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| (Mt.Kerinci) |
Towering over the Sumatran landscape, Mt. Kerinci demands
respect. At 3805 meters tall, it’s the highest active volcano in Southeast
Asia, and even rises above the iconic Mt. Fuji in Japan. Trekking up its
forested slopes, protected in the Kerinci Seblat National Park, is extremely
challenging as there are no switchbacks – it’s just straight up to the top
along a ridge trail. But the views at the top are truly unbeatable, making the
struggle and sweat worth it.
Day 1 - Up into the Clouds
Leave your lodging in the morning to begin your climb with a guide &
porter. On the way to the trail head, don’t forget to turn around and see the
incredible view of the beautiful Kayu Aro tea plantation, rice fields, the Rawa
Bento wetlands, and Mt. Tujuh off in the distance. Once in the forest, be on
the lookout for Yellow-handed Mitered Langurs (our endemic, orange leaf
monkeys), lizards, and birds. You’ll hear the enchanting song of Siamang
gibbons, and if you’re really lucky, you might even spot a family of them.
After about 8 hours of hiking you will make camp.
Day 2 - On Top of the World
Before the sun rises, scramble an additional two hours up the scree and rubble until you reach the crater. Bask in the views. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see lava bubbling far below in the bottom of the crater, and on a clear day you can see all the way to the Indian ocean to your west. Congratulations, you’re now the tallest person on Sumatra! After a little while, carefully make your way back down the mountain, making your way out of the jungle after about six hours.
Optional Day 3
To savor the hike (and make it a little easier), spend an extra night on the slopes of the volcano either going up or coming down. Slow and steady wins the race (and usually results in more wildlife spotting).
Summary
Difficulty: Difficult
Activities: Hiking, Camping, Bird Watching, Wildlife
Terrain: Jungle, Mountains
Duration: 2 Days/ 1 Night
Months of Operation: Year Round, but usually somewhat drier from May - September
Travel
Location: Gunung Kerinci
Nearest Town: Kersik Tuo
Cost
Day 2 - On Top of the World
Before the sun rises, scramble an additional two hours up the scree and rubble until you reach the crater. Bask in the views. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see lava bubbling far below in the bottom of the crater, and on a clear day you can see all the way to the Indian ocean to your west. Congratulations, you’re now the tallest person on Sumatra! After a little while, carefully make your way back down the mountain, making your way out of the jungle after about six hours.
Optional Day 3
To savor the hike (and make it a little easier), spend an extra night on the slopes of the volcano either going up or coming down. Slow and steady wins the race (and usually results in more wildlife spotting).
Summary
Difficulty: Difficult
Activities: Hiking, Camping, Bird Watching, Wildlife
Terrain: Jungle, Mountains
Duration: 2 Days/ 1 Night
Months of Operation: Year Round, but usually somewhat drier from May - September
Travel
Location: Gunung Kerinci
Nearest Town: Kersik Tuo
Cost
Total Cost: Please Contact PT.Risfy Hidayah Wisata.
Conditions: It’s close to freezing at the top, so make sure
you dress in layers and bring a warm beanie and gloves if you can. Best to
avoid times of extended rain, but, as it sits within a tropical rainforest, be
prepared for it. Most treks up the mountain start after an overnight in the
village of Kersik Tuo, but it’s also possible to begin from Sungai Penuh.
As an active volcano, caution needs to be taken, and you
climb at your own risk. When on the mountain, guides will judge whether they
feel it’s safe to try to reach the summit, depending on weather and current
volcanic activity levels, with guests expected to follow their lead.
Price includes a local guide and porter, transport within
Kerinci to and from the trail head, headlamps, permits, and all food and
equipment.