Today it's time to summit. Wake up at around 2:30 am, in time to leave for your trek to the top. Summit Low's Peak (4,095 m) and, if it's clear, catch the gorgeous sunrise. The climb from Laban Rata to the summit takes 3–4 hours. The trail starts from directly behind the Pendant hut and is a series of man made steps and wooden steps. There is also a rope section zig-zagging around 250 metres up the steep slabs of granite. The final check point is Sayat Sayat hut, and from there it’s a steady climb towards Low's Peak.
Descend from the peak and meet your via ferrata guide at Sayat Sayat Hut (3,668 m) to prepare for your via ferrata experience. You'll need to arrive back at Sayat Sayat no later than 7.15am to do the via ferrata. Here you will put on our harnesses and helmets and split into small groups (6 people maximum). This may mean you have to wait for other climbers to come back from the summit trail. Once ready, you'll descend the rope section to the starting point of the via feratta below. The via feratta is an adventurous circuit, about 390 meters long. You will be roped together for safety and you will have carabiner clips that attach to a static wire. The first part is a descent with bolted-in metal steps and hoops to aid climbers. There is an adventurous descent over a hanging ladder and a wire bridge before you ascend back to where you started. Afterwards, descend the steps back to Pendant Hut where there's time for a well-earned second breakfast. Then you'll check out and trek back down the mountain. The aim is to arrive back at Timpohon gate around 5 or 6 pm.
Once everyone is down from the mountain, continue to Poring Hot Springs by bus (approximately 1 hour). Tonight you will stay at a hostel in Poring Hot Springs. Some rooms have bunk beds or multiple beds and the bathroom is shared. Rooms are fan cooled and hot water is usually available. The hostel is located right inside the springs complex itself and has a light and airy lounge room to relax in.
Notes: Even if you are very fit you may find the summit climb difficult due to the altitude. It can make you feel quite nauseous and short of breath. The trail is marked by a white rope that's also useful to help you up some of the steep sections. Waterproof gloves are recommended to protect your hands from rope burn (as well as to keep them warm) and you will need a head torch as you ascend in the dark.
While the via ferrata route is straightforward and suitable for beginners, it's by no means an easy feat. Our guides will be there to give you a full safety briefing and train you on the proper use of the safety devices. They will also climb with you, providing tips on negotiating difficult obstacles and pointing out spectacular sights along the way.
Meals: B