, the 9-day Northern Circuit also offers a somewhat more difficult alternative to the Grand Traverse (similar to Lemosho), yet with more opportunity to acclimatize and more scenic variety compared to the Grand Traverse.
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