Sumatra : ascent of the Kerinci volcano - Nomadays

Indonesia

Sumatra : ascent of the Kerinci volcano

Mount Kerinci is the highest volcano in Indonesia and the highest Indonesian peak outside West Papua (formerly Irian Jaya). Most of the Kerinci Seblat National Park is located in the province of Jambi, but the volcano is on the border with West Sumatra. Despite its altitude, Kerinci is not as difficult to climb as you might think, and the views from the summit are magnificent. The nearest airport is Padang, from where it's a 6-8 hour drive to the nearest accommodation to the start of the climb, ...

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8h
Siulak

Day 1Padang – Siulak

Day 1Padang – Siulak

  • Welcome in the morning at Padang international airport by your English-speaking tour-guide, and transfer to the small village of Lempur (allow at least 7-8 hours of driving), located on the edge of Lake Kerinci.

Meal and accommodations

Dinner: Included

Accommodation: Guest house

Kerinci

Day 2Ascent of the Kerinci volcano

Day 2Ascent of the Kerinci volcano

  • The trail begins approximately 5 km west of Kersik Tuo, winding through lush tea plantations and passing a prominent tiger statue. At the road’s end, at an altitude of 1,755 m, a weathered signpost marks the transition from cultivated fields of chilies and potatoes to the dense forest ahead. The path first leads past a ranger station before ascending into the jungle at Pintu Rimba. After about 30 minutes, you’ll reach Post 1 at Bangku Panjang (1,915 m), and another half-hour of trekking brings you to Post 2 at Batu Lumut (2,020 m). .

    At Post 3 of Pondok Panorama (2,211 m), you will find a shelter and an unreliable source of water. Shelter 1 (2,520 m) follows and parts of the trail are steep, muddy gullies that can be problematic when it rains, but in general there are no technical difficulties.

    Shortly after reaching an altitude of 3,000 metres, a small path descends towards shelter 2 (3,045 m) on your left. This is the best place to camp, as it offers some protection from the wind and there is often a water source in the ravine nearby.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Guesthouse

Lunch: Made by your team

Dinner: Made by your team

Accommodation: Tent camping

Siulak

Day 3Return to Siulak

Day 3Return to Siulak

  • From here, it takes about three hours to reach the summit, meaning you'll need to start your ascent around 3 AM if you want to catch the sunrise from the top. For a head start, you can camp higher up, beyond the tree line, at Shelter 3 (3,306 m). Though much more exposed, this spot offers breathtaking views—you’ll wake up to a stunning panorama of Gunung Tujuh and its crater lake right from your tent!

    Beyond the forest edge, the trail steepens, with several sections of loose scree to navigate. Gloves and a headlamp are highly recommended for this stretch. As you climb higher, you'll pass Tugu Yudha (3,690 m), a monument honoring a lost hiker. Shortly after, the narrow, windswept summit comes into sight, offering a well-earned reward for your effort.

    The summit is marked by a cairn and a flag, nestled between two rocky outcrops. To the right, the steep, smoking crater looms, while to the left, the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean stretches into the horizon. The view is breathtaking—on a clear day, you can spot Gunung Tujuh to the right, Gunung Raya and Gunung Masurai to the south, and Gunung Talang, Marapi, and Singgalang to the north.

    After taking in the incredible panorama and celebrating your ascent of Indonesia’s highest volcano, it’s time to begin your descent back to Kersik Tuo.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Made by your team

Lunch: Made by your team

Dinner: Included

Accommodation: Guest house

Day 4Return to Padang

Day 4Return to Padang

  • Transfer in the morning to Padang airport.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Guesthouse