Record-setting performances highlight a bizarre week on Mt. Everest

Tuesday, May 24, 2011 10:36am PDT

Record-setting performances highlight a bizarre week on Mt. Everest

By: Pete Thomas, GrindTV.com

History was made in the Himalayas during the past week as three mountaineers became the first to summit Mt. Everest and neighboring Mt. Lhotse during the same day.

In fact, Alpine Ascents International expedition members Garrett Madison, Tom Halliday and Michael Horst, all of whom climbed the 27,940-foot Lhotse from the South Col of Everest after attaining Everest’s summit, are the first climbers to stand atop two 8,000-meter peaks within a 24-hour period.

This might rank as the most notable achievement during what has become a circus-like season on the world’s tallest mountain (Everest stands at 29,035 feet), which has played host recently not only to climbers but skiers, paragliders, and even a 30-year-old Nepali guru who meditated on top of the world for 27 hours in support of world peace.

The Alpine Ascent climbers were in transit and unavailable for comment, according to a spokesman at the Seattle-based office. But renowned mountaineer Ed Viesturs, in a recent interview, talked about why an Everest-Lhotse same-day ascent had been so elusive.

“The key factor is the physical endurance,” he said. “I’ve pulled of a few doubles in my career [on other mountains], and everything has to fall into place — health, endurance, perfect conditions, etc. Take it one climb a time and see how it goes.”

Among the more visible mountaineers on Everest were Chris Davenport, Neal Beidleman and Ephi Gildor. That’s because Davenport and Beidleman brought skis.

They made tracks on Everest’s upper slopes during the acclimation period, when climbers ascend and descend from camp to camp to let their bodies become accustomed to high altitude.

Their most memorable run was carving symmetrical turns down Everest’s Lhotse Face — which has been done only a few times — as nearby climbers watched in amazement.

“Especially the Sherpas,” Davenport said, when reached via phone Monday night in Kathmandu. “They were just out of their minds, cheering us on. We kind of became known as the skiers … who skied the Lhotse Face.”

It was Davenport’s fourth trip to the Himalayas but his first time climbing Everest. Because the mountain is so busy and has been climbed so many times, he had never expressed a strong desire to make the climb.

But standing on the world’s highest peak changed his perspective. “I have a very intense feeling of personal satisfaction right now that we did that,” he said. “I’m kind of walking around in a little bit of a daze, like, ‘Oh my God, I just climbed Everest. Wow, OK, that’s really cool.’ ”

Davenport’s primary responsibility was serving as guide for Gildor, who is attempting to bag the Seven Summits, or the highest peak on each continent. (Gildor is pictured at lower right, standing on the summit of Everest on Friday morning.)

As every climber knows, an Everest expedition consists of the ascent and descent. Each is equally daunting and dangerous. But two locals locals on Saturday eliminated the ground-based descent by assembling a paraglider and launching from the summit.

Babu Sunuwar and Lakpa Tershing Sherpa soared in what must have seemed like the heavens on a 42-minute flight that ended safely in the village of Namche Bazaar.

It’s part of an ecologically-friendly adventure that also includes a kayaking and biking trip to Bangladesh.

Wrote Kraig Becker of Gadling.com: “I’m hoping that at some point we might see video footage though, as I’m sure the view was amazing. “I’m also guessing that there were more than a few climbers who were jealous of their method of descent after seeing them take off from the summit as well.”

Then there was Bhakta Kumar Rai, a Nepalese who perhaps is better known as “Supreme Master Godangel” and founder of the sect, Heavenly Path. On Saturday he broke the record for longest stay on the top of Everest.

He camped there for 32 hours, 27 of which were spent meditating. Nepal’s tourism ministry stated that Rai broke the previous record for longest stay by by more than 10 hours.

“He used oxygen only for 11 hours, Laxman Bhattari, spokesman for the ministry, is quoted byMangalorean.com. “It is an incredible feat that breaks the record of the longest stay on Everest.”

Asked if he saw Rai, Davenport said his group “walked right by him.”

Because the summit of Everest is so small and has to accommodate so many climbers, Davenport added that Rai wasn’t actually on the summit, but “about 50 yards down a ridge, camped next to a rock in a tent.”

Rai’s followers regard him as an angel delivered by God to bring about world peace and make other positive changes on earth.

— Top image showing Alpine Ascent climbers nearing the summit of Everest is courtesy of Alpine Ascents. Second image shows Chris Davenport scouting a route to ski down between camps on Everest’s upper slopes. Third image shows Aspen resident Ephi Gildor celebrating reaching the world’s highest peak. Both images are courtesy of Chris Davenport

Mount Trekking – Rinjani Mountain – Lombok Island.

MOUNT RINJANI LOMBOK

RIM TREKKING :

 
 

Day 1.Senggigi-Base Cam I,II & III
Pick up from your hotel at 6 am, by car to SENARU (601m), arrive at SENARU village at 8 am we`ll give you quick light breakfast. 
After register at park ranger office then at 8.45 am we start to walk. The first hours of the trek climb steadily through thick tropical forest rich in flora, bird life and variety of butterflies. You might see orchid, the long- tailed grey macaque monkey kera and, if lucky, the rare black ebony leaf monkey, known locally as lutung. Rusa 
( deer ) are forest dwellers are occasionally seen along the trek trail. The smaller barking deer or kijang has an alarm call with a distinct dog – like bark. Rest stops are taken along the way, and in pos 2 Montong satas shelter (1,500 m) where village stories and local legends are related by your guide.

Features include the banyan tree bunut ngengkang that looks like someone standing with their legs apart, and the Batu penyesalan stone. Depending on your preference and weather conditions, the nights camps is made either in the forest at post 3 Mondokan Lolak (2000 m) after about five hours climb from Senaru, or continue the ascent for another couple of hours through grassy meadows to plawangan 1 Senaru crater rim at 2641 m. from the crater rim are sweping views across the lake Segara Anak lake (2000 m) to the summit of Mt.Rinjani. within the crater,Mt Baru (2,351 m) is an active, last erupting dramatically in 1994.on a clear evening the Gili Isles, Bali and Mt.Agung can be seen to the west.

Day 2. Base Cam III-II & I-Senaru-Senggigi
Sunrise at the crater rim is a memorable start to day 2, enjoyed after a pre-dawn two hours climb for those camping at Pos 3 Mondokan Lolak. After enjoying the view., descend down the trail down to Senaru village through first grassland then back into the shade of the tropical forest. After about seven hours from the rim, the trek ends at Rinjani Trek Centre at the road head in Senaru and transfer back to your hotel in Senggigi.

MOUNT RINJANI LOMBOK

LAKE TREKKING :

Day 1st. Senggigi-Senaru-Senaru Rim.
Pick up at your hotel at 06.00 am then  by car to Senaru, arrive in Senaru village around 08.45 am We’ll give you quick light breakfast and  Register at Rinjani National Park ranger in senaru then we begin our trekking.

The first hours of the trek climb steeply through thick tropical forest rich in flora bird life and a variety of butterflies. You might see orchid and, if lucky, the rare black ebony leaf monkey, known locally as lutung. Rest stops are taken along the way, and at Pos 2 Montong Satas shelter ( 1.500m ). Village stories and local legends related by your guide.
 

Features include the banyan tree bunut ngengkang that looks like someone standing with their legs apart, and the Batu Penyeselan stone. Depending on your preferences and weather conditions, the night’s camp is made either in the forest at Pos 3 Mondokan Lolak ( 2.000 m ) after about five hours climb from Senaru, or continue the ascent for another couple of hours through grassy meadows to Plawangan 1 Senaru crater rim at 2,641 m. from the crater rim are sweeping views across the lake Segara Anak ( 2.000m) to the summit of Mt. RInjani. Within the crater Mt. Baru ( 2.351 ) is an active last erupting dramatically in 1994. on a clear evening the Gili Isles, Bali and Mt. Agung can be seen to the west.
 

Day 2nd. Senaru Rim-Lake-Hotspring-Cave
Sunrise at the rim is a memorable start do Day 2. enjoyed after a pre-dawn 2 hours climb for those camping at Pos 3, Mondokan Lolak. After enjoying the view, the trek proceeds for couple of hours down the trail to the crater lake where the rest of the day is spent relaxing and swimming. There is plenty of time to explore the pilgrimage hot springs, said to had healing power. Camp by the lake side, enjoying dinner followed by the night sound as. 

Day 3rd. Lake-Sembalun Rim-Sembalun-Senggigi
After breakfast, start the 3 hours steep ascent up to Plawangan 2 Sembalun crater rim. Look out for edelweiss along the path. Enjoy the view of the Lake from the other side and the island of Sumbawa across the tropical ocean. The decent from the Sembalun crater rim is amidst the pine-like Casuarina species locally known is Cemara, perhaps seeing evidence of wild pigs and the long tailed gray macaque monkeys. 
 

After about 3 ½ hours, reach post 3 Pada Balong, through grass land used at couple cattle grazing by local people. Mt. Rinjani summit towers above us, Indonesia’s second highest volcanic peak. From here is beautiful view of Sembalun Lawang and Sembalun Bumbung villages, known for coffee production until the crop was changed to garlic to take the advantage of the garlic boom in early 1990s. the road head is reached after in another 4 hour gentle descent through open country, and the trek ends at Rinjani Informations center at Sembalun Lawang and directly transfer to your hotel in senggigi.

MOUNT RINJANI LOMBOK

SUMMIT TREKKING :

 

Day 1st, Senggigi-Sembalun-Sembalun Plawangan Rim
Leave your hotel at 6 am for sembalun village fetch porter, 9.30 am we start to trek to base camp 2 ( two ) .On the way you won’t find trees it’s just small grass ,so it’s very hot when you are walking . At base camp 2
( two ) you can enjoy the time for lunch and have some cakes, about 1 hour . than continue trip for rim in sembalun .around 5 pm you have arrived at the rim, having dinner with the mountain special food and overnight for the 1st night.
 

Day 2nd, Plawangan Rim-Summit-Lake-Cave-Hotspring-Senaru Rim.
At 3 am we start trek to the top of mountain Rinjani, an Icy wind hold across the expose slope of summit which consisted of small round balls volcanic as resembling bean filling make the climb exceedingly difficult to say the least. There was very little to hold on to every two or three feet gained, we’d sleep back at about a foot .We made it to the top in the nick of time even in our frozen stiff an exhausted state the star beauty of our surrounding was own inspiring. At 6 am we arrive at the summit, and enjoy the time no more than one hour. Than we start to going down for rim sembalun to have breakfast. After break fast time we continue for trip to segara Anak Lake, we will be there at 12 noon. Enjoy swimming in the lake and hot spring water, just ten minutes from lake .At 3 pm we climb to the rim of senaru and it’s takes about 2,5 hours . Spend the second night in the rim of senaru
 

Day 3rd, Senaru Rim-Senaru-Senggigi
Having breakfast in the morning and enjoy sunrise by special mountain jafle or pancake, than we taking back to the senaru village. It `s around 12 am you already at senaru village, and before 3 p.m. you will be arriving at your hotel.

Mount AGUNG Trekking – Bali Island Tour

MOUNT AGUNG TREKKING

 Mount Agung or Gunung Agung is a mountain in Bali. This stratovolcano is the highest point on the island. It dominates the surrounding area influencing the climate. The clouds come from the west and Agung takes their water so that the west is lush and green and the east dry and barren.

Gunung Agung last erupted in 1963-64 and is still active, with a large and very deep crater which occasionally belches smoke and ash. From a distance, the mountain appears to be perfectly conical, despite the existence of the large crater.

From the peak of the mountain, it is possible to see the peak of Mount Rinjani on the island of Lombok, although both mountains are frequently covered in cloud.
 

The 1963-64 Eruption
On February 18, 1963, local residents heard loud explosions and saw clouds rising from the crater of Mount Agung. On February 24, lava began flowing down the northern slope of the mountain, eventually traveling 7 km in the next 20 days. On March 17, the volcano erupted, sending debris 8-10 km into the air and generating massive pyroclastic flows.[2] These flows devastated numerous villages, killing approximately 1500 people. Cold lahars caused by heavy rainfall after the eruption killed an additional 200. A second eruption on May 16 led to pyroclastic flows which killed another 200 inhabitants.[3]
 

The lava flows missed, sometimes by mere yards, the Mother Temple of Besakih. The saving of the temple is regarded by the Balinese people as miraculous and a signal from the gods that they wished to demonstrate their power but not destroy the monument the Balinese faithful had erected.

Climbing the Mountain
There are two routes up the mountain, one from Besakih which proceeds to a higher peak and starts at approximately 1,100 m (3,610 ft) and another which commences higher from Pura Pasar Agung, on the southern slope of the mountain, near Selat and which is reputed to take four hours. There is no path between the two routes at the top. Cecilie Scott provides an account of the ascent from Pura Pasar Agung. Greg Slayden describes a climb from Besakih claimed to have taken a remarkable four and a half hours to the peak and Ken Taylor describes a climb that took much longer and which included getting lost.
 

The climb from Besakih is quite tough. It is sometimes tackled as a single climb generally starting about 10.00pm for a dawn arrival at the peak and sometimes with an overnight camp about three quarters of the way up. It is far harder than the more popular Balinese climb up Gunung Batur. It is not a mountain that needs ropes and not quite high enough for altitude sickness but adverse weather conditions develop quickly and warm waterproof clothing is required and should be carried. There is no water available along the route.
 

Proceed through the temple complex then continue on a path that travels continuously upwards on a steep narrow spur through open forest and jungle most of the way. There is little potential to get lost until the route opens up towards the top where the correct route doubles backwards. Many climbers miss this turn and continue up a small valley which can be climbed out of with some difficulty.

 Itinerary trek to Mount Agung

Transfer to Pasar Agung temple for a small ceremony and trek to the summit of Mt. Agung (3.142 m) known as the holiest mountain for Balinese culture. Walk up to the summit which takes 04 hours and Enjoy spectacular sunrise from the top (weather permitting) over Bali island.

 Walk down to Pasar Agung and breakfast. We transfer you Back to the  hotel in Kuta/Sanur/Nusa Dua/Ubud.

 Rate : USD 90/person min 02 person.

CONTACT  :

  PT. LOMBOK TROPIC HOLIDAYS INDONESIA

Jl. Barakuda No 10, BTN Griya Batu Bolong Senggigi

Senggigi-West Lombok 83355

Lombok-NTB-INDONESIA

Phone: +62 (0)370 692 225

Fax: (0)370 692 225

Cell: +62 (0) 852 3972 5657

info@lombokmarine.com

 OUTLET;

SUNSET HOUSE HOMESTAY AND RESTAURANT

Jl. Raya Batu Bolong-Senggigi

Senggigi – West Lombok NTB – INDONESIA

Phone : +62 (0)370 682 9957/ 682020

 www.lombokmarine.com

www.indonesiaarchipelago.com

www.indonesiaexplore.com

www.lombokinformation.com

www.floresexplore.com

www.komododiving.com

www.orangutanexplore.com

www.lombokrooms.com

www.komodocruise.com

www.lombokdiving.com

www.rinjanimountain.com

www.lombokresorts.org

www.rinjanionline.com

Mount Batur Trekking – Bali Tour

MOUNT BATUR TREKKING

 Mount Batur (Gunung Batur) is an active volcano located at the center of two concentric calderas north west of Mount Agung, Bali, Indonesia. The south east side of the larger 10×13 km caldera contains a caldera lake. The inner 7.5-kilometer-wide caldera, which was formed during emplacement of the Bali (or Ubud) ignimbrite, has been dated at about 23,670 and 28,500 years ago

 

The SE wall of the inner caldera lies beneath Lake Batur; Batur cone has been constructed within the inner caldera to a height above the outer caldera rim. The Batur stratovolcano has produced vents over much of the inner caldera, but a NE-SW fissure system has localized the Batur I, II, and III craters along the summit ridge. Historical eruptions have been characterized by mild-to-moderate explosive activity sometimes accompanied by lava emission. Basaltic lava flows from both summit and flank vents have reached the caldera floor and the shores of Lake Batur in historical time. The caldera contains an active, 700-metre-tall stratovolcano rising above the surface of Lake Batur. The first historically documented eruption of Batur was in 1804, and it has been frequently active since then.
 

The caldera is populated and includes the two main villages of Kedisan and Toya Bungkah. The locals largely rely on agriculture for income but tourism has become increasingly popular due to the relatively straightforward trek to the summit of the central crater.

The lake, Danau Batur, is the largest crater lake on the island of Bali and is a good source of fish.

 Itinerary trek to Mount Batur Bali

Early morning transfer to Penelokan Kintamani around 04.00 o’clock we will go down to the volcano foot to start climbing accompanied by an experience guide, at half way up,It take a rest briefly and around 6,00 o’clock we will reach the top just in time to see the beautiful sunrise over mount Abang and mount Agung, and on clear days it is also possible to see mount Rinjani in Lombok. While enjoying the sunrise, we will have our simple, breakfast with our special volcanic steam eggs’. On the way down we will have another rest and then we will relax on a hot spring at Toya Bungkah. Suggested clothing for climbing : sport shoes, coat and long pants.

Included in the trek:
– Pick up and drop off with Fully air conditioned coach
– Experienced climbing guide
– Safety equipment
– Torch
– Drinking water and Continental breakfast with special volcanic steamed eggs
– Ticket to the hot spring.

Price :
For 2 until 4 people the price is : US $ 50 per person
For 5 until 8 people the price is : US $ 35 per person
For 9 or more people the price is : US $ 25 per person.

 For further information please Contact :

CONTACT US

  PT. LOMBOK TROPIC HOLIDAYS INDONESIA

Jl. Barakuda No 10, BTN Griya Batu Bolong Senggigi

Senggigi-West Lombok 83355

Lombok-NTB-INDONESIA

Phone: +62 (0)370 692 225

Fax: (0)370 692 225

Cell: +62 (0) 852 3972 5657

info@lombokmarine.com

 OUTLET;

SUNSET HOUSE HOMESTAY AND RESTAURANT

Jl. Raya Batu Bolong-Senggigi

Senggigi – West Lombok NTB – INDONESIA

Phone : +62 (0)370 682 9957/ 682020

 www.lombokmarine.com

www.indonesiaarchipelago.com

www.indonesiaexplore.com

www.lombokinformation.com

www.floresexplore.com

www.komododiving.com

www.orangutanexplore.com

www.lombokrooms.com

www.komodocruise.com

www.lombokdiving.com

www.rinjanimountain.com

www.lombokresorts.org

www.rinjanionline.com

Mount Trekking Dieng Plateu- Central Java

MOUNT DIENG/SUNDORO TREKKING

Dieng Plateau

Dieng temple complex.

Dieng Plateu, is a marshy plateu that forms the floor of a caldera complex on the Dieng active volcano complex, and is located near Wonosobo, Central Java, Indonesia.

It is the site for eight small Hindu temples from the 7th and 8th centuries, the oldest Hindu temples in Central Java, and the first known standing stone structures in Java. They are originally thought to have numbered 400 but only 8 remain. The Dieng structures were small and relatively plain, but stone architecture developed substantially in only a matter of decades resulting in masterpieces such as the Prambanan complex and Borobudur. The earliest architectural usage of the Javanese demonic masks and marine monsters are exhibited along the niches and doorways of the remaining structures^[1]. The name “Dieng” comes from Di Hyang which means “Abode of the Gods”.^[2] Its misty location almost 2000 m above sea level, and its mists, poisonous effusions and sulphur-coloured lakes make it a particularly auspicious place for religious tribute. The temples are small shrines built as monuments to the god-ancestors and dedicated to Shiva^[3], rather than acting as a convenience to man.

Part of General Sudirman‘s guerilla campaign during Indonesian War of Independence took place in the area.

 Mount Sundoro or Mount Sindoro or Mount Dieng  is an active stratovolcano in Central Java, Indonesia. Parasitic craters and cones are found in the northwest-southern flanks; the largest is called Kembang. A small lava dome occupies the volcano’s summit. Historical eruptions mostly mild-to-moderate phreatic eruptions had occurred

 Sundoro is a stratovolcano located close to Sumbing Volcano. It is one of the most symmetrical volcanoes in Java.
Craters at the summit area : Segoro Wedi, Segoro Banjaran, Kawah utara, kawah selatan and Sumur ledakan.

 Sundoro is a stratovolcano located close to Sumbing Volcano. It is one of the most symmetrical volcanoes in Java.
Craters at the summit area : Segoro Wedi, Segoro Banjaran, Kawah utara, kawah selatan and Sumur ledakan.

Hundreds of hills on the NE side of the mountain are remnants of ancient landslides and lahars.

Mount Merbabu Trekking – Central Java

MOUNT MERBABU TREKKING

 

Merbabu is a dormantn stratovolcano in Central Java province on the Indonesia

Loosely translated, Gunung Merbabu could mean ‘Mountain of Ash’ from the Indonesian word babu. The active volcano Mount Merapi is directly adjacent on its south-east side, while the city of Salatiga is located on its northern foothills. A 1,500m high broad saddle lies between Merbabu and Merapi, the site of the village of Selo and highly fertile farming land.

There are two peaks; Syarif (3,119 m) and Kenteng Songo (3,145 m). Three U-shaped radial valleys extend from the Kenteng Songo summit in northwesterly, northeastly and southeastly directions.

 Mount Merbabu Trekking

Duration: Two Days & One Night.
Grade:Easy Trekking
Fitness Level:Good Fitness
Pax:2 / 4 Person/s joining in one group
Period Of Operation:April/October

Pick up in afternoon for driving one and half hours to Ndakan, the last village on slope of Mt.Merbabu. Here our trek began after stopping by in local trakker’s basecamp on the slope of Mt.Merbabu.Then continue the trip by trekking up for 5 – 7 hours to Syarif Peak, the highest peak of Mt.Merbabu. Take break on mid trek way up at 2500 alt before reaching the the highest peak.

Set up tent on Peak for overnight and waiting for close up view of Merapi’s sunset from here. In early morning, before sunrise, weak you up and a bowl of warm water plus small towel are waiting for you refreshment out there. Enjoy fresh mountain environment while drinking a cup of warm tea or coffee or ginger and waiting for amazing sunrise from here, the top of Mt.Merbabu. Ascend 1 hour right after breakfast. This trekking trip is the best choice for viewing the close up view of Merapi plus sunset and sunrise, also can be alternative when Merapi is very active and unrecommended for trekking up peak.(D/B)

Mount Merapi -Central Java

Mount Merapi

 

Mount Merapi (Gunung Merapi, 2911m) is a volcano in Central Java, looming over the cities of Yogyakarta and Solo (Surakarta).

Literally “Mountain of Fire”, Mount Merapi is the most active volcano in all Indonesia — no mean feat — and it has erupted 68 times since 1548 and was largely responsible for the downfall of the Hindu Mataram kingdom and the desertion of the huge temple complex at nearby Prambanan. A massive eruption in 2006 covered much of Java in ash

A recent eruption in 1994 killed 43 people.

Anyone thinking of climbing the mountain must first check if it is safe to do so. While climbing the mountain with a qualified guide is recommended it is not necessary or mandatory (locals will tell you otherwise in the interest of a quick buck) as the track to the summit is wide and clearly marked.

Get in

Selo is the last village on your way to Merapi. A taxi from Yogyakarta airport to Selo and back will cost you around Rp 1,000,000. Most of the drivers will happily to wait for you while you climb Merapi and will take you back to your hotel.

Selo has a group of local guides who will take you to Merapi.

] Climbing Merapi

Trekking on and around Merapi is a popular activity (at least when the volcano isn’t spewing out hot gas and ash). From Selo, the nearest village on the north slope, it is 3-hour hike to the summit for the fit and healthy. For others it will take 4+ hours to climb, and nearly the same time to get back down again.

Carry a small pack with some food, a good flash light, with spare batteries (available for purchase in Selo village), and at least 2 litres of water per person.

The track to the top is a reasonable grade and is clearly defined and easy to follow. Once through the tree line the track is less defined and the final climb to the summit (after the memorial plaque) is a very steep scramble over loose and broken rock. While not in itself dangerous, do take your time on the last section.

Most climbers start at about 1AM to be sure of reaching the summit by sunrise at 5.30AM. Night climbing is wise in any case, as the upper reaches of the mountain are completely treeless and the sun can fry you to a crisp. The sunrise views across East Java are quite stunning.

Semeru

Overview

Gunung Semeru, also referred to as Mahameru (= “Great Mountain”), is the highest mountain on Java and one of the highest in Indonesia. It is a stratovolcano. It lies in Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park, in the province of East Java. Semeru is one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes. What stands out most about this mountain is the fact that it erupts periodically (and very reliably so). Every 20 minutes (August 2003) the volcano belches out a huge cloud of steam and smoke, sometimes interspersed with ash and stones. The scenery on the way is beautiful (the erupting volcano, the mountain savannah, the lake), and the views from the top are spectacular. You see the vast Sandsea caldera with other volcanoes, among them Bromo and Batok, and the sea. Semeru is a must for all mountaineers, hikers and nature lovers who happen to be in Indonesia. If you are flying from Denpasar to Surabaya, you can see Semeru, and you may see a horizontal chain of clouds stretching away from the peak. These clouds all have the same distance to each other due to the volcano’s periodic activity. Many people climb this mountain, tourists and Indonesians alike.
The steep-sided volcano rises abruptly to 3,676 m above coastal plains to the south. It is located at the southern end of a volcanic massif extending north to the 16-km-wide Tengger caldera. The Tengger caldera actually consists of five calderas, the most recent being the 9-km-wide Sandsea caldera, with its cluster of post-caldera cones. The youngest of these cones is Bromo, another of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, and the country’s most frequently visited.

Route

The trailhead is just outside Ranupane. You don’t need a guide to find the way up the mountain: once you have left the village behind and are on the track, you can’t miss the summit.

Section 1: Ranupane – Lake Kumbolo (Ranu Kumbolo)

There are two tracks leading from Ranupane to Lake Kumbolo. From the eastern track you get a spectacular view of Semeru (see signature photo).

Eastern approach (via Watu Rejeng): Leaving the village of Ranupane (about 2,000 m), walk up the road to Lumajang for a few hundred meters and turn right just before the road starts going down. There is a signpost and also the rangers are very helpful to put you on the track. Follow the path up through mountain forest to Lake Kumbolo (2,390 m). It will take you about 3 hours to get there.

Western approach: Info about the western track will be greatly appreciated.

Section 2: Lake Kumbolo – Kalimati (base camp)

This is an easy and beautiful hike through tussock savannah. It will take you another 3 hours. You can even walk up to Kalimati at night if, for instance, you chose to do Bromo in the morning, set out from Ranupane in the afternoon, and want to reach the base camp on the same day. In a moonlit night, this can be a rewarding experience.

Section 3: Kalimati (base camp) – summit

From Kalimati a path leads up through mountain forest to the treeline (about 2 hours). The final ascent, above the treeline, is a steep and somewhat strenuous walk over volcanic scree and sand, which will take you another 1 to 2 hours. The top is a rather big, flat area. The present-day crater is a bit further on, below the summit, to the south. From the top, you cannot look inside the crater. For your own safety, stay clear of the crater rim.

You can do the hike from Ranupane and back in 2 days / 1 night.

Camping

There are four camping areas. First, at Ranukumbolo, a beautiful lake, where you can find the last water resources on the route. Second, at Kalimati, which is situated at the borderline between a tussock savannah plain and the steep ascent through mountain forest up the actual volcano cone. There is a spring at a distance away from Kalimati. Third and fourth, at Arcopodo and Killik further up in the forest, where you will find several flat areas.

Lawu

MOUNT LAWU TREKKING

Mount Lawu, or Gunung Lawu, is a massive compound stratovolcano in Central Java, Indonesia. The north side is deeply eroded and the eastern side contains parasitic crater lakes and parasitic cones. A fumarolic area is located on the south flank at 2,550 m. The only reported activity of Lawu took place in 1885, when rumblings and light volcanic ash falls were reported. Mount Lawu is One of the most famous hiking / tracking destination to local people.
It is 3,245 m high and the vegetations are thick.

It has the most beautiful Edelweiss field on the island of Java. there are several kind of Edelweiss, mostly Red and White.
The sun rise are often fantastic, with blue and Red sprakling around.
It has several good tracks for hiking.

Local people usually start to hike at around 9 pm, and with moderate speed can reach the last post by dawn.
On Saturday afternoon till Sunday afternoon, there will be many of hikers enjoys it’s beautiful Rain forest.

Lawu, which straddles the southern border of East and Central Java, is the volcano for beginners.

At 3,265 meters above sea level, temperatures at the summit can drop to freezing, so bring warm clothes to change into and lighter clothes, which will end up being drenched in sweat, for the climbing. Enough water and energy boosting food is essential, as well as decent boots. With common sense to keep you to the path, you do not need a guide.

A well-maintained track, laid with roughly hewn stones that are reasonably secure, leads right up to the summit. Do not stray off the track as there are many gorges and ravines, covered with vegetation and almost invisible. A crater sometimes spews out toxic gases, so it is wise to check the condition of the mountain with the ranger or the locals at the last village before the trek.

In ancient Javanese mythology, Lawu is called Mahendra and legend has it that the gods who created the first kingdom in Java descended from heaven here. In later history, Lawu was the retreat of the last king of Majapahit, Brawijaya V. On the eve of the Javanese New Year, thousands of adherents of the indigenous Javanese belief – kebatinan – climb to the summit to meditate.

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As in other sacred places in Java, names that dot the landscape often echo the ancient Indian epic, Mahabharata. The crater, for instance, is called Candradimuka, believed to be the place where the gods boiled Bhima’s son Gatotkaca in molten metal to make him invincible. Bhima is the second of the five Pandawa brothers, who are the main protagonists in the Mahabharata.

A cave called Sigolo-golo recalls the name of the cave that the Pandawa brothers, led by the brave Bhima, escaped through when their palace apartment was burned down by their evil cousins the Kurawa.

Brawijaya V had a fascination with honest Bhima, for in the Karanganyar regency (in Central Java), on the Surakarta side of Lawu, he built two fascinating temples dedicated to him; Candi Sukuh which looks almost Mayan and Candi Cetho.

Candi Sukuh

The largest and most complex of these mountain sanctuaries is Candi Sukuh, situated at an elevation of 910 meters (2,960 ft); reached  by taking a turn-off to the left at Karangpandan on the road up to Tawangmangu. A number of inscriptions dating from the period A.D. 1416-1459 have been found here.

The main structure at Sukuli is shaped  like no other building in ancient Indonesia – a flat-topped pyramid much resembling a  Mayan monument. A stone stairway conducts the visitor through the side of the pyramid to its summit. We do not know what this unique shape was meant to symbolize. If it represents a mountain, as seems likely, we  are still left with the question of why this shape replaced preexisting forms of ancient Javanese temple design.

The main building gives no indication of having supported any wooden structure.  The only object recovered from its summit was a tall lingga bearing an inscription, which is now in the Jakarta museum.  This may once have stood on the platform over the stairway on the , side of the temple.  Stone altars, three in the form of enormous turtles, stand around the pyramid’s western foot.

The central pyramid is set at the rear of the highest of three terraces.  Originally worshippers would have gained access to the site through a gateway at the edge of the western or lowest terrace.  To the left side of the gate’s exterior is a carving of a monster devouring a man, birds in a tree, and a dog. This can be interpreted as a chronogram representing A.D. 1437, the probable date of the temple’s consecration.

On the floor of this entrance is a realistic relief of male and female genitals.  Genetalia are also graphically portrayed on several statues from the site, another respect in which Candi Sukuh is unique among classical Javanese monuments.

Pictures by Tan Wee ChengThe most erotic statue at Candi Sukuh – one of a headless figure holding his fully erect phallus.

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The shortest route to the summit of Lawu begins in the Cemara Sewu village, between the resorts of Tawangmangu and Sarangan. You can also begin from Cemara Kandang, but the trek is longer and the path is not paved. The distance between Cemara Sewu and the summit called Hargo Dumilah is 7 kilometers. The average time needed to climb to the summit is 7 to 9 hours, but if you are fit, you can do it in 4 to 5 hours. Super fit mountaineers fly up in 3 hours.

For the first two kilometers or so you walk through agricultural land, where the locals plant vegetables amongst charred skeletons of trees that stand as a reminder that this area is prone to forest fires. As you go higher the vegetation changes and if you are climbing in daylight, you will begin to notice that inquisitive, orange beaked, brown birds are following you. These are Jalak Gading (Acridotheres javanicus) and are endemic to Lawu. Unlike other wild birds in Java, these guardians of Lawu are protected by the belief that whoever attempts to harm them will get lost and perish. The birds do not have the fear of humans that animals in Java have (except for city rats).

To reach the summit for sunrise, begin climbing in evening. The advantage of hiking in the night is that the sight of the dauntingly steep hills will not deflate your spirits. It is best to chose a time close to full moon in the dry season. You will enjoy the millions of stars in the sky, twinkling, falling, and shooting. There are five resting places on the way to the summit where you can light a campfire if you need to keep warm while you rest but be sure to extinguish the fire properly before you leave and remember that the best way to stay warm is to keep moving. It is dangerous to wander off the track looking for firewood.

At the fifth resting post, you will find a shack by a shallow well that has a tiny spring at the bottom of it. This is the sacred Sendang Drajat and the freezing cold water from this spring is believed to have the power to make the person who bathes in it attain high achievements in life.

Kelud

Kelud mountain, the growing lava dome

Kelud mountain is in border line of Kediri and Blitar, East Java. It is still one of the active volcano, the last big eruption was on 1990′s where it blew volcanic ashes to surrounding area.
Before 2007 Kelud has crater lake on the top which later after October 2007, there were tremor shock-wave and Kelud become “AWAS” status and people were prepare for the eruption. But they did not have the explosion in Kelud at that time, instead the lake have increasing temperature rapidly with white smoke came out of it. Later Kelud grow its lava dome in the crater ,and getting bigger trough time until the lake dissappear and was replaced by the lava dome.

The crater lake on Kelud before October 2007 (picture courtesy by kedirikab.go.id)

The picture taken Jan 2009, the crater lake was replaced by the active growing lava dome:

The lava dome on closer look :

There’s stairs to go to the peak of Kelud :

In rainy season the fog come earlier. Better to visit in the morning or in the dry season / summer. To go to lava dome we have to go trough the tunnel.The entrance of the tunnel, no light inside. It’s short tunnel tough.

The view inside the tunnel. Picture’s taken with flash :